Program Makers

ABCTV doing business brochure (pdf)

The ABC TV Documentaries department welcomes proposals for our Contemporary, History, Science, Natural History, Religion & Ethics and Indigenous slates.

We look for bold and ambitious ideas to engage a national prime time audience. Strong narrative and absorbing characters are essential prerequisites. We encourage innovative and intelligent film making that speaks to the concerns of Australians today. Recent highlights include:

WHO KILLED DR BOGLE AND MRS CHANDLER
FAMILY FOOTSTEPS
LIFE AT 1
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND UGG BOOT
KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
THE FLOATING BROTHEL
TWO MEN IN A TINNIE
SAVING ANDREW MALLARD
DHAKIYARR VS THE KING

We commission one-hour series and singles, as well as half hour series (generally with a maximum of 4 x half hours).

TV Documentaries can only commission ideas from Independent Production Companies. If you're an individual with an idea and need to find a production company, please click here.

In the first instance a fully fleshed out treatment is not necessary, but initial submissions should aim to articulate a clear and well-substantiated premise, and/ or thesis, as well as a short outline. (We receive many treatments on interesting subjects without any explanation as to how they would work as a television programme).

We actively encourage a range of story telling techniques across all slots including traditional observational documentaries to presenter led pieces to soft-formats and docusoaps.

It’s also important to think about whom you want to target your idea, and when is the best time of night to engage them. It’s not hard to imagine that as the night progresses and families, singles and couples settle down, and kids go to bed, viewing requirements change. Please take a few minutes to read the details on our slots before submitting your idea.

If you are a new filmmaker, without a lot of broadcast experience, don't be afraid to bring us your ideas, we'd love to hear from you. But, do be prepared that we might suggest you work with a team who can support you through the process.

The ABC TV Documentaries department does not acquire completed productions. All completed Documentaries should be sent to the ABC TV Programming department (address below) for consideration.

Ms Wendy Holloway
Programming Co-ordinator
ABC TV Programming
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001
Email: holloway.wendy@abc.net.au

How to submit an idea:

A 2-4 page document is the most effective way to send us ideas. That way we can respond quickly as to whether we have interest in the idea, and if it's a priority for the current slate.

This should include:

• A short synopsis
• An outline of the concept in terms of how you conceive it working on screen
• If you are after development funding or pre-sale
• Which documentary slot you are submitting an idea for (link to Doc slots)
• Additionally, you should list the key creative talents on board the project (include CVs)

Where to send it:

All ideas should be submitted via the Development Producers. Please do not send your ideas directly to Commissioning Editors – believe us, it will save time.

For Historical and Contemporary documentaries, please forward all proposals to:
Edwina Waddy
Development Producer
ABC TV Documentaries
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email: waddy.edwina@abc.net.au

For Science, Religion, Ethics and Indigenous documentaries, please forward all proposals to:
Gael Jennings
Development Producer
ABC TV Documentaries
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email:jennings.gael@abc.net.au

Receipt of your proposal will be acknowledged and we aim to respond in 4-6 weeks.

Please note that the ABC receives many proposals where there are significant similarities The ABC cannot be held liable if, in the future, it produces or commissions a proposal similar to yours but which has come, coincidentally, from another source.

We look forward to hearing from you.