Tern Television Secures 35 Hours of Commissions

Tern Television, part of Zinc Media Group, has confirmed a raft of commissions totaling 35 hours, including a high-profile Christmas network commission.

“We’re thrilled to be growing our portfolio of clever pleasures programming, with 35 hours of both original and returning shows, across the BBC channels,” said Harry Bell, managing director of Tern Television. “It’s thanks to our incredible teams, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, that we’ve been able to create a raft of hit shows. This is a holy grail moment. Multiple returning series are the life-blood for growth. It’s testament to a resurgent Nations sector full of talent, ambition and ready for more.”

Tern has been commissioned to make A Very Country Christmas for BBC One. Presented by Cotswold farmer and naturalist Ellie Harrison and country lover Angellica Bell, the three-parter joins in the making, shaping, gathering and worshipping of three regions of Britain as they prepare for their own country Christmases. In Yorkshire, Scotland and Cornwall, they explore how different regions prepare for this ancient period, according to local customs, culture and traditions, celebrating differences as well as the shared spiritual heritage across the U.K.

The indie has secured recommissions for Inside The Zoo (BBC Scotland); David Wilson’s Crime Files (BBC Scotland); Britain’s Lost Masterpieces (BBC Four); Paul Murton’s Grand Tours of Scotland (BBC One Scotland, BBC Two); and a further year’s order for the gardening format Beechgrove (BBC Scotland, BBC Two).

Gwyneth Hardy, executive producer of Beechgrove, said: “Delivering the show from the presenters’ own gardens wasn’t without its challenges. However, innovating with the format and with production techniques delivered huge rewards. We retained our core audience and attracted a new, diverse following, whilst staying true to the Beechgrove ethos. The pandemic has certainly put ‘homegrown’ centerstage and 2020 demonstrated the fantastic connection that Beechgrove has with gardeners—whether they are seasoned or just beginners.”