Little Dot Studios & Somethin’ Else Win BBC Arts Commissions

In a competitive pitch process, Little Dot Studios and Somethin’ Else won their first BBC arts commissions to produce content about filmmaking for the broadcaster.

Somethin’ Else will create five one-hour BBC Four programs exploring the art of the “perfect film,” and will feature key names from in front of and behind the camera, across English language and world cinema films. Little Dot Studios is creating two long-form 60-minute video essays for BBC Four on key film themes and issues, which will be supplemented by 40 two-to-four-minute weekly online video essays and social media content that will explore new releases and the latest film debates, criticism and analysis.

The new programming comes as a result of a pitch process that is part of the Compete Or Compare strategy launched by the BBC in 2014, which underlines a commitment to commission the best programs for audiences, regardless of who makes them.

The new programs will be scheduled to air surrounding key moments in the film calendar, like awards shows and autumn festival season. The content complements current BBC film offerings and a wide variety of film review, analysis and interview programs, including BBC Four’s Mark Kermode’s Secrets of Cinema, BBC World News’ Talking Movies with Tom Brook and BBC Two’s Front Row Late, among others.

Lamia Dabboussy, executive editor for BBC Arts, said: “Film programming is a key part of the BBC’s arts commitment, and for this invitation to pitch, we asked for fresh ideas to evolve and complement our existing offers across all platforms. Audiences were at the heart of both pitches. The winning bids responded to the changing ways that audiences are consuming film-related content and got to the crux of how films make us think and feel. We now have a consistent and clear strategy for film coverage across the BBC reflecting important moments in the film calendar. The Little Dot Studios and Somethin’ Else bids were the strongest of a number of excellent pitches, and I would like to thank all the producers who took part in the process for their hard work.”

Cassian Harrison, controller of BBC Four, added: “As the home of film on BBC TV, we will be the place to explore and delve deeper into key film themes and topics for debate through regular programmed series. We’re looking to bring the nation together twice a year for film nights whilst radio and topical TV shows like Front Row Late on BBC Two will continue to offer their extensive support to new releases, film review and criticism. The compelling online and social offer will complement key moments in the film industry year through intelligently crafted essays and entertaining content.”