Don’t forget the indies

FROM Ian Willox, Managing Director, Phonecast Ltd

Mark Bell’s description of the BBC’s continual conversation with the cultural sector missed an element that may not have been important to him but is probably crucial to arts organisations developing anything smaller than ‘grands projets’ – the independent production companies that supply a substantial part of the BBC’s output. You can find radio production indies at http://www.radioindependentsgroup.org and television indies at http://www.pact.co.uk. You may find it easier to get the ear of an independent, and that independents have a much better idea of how to shape an idea and to whom to pitch it. The other thing Mark Bell didn’t mention is commissioning lead times. You should be aware that the BBC’s commissioning process is usually lengthy and laborious. Start as early as possible. For example, I’m about to deliver a proposal to the BBC for a programme that, if commissioned, will transmit in November 2013. Good luck.