We are looking for original drama with variety in tone and attitude that will both entertain and open up a view of contemporary life. RTÉ Drama needs to have broad popular appeal for Irish viewers first.

We look to producers to work with writers who can develop complex and intriguing stories that are relatable to an Irish audience yet have universal appeal. We will invest in drama series and serials of four or more episodes.

All RTÉ drama is currently post-watershed. Renewability of a format is something to be considered at an early stage while acknowledging that some stories, particularly those drawing on real life events will not extend beyond one serial event.

Stories based on real events have a high value to the audience but they need to be more than a retelling of the facts of the events: they need to capture the imagination in a different way.

RTÉ actively develops projects that will meet the objectives of BAI Sound and Vision financing as well as projects that are suited to international pre-sales and co-production. If helpful, RTÉ will work closely with producers in attaching financing partners. Co-production and co-financing is a high priority for RTÉ and we suggest producers talk to us early about projects they have in mind.

Should you wish to submit an idea for development investment you will need to register and submit on RTÉ's e-commissioning. Drama staff members are available to discuss ideas in advance of formal submission, a brief pitch from the writer and producer is useful at an early stage.

 

Some key points to keep in mind when submitting ideas to
RTÉ Drama:

. All submissions need to be submitted by an independent production company;

. Be courageous and don't try to second guess - we much prefer to see pitches that surprise , are intellectually challenging and push boundaries;

. No one drama defines the totality of RTÉ's ambition in the genre: we always look for something we haven't seen before;

. Keep pitches concise -make sure that they are well thought through and have a considered point and purpose. The point of the drama is more interesting to hear at an early stage than an elaborate telling of the story;

. Avoid following trends or mimicking what others have done;

. If you are submitting a period drama we will look for contemporaneous relevance in the idea;

. Co-production and co-financing are a high priority - be prepared to discuss financing options when you pitch though we don’t expect you to have a fixed plan;

. We don't accept unsolicited 'writer only' projects.

Storyland 

Access to the heart of RTÉ Drama for new writers, producers and directors is essential to what we do and in this respect we encourage producers and writers at the beginning of their careers to engage with Storyland. Storyland is an on-line drama commission specifically designed to nurture producers, writers, directors, cast and HODs with a particular emphasis on their creative and entrepreneurial skillset.

Information on the next round of StoryLand will be broadly circulated and available on rte.ie

This department is responsible for commissioning both scripted and non scripted Comedy output for RTÉ ONE, RTÉ2, and Online.

Making people laugh is an unusually Irish vocation. We have an extraordinary level of writing and performing talent, production and editorial skills, and Irish audiences have an unquestionable appetite for quality comedy.

Comedy production is one of the most pure forms of creativity, and it requires taking bigger risks. But when these risks pay off, they can generate the biggest wins for RTÉ, such as channel defining content (The Young Offenders, Mrs Browns Boys), new ways of reaching audiences, especially on-line (The Doireann Project), strong public service statements (Can’t Cope Won’t Cope) and generate additional commercial revenue.

We are looking for proposals that can build on those recent successes. Ideas that break new talent, or generate new opportunities for existing talent.

Proposals that have the potential to support Irish talent in front of and behind the camera in the international TV market are of particular interest.

Coherent development phases will be prioritized, as will pragmatic budgets and finance plans - including BAI and international co-production opportunities, especially with the UK Comedy Industry.

So what are we looking for?

On RTÉ ONE Comedy output can build an emotional connection with mainstream audiences, helping to give the channel a lighter, contemporary feel, to augment the more heavyweight News, Current Affairs and Factual programmes. Proposals that can bring large audiences, but which also help reposition RTÉ ONE as a confident, modern brand at the heart of contemporary Irish life.

Big talent, strong writing, confident warm tone and contemporary family appeal are key. We are interested in finding and developing new projects in these spaces.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the e-commissioning system. http://www.rte.ie/commissioning under the programme category “Comedy – RTÉ One.

RTÉ2 and its comedy output in recent years, such as Can’t Cope Won’t Cope, Nowhere Fast and The Young Offenders are at the core of the channel's brand. These are high quality Irish comedy statements. They stand out in the crowded multi-channel environment, and also respond to the increasingly multi-platform viewing habits of the young. We are interested in new scripted, formatted and talent-driven comedy for this audience, focusing on the core channel brand.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the e-commissioning system. http://www.rte.ie/commissioning under the programme category “Comedy – RTÉ 2.

We are happy to discuss a variety of budgets and production timeframes, on a case-by-case basis. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.

In addition on all platforms, we are interested on an ongoing basis, in projects which provide an opportunity to innovate with new or existing talent (primarily comedy talent). For example, placing a high profile individual in a new format or comedy talent vehicle.  As above, given that innovation is key to our plans, we are happy to discuss a variety of budgets and production timeframes, on a case-by-case basis. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.