Main content

Submission Information

Fresh Online is not currently open for film submissions as the latest submissions deadline has now passed. This page is retained for information only.

To apply you must be 16 years or over and have not previously directed a documentary for network television.

Entry is at your own expense. There is no fee and no expenses will be paid.

How to Submit

You will need to submit:

  • A completed submission form
  • A 2 – 10 minute documentary video
  • On receipt of your submission form you will be sent details of how to upload your film to the BBC
  • You may also need to fill out a music reporting form and consent forms (under-18 or over-18). Please see our guidance section for more information.

Technical Specifications for uploading your film to the BBC

Please provide films in the following format:

  • Codec: H.264
  • File Type: .mov
  • Frame size: 1920 x 1080
  • Frame rate: 25

Maximum file size is 5Gb.

Please note: For technical reasons, we cannot publish films that are submitted as .mp4 files. Please check this before submitting.

Is your file size too big?

If you have a very large file size, remember to use the H.264 or Quicktime H.264 setting when exporting your file. In advanced settings, try lowering the bitrate to make the file size smaller.

Submitting by post

Alternatively, you may send your film on a data DVD by post. Print out the submission form and send along with your data DVD. Please see the technical specifications.

Technical specifications for data DVD (if posting)

Save your film as a data file using the following specifications:

SD

  • Codec: DV-PAL (DV25)
  • Frame rate: 25
  • Frame size: 720 x 576 (Anamorphic)
  • File type: Quicktime (.mov)

HD

  • Codecs: ProRes (422, LT or HQ), DNX (120 or 185), XDCAM HD 422.MOV (50mbs), H.264 (Set to “best”)
  • Frame rate: 25
  • Frame size: 1920 x 1080
  • File type: Quicktime (.mov), .mp4 or m4v

Postal Address:

BBC Fresh Online Team

3318 Bridge House

MediaCityUK

Salford

M50 2BH

PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE YOUR SUBMISSION BY USING BOTH SUBMISSION METHODS.