Irish, Norwegian Broadcasters Partner on Format Development

DUBLIN/OSLO: NRK is working with RTÉ to offer funding for an “impactful” format that can be made for both the Norwegian and Irish marketplaces.

Any production company or format creative house or individual in any country with a track record in format development is eligible for RTE’s Format Farm Development Pitch. The format should be “innovative, original, be able to travel, be returnable and creatively distinctive.” The deadline for entries is March 18.

Five finalists will pitch at the Celtic Media Festival on April 21. The winner will be decided by a panel that includes Adrian Lynch, channel controller of RTÉ One; Janet Frawley, head of formats at RTÉ; Petter Wallace, head of commissioning at NRK; and Unni Ødegård, commissioning editor for independents at NRK. The panel is to be adjudicated by Michelle Spillane, director of RTÉ Global.

The winning entrant of the Format Farm Development Pitch will pitch channel controllers at RTÉ and NRK with a sizzle reel and treatment (they will have ten weeks from the end of the festival to prepare their pitch materials).

Petter Wallace, head of commissioning at NRK, said: “We in NRK are thrilled to be working with RTÉ on the format competition. In the future, public-service broadcasters, particularly in smaller countries, need to cooperate more to create great content. Hopefully we will develop ideas through this competition that enrich the output for audiences both in Norway and Ireland, perhaps open up opportunities for production companies in both countries to broaden the market for their ideas.’