Broadcasters have sections of their websites devoted to communicating with production companies. Departments involved in programme-making have commissioning editors who oversee the process of commissioning programmes through to signing them off for broadcast. The websites give an idea of the kind of programming they are looking for to fill particular slots. Sometimes the commissioners hold briefing meetings, which give the opportunity for face-to-face contact.
Usually broadcasters want succinct proposals. If they are interested in them, they may arrange a meeting or ask for more detail. Companies may be offered development money to fund the fleshing-out of a proposal. They will come up with a more detailed outline, known as a 'treatment', and when this has been approved, they can start work on filming.
While broadcasters have formal commissioning procedures in place, in reality much commissioning is the result of networking, building up contacts and developing relationships. It can be difficult for newcomers to get a foot in the door, and there is a general perception that companies outside London find it less easy to build up relationships.
This has been one of the most popular trends in television in recent times. While real people did feature on television in the past, the lives of ordinary people, their ups and downs, their personalities and dispositions were not considered to be interesting enough to be the focus of attention. Nowadays, that has changed, with shows such as 'Castaway', 'Survivor' and 'Big Brother' scoring high in the ratings and sometimes making celebrities of the participants.
Of course, programme-makers manipulate the 'reality' of the situation. The casting of the show is important, because they have to choose people who are going to have conflict, but also build friendships. Romance is a good ingredient, as usually where you find romance you will also find conflict. Casting directors tend to pick attractive contestants, but also some everyday types that viewers can relate to. Programme-makers manipulate the situation, often drawing people into conflict so viewers get involved in the controversy. There have been questions as to the morality of this kind of programming, and complaints to the regulatory body, Ofcom.
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