Unit 21: P1 - Response to the Brief

For this assignment, i have been asked to create an idea for a pilot episode of a drama tv series for the client, BBC3. The channel is owned by BBC which are a public broadcaster, meaning they are funded by TV licenses so must broadcast a diverse range of content to appeal to all viewers whilst remaining impartial and representing all parties. They also have a duty to 'inform, educate and entertain'.

The brand is specifically target audience is 16-34 year olds and, when launched, it was a traditional channel, however, after a reduction in funding, a decrease in teenagers watching broadcast content and an increase in watching 'on demand' content', the channel was moved online. Content is now published on BBC iPlayer and through @BBC3 on Twitter and Instagram.
Due to their target market of younger adults and teenagers, the content is edgy and controversial to appeal to meet these interests. This includes tackling issues, sex, drugs and transgressive content and these programmes are usually short form (10-20 minutes) or long form (40-60 minutes)
Previously, drama programmes on BBC3, such as 'Killed By My Father' received over 1.8 million views, making it one of BBC3's most successful shows. This illustrates the potential audience and success of my pilot episode.
BBC3 have a colourful and vibrate page on the iPlayer streaming website to stand out for the other channels, aimed at older target audiences, and capture the attention of a more youthful demographic.

Based on the brief and researching BBC3, the type of programme i would need to create should be rated 15 by BBFC meaning it can contain 'very strong' language, mild drug use that does 'not promote drug misuse', violence that 'doesn't swell on pain and injury' and sexual activity 'without strong detail'. It must be low budget but it was tackle transgressive or controversial topics and engaging characters of a similar age to enforce personal values and appeal to the target audience. Additionally, the pilot episode would be 40-60 minutes and low budget whilst focusing less around classic Detective and Satire Drama's, as they are less popular and appealing, and more on Fantasy, Superhero, Crime, Romance and perhaps Comedy.


Conventions of Drama Series:
-Young, relatable and recognisable characters
-Gripping story which is not self contained in one episode, encouraging viewers to watch all the episodes
-Set in real world locations
-A recognisable title sequence which is easily associated with the programme


BBC's main competition is Netflix and Amazon Prime which increased the popularity of series based programmes which series such as 'Peaky Blinders', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Breaking Bad' and 'Narcos'. similarly, ITV2 and Channel 4 both broadcast television programmes aimed at younger viewers which are broadcast both traditionally and online.