BBCS calls on global prodcos for ideas to expand brands incl ‘Bluey’ & ‘Top Gear’

Dad finishes reading a bedtime story to Bluey and Bingo.

BBC Studios is calling on production companies from across the globe to pitch ideas that can expand audiences for some of its global brands including Bluey and Top Gear.

The commissioning team from BBC Studios Social want “fresh, short-form concepts that extend and enrich existing IP, engage loyal fans and reach new audiences on digital platforms,” with applications open until Sunday, 21 April.

On the Kids & Family side, commissioners are interested in food and fun family-related ideas for Bluey as well as “playful activity-focused content” for Hey Duggee.

Youth-skewing ideas are also in demand for automotive format Top Gear and digital-first comedy channel Funny Parts.

On the factual and unscripted side, BBC Earth is looking for concepts “that capture the splendour of nature in accessible formats” while “ideas across space, sustainability and the human body” are sought for BBC Earth Science.

The move comes after a year in which BBC Studios Social commissioned more than 1,500 minutes of original content, including a series of stop motion Hey Duggee adventures, celebrity-voiced Bluey Book Reads that has surpassed 16 million views since launch and deep dives into US car-modding culture on Top Gear.

Chris Allen, director of digital content development, said: “In an increasingly competitive and fast maturing digital-first market, BBC Studios Social are committed to finding, developing, and partnering with the best independent producers and new talent globally.

“We love our world-class brands, and we’re super excited to share them with you to deliver new formats, new talent, and new ideas that are critical and commercial successes. Whether silly comedy sketches, or a mind-bending science documentary, we hope this will be the start of some beautiful creative partnerships.”