Welcome to SBS Commissioned Content. This site will provide you with everything you need to know about what each genre and platform is looking for, how to submit your idea and what not to pitch. From documentaries and factual to food, entertainment, drama and comedy – this site will explain how each genre reflects SBS’s Charter and our commissioning values.
Commissioning Areas
Untold Australia: Call out for new single documentaries
SBS is pleased to announce a call out for submissions for Season 5 of ‘Untold Australia.’
SBS
is looking for one hour documentaries that explore hidden multicultural
worlds. These can be hidden subcultures, unexplored areas of
multicultural Australia, or an unexpected way of tackling contemporary
issues. What they will all have in common is that they will be
character-led worlds with unfolding, untold stories that will surprise
and occasionally shock.
SBS Head of Documentaries, Joseph Maxwell
said: “Untold Australia is a returning strand that allows a diversity of
voices and stories to be explored. We are looking for more surprising
and moving stories that give an insight into modern multicultural
Australia.”
SBS are looking for a variety of tones and
encourage proposals which are celebratory as well as issue- based. They
will be observational documentaries and led by strong engaging
characters. A short character reel is vital.
This season of up to 4 x 1 hours will screen on SBS in 2019.
SBS Documentaries welcomes proposals of a 3-5 pages and they must have accompanying pitch reels, (ideally 2 – 5 mins).
Successful pitches will be shortlisted for further funded development.
Generally SBS expects that considerations regarding distribution have been factored in, and discussions regarding the marketing of the proposal will be included in your application.
Diversity Talent Escalator
SBS and the screen agencies are collaborating to fund a new Diversity Talent Escalator to secure genuine, flexible, on-the-job, paid learning and immersion for emerging screen practitioners from diverse backgrounds on ALL SBS commissioned programs including documentary, factual entertainment, food, comedy and/or drama programs.
Aside from practical training, the scheme will provide vital networking opportunities, hands-on experience/credit, and increase the chance of securing further work with other companies in the screen sector.
To find out more, contact your Commissioning Editor.
Get My Program on SBS
SBS invites distributors and producers of completed programs to submit them for consideration for potential acquisition.
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SBS Producer Guidelines
SBS has developed the SBS Producer Compliance Guidelines for factual material in commissioned content.
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Working With Us
Guidelines & information for producing a show for SBS.
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