Content:
We are looking for distinctive and original ideas that challenge, inspire and surprise. It could be the directing or editing style, the use of new technologies or the talent being proposed. Take a risk, push boundaries, tell unique stories that have never been told before.
Themes:
We are looking for fresh format ideas that tell a story in a different way. Topics should be of the moment and reflect what our valued, younger audience is talking about right now. What online trends are they following? What do they care about? What keeps them awake at night and gets them out of bed in the morning?
At present, we are particularly interested in strong programme ideas that deal with housing, sustainability and climate, along with fresh and entertaining comedy formats.
Comedy ideas should be talent driven with a unique format twist e.g., Seriously, Sinead?, Darren and Joe’s Free Gaff.
Factual ideas should centre on issues that affect our audience, for example, I’m Fine.
Entertainment ideas should have a strong distinctive theme e.g., Jen’s Weekend.
Currently we are not looking for cookery, dating or arts and culture formats, or for programme ideas that feel linear.
All content ideas should:
- Resonate with our 18-44 audience
- Provoke a strong reaction
- Make you think, laugh or learn
- Contain strong and unique format points
- Have a title that will stand out on a busy home page
Talent:
Talent is crucial to any idea being submitted. We are interested in working with new and emerging talent who are not represented on linear TV. They should have a growing online presence or an already engaged fanbase. They should be passionate about the online content they are creating and have the potential to be the next face of RTÉ Online. These creators are relatable, funny and they are leaders who will bring a new audience to the RTÉ Player.
Of equal importance is the talent behind the camera and we are looking to collaborate with and nurture new talent in all areas of programme making.
Video Shooting Style:
We are looking for a visually stylish, glossy shooting style. While online content is made for mobile, an RTÉ Player Original can be viewed on a 50-inch Ultra HD screen. Our preference is for high quality productions that are unapologetic and to the point, like The Talk, Go Outside and Play.
Durations and Form:
Durations are short and snappy, and the first 15 seconds of the content is crucial to retaining the audience. A video series on RTÉ Player can have episode durations of three to thirty minutes. A series should have at least 4-6 episodes but we’re not opposed to weekly episodes or one-off programmes if the idea is right.
We are interested in incorporating new technologies e.g., VR, 360, Go Pros. Our preference for graphics is stripped back, simple, clean lines yet bold, for example, I’m Fine.
Once your idea is submitted, we will be in touch within four weeks to let you know if we are interested in proceeding with your idea.