Drama commissioning

Our creative brief, commissioning contacts and the support we offer companies and writers

Lindsay Salt

Director, BBC Drama

We are the home of UK drama, a world-renowned brand producing a vast array of distinctive, high-quality programming with unrivalled reach across our broad range of platforms. We are committed to working with the best talent on and off-screen, while actively developing and nurturing grass roots authorship via BBC Writers. We are passionate about portraying the extraordinary variety of life in Britain today and we commission entertaining, thought-provoking and surprising stories that inspire our viewers across the whole of the UK.

Dani Scott-Haughton

We are deeply saddened by the news that Dani Scott-Haughton, one of the BBC’s most talented and respected drama commissioners, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on 7 January 2026.

For those of you who knew Dani, you will understand just how extraordinary and special she was - full of joy for her job, super smart, deeply committed, bursting with integrity and a hugely talented commissioner who cared passionately about the work and every single person behind it. She lit up every room she walked into, and infused the drama team with positivity, kindness and the most infectious, warm energy. She looked after some of our biggest and most-loved shows, from EastEnders to The Paradises, the Agatha Christie adaptations and Just Act Normal, and before joining the BBC she did outstanding work on Champion during her time at Balloon Entertainment.

Dani was a real force in the industry, particularly in championing female and diverse writers and directors. She also celebrated all of her colleagues - always the first person to congratulate others. Inside and outside the BBC we know many of you really enjoyed working with Dani, as she drove collaboration between departments, making sure our dramas delivered maximum impact. She was simply the most beautiful soul. None of us can quite believe that she’s gone. We’re in conversation with Dani’s family and will share more about plans to remember her soon.

Our thoughts are with Dani’s family and friends, and with everyone who had the privilege of working with her.

Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer and Lindsay Salt, Director BBC Drama

Our commissioners

All our commissioners work with production companies from across the UK, and some have an additional remit to support indies based in specific Nations and English regions to help the growth of production and talent from outside London.

Please send us your ideas via PiCoS.