Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the closing date?

Entries have been extended until 16th December 2007

Who can apply?

Documentary makers, who are 18 years old or over on 16th December 2007.

You must not yet have directed an hour long documentary for network television.

BBC staff members, their close relations and entrants who have previously directed a 60 minute documentary for network television are ineligible.

What counts as a network television documentary?

A documentary that has been broadcast on a network TV channel.

What if I have directed a documentary for network TV that was under an hour?

As long as your documentary was shorter than an hour you are eligible to apply.

What if I produced a one-hour documentary, but didn't direct it?

You can still enter, as long as you haven't directed a 60 minute documentary commissioned on network television.

What if I've made an hour-long programme that wasn't a documentary?

You can still enter, as long as you haven't directed a 60 minute documentary commissioned on network television.

What if I've never made a documentary before and have no experience in film or TV making?

You are able to enter but you will need to prove you have skills and experience in equivalent areas and you must note that we are looking for people we think have sufficient talent and experience to make a one hour documnetary.

How long should my submission be?

The documentary idea should be no more than one page of A4 (800 words max).

What should I include in my one page submission?

It should include a short synopsis of the idea, the style of the doc and briefly how it would be shot. Information on characters if applicable, how far you have taken the idea/relationship with central charcters and a very brief note on how the budget would be broken down.

Where do I send my entry?

Send your completed entry form, one page brief and your CV to talent@bbc.co.uk or by post to:
Fresh
Room 7003
Television Centre
Wood Lane
London W12 7RJ

Can I send my idea to other people while I'm waiting to hear if I've been successful?

No ideally not, as if you make it to the second stsge you will be asked to undertake not to accept any engagements of the kind being assessed by the competition for any United Kingdom broadcaster other than the BBC prior to the end of the competition without having first entered into good faith discussions with the BBC.

When and where will the master class take place?

It will be in London on 23rd January 2008.

What if I can't attend the master class?

It cannot be rescheduled. Entrants must be able to attend the scheduled day.

When will I hear if I've been successful?

We will notify entrants by 23rd January to let them know if they have been successful or not.

How are the winners chosen?

The inital selection will be made by a BBC Documentary Commissioning Producer and Executive Producer who will look through all entries submitted. The 20 finalists will pitch their ideas during the master class day, and three winners will be selected.

We want films with humour, warmth and insight, they need to be surprising, with broad appeal to the BBC Three audience. They can be single narrative films with a strong central character on a real journey or a bold stunt based idea or social experiment. The choice is yours.

We're looking for people with the talent and experience to take their idea to the next level. Your idea should be developed to a sufficient stage that demonstrates it can be realised as a one-hour documentary.

You haven't answered my question

If you don't see an answer to a question you wanted to ask, please email BBC New Talent at talent@bbc.co.uk and we will endeavour to help.