http://www.s4c.co.uk/producers/ news items and the latest information from S4C for programme producers 18-Mar-2010 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 1 daily /production/rm/news_view/newsid/568/language/eng/ <p>Following the announcement, here is the Invitation to Tender - Welsh Rugby Team's Tour to New Zealand and the Draft Commissioning Agreement. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation to Tender - Welsh Rugby Team's Tour to New Zealand</a></p> 18-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/567/language/eng/ <p>Impartiality is one of the main principles of a public service broadcaster and the close relationship between S4C and the independent companies is very important so as to ensure this on a continuous basis. </p> <p>As part of the preparatory process for the election period, S4C will provide a note for companies and will include specific guidelines for the 2010 General Election and explain the procedure for dealing with any queries and complaints. This note will be published on the S4C Production Website shortly. </p> <p>A part of this process S4C has also revised the general guidelines relating to content and aspects of compliance within programmes. The old guidelines </p> <p>(2001 version) have been amended so as to reflect current compliance requirements and to ensure impartiality within our services. We believe that the guidelines are a clear record of S4C's requirements and expectations. </p> <p>The new document is available on the Production Website <a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/S4C-programme-guidelines-10-03-10.pdf">http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/S4C-programme-guidelines-10-03-10.pdf</a> </p> <p>The guidelines will take effect immediately and will be incorporated in the commissioning agreements. The guidelines are also operational for the Commissioning and Licensing Agreements already in place/signed by S4C. This note is to formally notify you of the change in the guidelines. </p> <p>Any queries about the Guidelines should be addressed to <a href="mailto:guidelines@s4c.co.uk">guidelines@s4c.co.uk</a>. We will also discuss the arrangements for raising awareness and understanding of the guidelines with TAC.</p> 18-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/566/language/eng/ <p>Following the pre-notice here is the new ITT for the Cricket provision 2010-2011 </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Cricket on S4C 2010-2011</a></p> 15-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/565/language/eng/ <p>S4C's audience research emphasises the need for fun, easy-viewing family entertainment programmes. We consider it important that S4C maintains its commitment to this competitive field consistent with S4C's Content Strategy. </p> <p>It is our intention therefore to commission new entertainment series. We are looking for series of between 6 and 10 episodes with programmes of either 30, 45 or 60 minute slot length. </p> <p>We welcome ideas for various types of fun-filled entertainment programmes. Our aim is for the ideas to fulfil one or more of the following: </p> <p>- an opportunity for the whole family to view together and enjoy; </p> <p>- interaction with the audience; </p> <p>- to include variety performances; </p> <p>You can consider offering the above either from a studio or location. </p> <p>You are invited to submit your ideas through the production website under the Entertainment genre by midday on Monday 19 April. </p> <p>The cost of the series will be in line with S4C's indicative tariffs and will depend on the editorial content and we request that you include a guide price when submitting your idea on the website as well as an indication of when the series would be available for delivery. The ideas will be considered as part of the continuous commissioning process. </p> <p>We will respond to any ideas by the end of April 2010. </p> <p>S4C reserves the right not to commission any idea submitted.</p> 11-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/564/language/eng/ <p>S4C's Content Strategy notes the need to ensure a comprehensive provision that offers an unique look at contemporary Wales and the rest of the world through Welsh eyes. It also states the requirement to deliver information, context and significance to the decisions that affect the lives of Welsh people. </p> <p>We wish to reinforce our factual journalism and current affairs provision and to further strengthen our responsiveness to important issues of the day and major events. </p> <p>Our intention is to commission new documentary programmes under the working title 'Byd Pawb' (Everybody's World). We anticipate compiling a series of up to six hour or half hour programmes to be broadcast over a period of 12 months and we invite you to submit ideas for the programmes via the production website under the Factual genre. </p> <p>We welcome ideas from different fields that will provide a context to decisions, events, new stories or current talking points. The main criteria for Byd Pawb is that the topic and the treatment are both contemporary and relevant to the audience as Welsh people and as citizens of the world. The style of production and presentation will vary depending on the subject. </p> <p>Although the programmes will all come under this new umbrella title they do not need to be broadcast weekly over a set period of time and individual programmes can be broadcast as and when required - which can include programmes that result from a quick response to a major event. </p> <p>Ideas for programmes to be broadcast during 2010 and the start of 2011 should be submitted by midday on Monday 10 May 2010 but ideas for programmes to be broadcast from the second quarter of 2011 onwards can continue to be submitted after this date. </p> <p>The cost of the programmes will be in line with S4C's indicative tariffs for factual programmes and will depend on the editorial content and we request that you include a guide price when submitting your idea on the website along with an indication of when the programme would be available for delivery. The ideas will be considered as part of the continuous commissioning process. </p> <p>We will respond to ideas by the end of May 2010. </p> <p>S4C reserves the right not to commission any idea submitted.</p> 11-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/563/language/eng/ <p>S4C will publish an Invitation to Tender for coverage of the Welsh rugby team's summer tour to New Zealand on Thursday 18 March 2010 on S4C's Production Website. The closing date for applications will be Monday 12 April 2010. </p> 11-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/562/language/eng/ <p>Following a meeting called by S4C with the TAC Council a new invitation to tender for the provision of cricket programming will be published on Monday 15 March. Please note that there will be variances to the requirement due to the games which are now available. Furthermore S4C will assist the application process by reviewing the documents to be presented. The deadline for receipt of applications will be tight.</p> 10-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/561/language/eng/ <p>For your information. </p> <p>The details of the resource requirements for Cricket on S4C will be announced soon.</p> 05-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/560/language/eng/ <p>Question: </p> <p>Could you clarify whether you still require a sample running order for one episode if we have included a format breakdown? Or, for example, in more documentary-based ideas is a structure outline enough? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>We can accept either a format breakdown or a running order but they should provide sufficient information to give a detailed picture of the proposed programme or series. A structure outline is acceptable for any documentary-based ideas. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation for series ideas for the older children and young people's service (13+) on S4C</a></p> 04-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/559/language/eng/ <p>In open competition, Boomerang+ has won the tender to produce content and links for Cyw, S4C's pre-school service. </p> <p>The three year contract will commence in October 2010. </p> 04-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/558/language/eng/ <p>S4C has announced a new commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and fairness for its staff, viewers, partners, suppliers and the public generally. </p> <p>Launching the initiative, S4C's Chief Executive, Iona Jones, said that the channel's commitment applied across the full scope of its business as an employer, as a commissioner of content and as the provider of services to audiences. </p> <p>'S4C wishes to go further than discrimination law requirements and embrace diversity in a broader context, said Iona Jones. 'We want to demonstrate and value the range of people's characteristics, experiences and communication styles, language and educational backgrounds, career and life experiences. </p> <p>Iona Jones said, 'In publishing this commitment, S4C is adopting a pro-active role in the promotion and understanding of the importance of diversity amongst staff and programme suppliers. Our services will benefit from this commitment as they become more representative of the audiences we serve. </p> <p>'S4C will be working closely with programme producers to promote a positive image of diversity on screen. </p> <p>Among the actions S4C will take as part of its commitment to diversity are: </p> <p>• Publishing an annual action plan. </p> <p>• Promoting equality of opportunity in all aspects of its activities. </p> <p>• Working with producers to promote a positive image of diversity on screen. </p> <p>• Ensuring its programmes better reflect the community and viewers that it serves. </p> <p>• Working with partners in the production sector to ensure their own activities are consistent with S4C's commitment. </p> <p>• Consulting with viewers and users to ensure that S4C's services reflect and adapt to their requirements. </p> <p>• Ensuring its commitment to providing access and support services in relation to its programmes and content is maintained. </p> <p>• Diversity training for all staff. </p> <p>• Including specific responsibility for diversity in job descriptions. </p> <p>• Creating an inclusive, respectful working environment. </p> <p>• Annual review of the diversity pledge by S4C's Board of Directors. </p> <p>Any comments or questions relating to this commitment should be directed in the first instance to S4C on diversity@s4c.co.uk or to our Viewers' Helpline on 0870 6004141.</p> 03-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/557/language/eng/ <p>Last week it was announced that S4C had been unable to award a contract to an independent producer following a tender process. This is the first time that this has been the case. This is a disappointment for everyone and a situation which is not ideal for the sector or S4C. </p> <p>As part of the announcement it was stated that production companies should consider the implications of the failure to award this tender when applying for other contracts. </p> <p>For clarity S4C remains committed to ensuring as constructive a relationship as possible with production companies for the benefit of the service and audiences. Our partnership is delivering high quality public services on television and online and we can all be proud of this achievement. </p> <p>It is in everyone's interests to work towards the aim of fulfilling the ambitions of the content strategy and where issues exist to be open and constructive. I am confident that the new arrangements for engaging with TAC and the sector will be a means of ensuring robust discussions on the needs and expectations of the sector and S4C alike. I look forward to an early meeting. </p> <p>Iona Jones </p> 01-Mar-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/556/language/eng/ <p>At the end of 2009, S4C issued an open invitation to production companies to tender for a contract to produce cricket programmes for S4C. </p> <p>The tender was announced, in accordance with the channel's tender arrangements, following S4C's success in securing the rights to broadcast a number of Glamorgan 20/20 games live from the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff. The programme package included live games and preview and highlights programmes. </p> <p>S4C's intention is to offer coverage dealing with all aspects of the play whilst also conveying all the excitement and special atmosphere of the live game to viewers at home. </p> <p>Unfortunately, the tenders received did not meet the editorial requirements and expectations of S4C. </p> <p>As a consequence, S4C has re-assessed the situation and the work of overseeing and co-ordinating the coverage will now be done directly by S4C. This does not set a precedent; the only reason for this decision is the disappointing standard of the tenders. </p> <p>The expenditure in connection with the production will be administered in accordance with S4C's procurement procedures and there will be opportunities to compete for elements of the work, including production roles and technical contracts. </p> <p>S4C encourages the sector to consider the implications of failing to meet S4C's requirements in the context of this tender. The channel believes that production companies should take the opportunity to consider the quality and nature of ideas developed whilst preparing a tender, and the guidance and information given in accordance with S4C's content strategy when applying for contracts through open tender process. </p> 25-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/555/language/eng/ <p>Question </p> <p>Is it safe to assume that as the service is aimed at the 13+ to 18 age range, all content must be safe to transmit pre-watershed? </p> <p>If the answer is No, what stops a 14-year old recording post-watershed content on a PVR ? </p> <p>Answer </p> <p>S4C adheres to the Ofcom broadcasting code and guidance notes when scheduling programmes. The Code sets out the rules relating to children under the age of fifteen years and those under eighteen. </p> <p>Please refer to the Ofcom broadcasting code and guidance notes for further information. </p> <p><a href="http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode/">http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode/</a> </p> <p>Transmission times will also depend on the nature and content of the ideas submitted. The tender document requests that applicants provide information on the target audience as part of the application. Please see point 4.4 of the tender document: 'You should specifically state the exact target audience for each individual idea. You should also expand on the content's suitability for the target audience and their needs.' </p> <p>As regards recording the service and viewing post-watershed content, S4C cannot stop this situation from arising (the same applies to other broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4). The parent or carer of the child/young person recording the material would need to ensure that PIN or other equivalent protection was used. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation for series ideas for the older children and young people's service (13+) on S4C</a></p> 25-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/554/language/eng/ <p>Cwmni Pawb has won in open competition the tender to produce the Programme Support Service for S4C, subject to contract. Cwmni Pawb will continue to provide for viewers useful information on a variety of subjects which link in with the programme service and is available on the S4C Support website. </p> <p>The length of the contract is three years (April 2010-March 2013).</p> 23-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/553/language/eng/ <p>In the TAC annual meeting on the 03.12.2008 S4C shared its concern about the late delivery of tapes, and its effect on transmission efficiency. At the time only 52% of tapes arrived on time and 20% of all tapes were returned to the companies (for a number of different reasons). </p> <p>The Broadcast and Distribution Directorate at S4C continues to monitor the situation. The data for January 2010 notes that 49% of tapes were delivered late, and 18% of all tapes delivered were returned for a variety of reasons. Further, there are a number of examples where the actual duration of the programmes delivered differs from that noted in the contract. This causes practical problems (especially if the tapes are also late in being delivered). </p> <p>Further information can be found in the document <a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/LATE_DELIVERY_OF_TAPES.PDF">Late delivery of tapes</a>. </p> <p>S4C will continue to monitor the tape deliverables, considering the dates and times of delivery, programme durations as well as the technical and brand compliance. Where appropriate, S4C will share the details with the producer for further discussion. </p> <p>Please note that the document setting out the programme lengths for S4C commissions gan be found here - <a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/proglength-e.pdf">http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/proglength-e.pdf</a> </p> <p>Please note that the above relates to tape delivery - delivery of programme information (PasC forms etc) is separate.</p> 18-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/552/language/eng/ <p>We'd like to draw your attention to this RTS event which will take place soon in Cardiff. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/Disability_cast_off_your_prejudice.pdf">Further details</a></p> 18-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/551/language/eng/ <p>Change of date </p> <p>If a second interview is required as part of the tender process to produce content and links for CYW, the interview will now be held on Tuesday 9 March 2010 (rather than Thursday 11 March 2010 as noted in the tender document). </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation to Tender to produce content and links for Cyw</a></p> 18-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/550/language/eng/ <p>Cyw Contract - This is the draft contract for Cyw. Since this contract is published later than noted in the tender document, companies will be able to present their comments on the contract up to 12:00 Midday Tuesday 23 February. Comments should be sent to <a href="mailto:tendr@s4c.co.uk">tendr@s4c.co.uk</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/Cyw_Draft_Contract_Eng.pdf">Cyw Contract (Draft) (PDF)</a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation to Tender to produce content and links for Cyw</a></p> 16-Feb-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/549/language/eng/ <p>Question 2 </p> <p>Section 4.4 </p> <p>Could we have the technical details of the system that S4C provides for viewing programmes e.g. what kind of system, bandwidth etc? </p> <p>Answer 2 </p> <p>S4C will allow up to 4 viewing sessions via the web at the same time (i.e. viewing on 4 different computers within the company). The effectiveness of the system will depend on how effective the company's own connection is to the web. S4C's viewing system offers two different options for viewing. The option that offers more functionality such as fast forwarding and rewinding will need more bandwidth. The simpler option does not offer this functionality and can be compared to viewing a programme on Clic on S4C's website. If a company's connection can allow 4 simultaneous viewing sessions on 4 computers this will give a company some idea of whether the connection provides the minimum required. You are also reminded that a web connection can also vary depending on the time of day etc and it will be the company's responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient resources to view programmes over the web. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_tenders.shtml">Invitation to Tender to produce content and links for Cyw</a></p> 16-Feb-2010