HD commissioning is led by the relevant genre team, working with the Head of BBC HD.
The Head of BBC HD sets the strategy and the short-term development priorities for HD delivery in each genre, working with the relevant commissioners and cross-referencing with channel strategies.
As you may have heard, we have announced the simulcast of BBC One on HD from Autumn 2010. This is an exciting development for the BBC as our industry moves towards HD as a production standard.
The BBC has been commissioning and making programmes in HD for a number of years now. In common with other new technologies, costs of working in HD initially were considerably higher than SD alternatives. Over time those premiums have eroded, and the additional cost of making a programme in HD is now negligible in most situations. Current tariffs for independent productions for the BBC have been recently reviewed.
Along with many other broadcasters we now take the view that HD is becoming standard technology across television production, and many of our programmes are already being delivered in HD. From April 2011, we will expect all network programmes to be delivered in High Definition. HD delivery should be discussed as part of the commissioning process, with any significant production challenges shared at that point.
The BBC provides support in a variety of forms to producers working in HD - including advice on equipment, workflows and cost management, and training. The Executive Producer, BBC HD is available for ongoing support and advice through the production process. In this period of considerable technological change, this support will continue for as long as it is required. More information on HD Production can be found here.
HD commissions will need to conform to the BBC HD delivery requirements.
Where it is appropriate, other forms of assistance will be provided to both independent and in-house producers. For further information and guidance, please contact your usual BBC business affairs representative.
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