BBC Three’s ‘Creative Shackles Are Off’ With Online Format

BBC Three has aired on TV for the last time, embracing an online-first format and social media

BBC Three has switched from TV to an online-first format this week.

BBC bosses said the new service will feature new original British comedy, contemporary British drama, innovative entertainment, thought-provoking documentaries and distinctive current affairs programming all made for BBC Three’s 16- to 34-year-old target audience.

New platforms

At an event in London, BBC Three yesterday unveiled two new platforms: The Best Of – which will bring together original long-form programmes and a range of new content, including short form films – and The Daily Drop – home to BBC Three’s new stream of daily content including short-form videos, blogs, social media, image galleries, trending stories and daily updates from news and sport. The Daily Drop will roll out in Beta over the next few days. The Best Of will launch in February.

Snapchat_logoDamian Kavanagh, controller of BBC Three, said: “It’s the same award-winning programmes freed from the constraints of linear TV, and because we’re freed from the schedule we can use whatever format and platform is most appropriate.

“The majority of what we will make is TV, like People Just Do Nothing, but we’ll make short-form video, blogs and picture-led stories as well. We’ll be on YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook and our new site The Daily Drop.

“The shackles are off when it comes to creativity, and new talent is at the core of BBC Three.”

BBC Three is also working with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures on a series of London-set drama shorts featuring chance encounters between two people. A co-development with BBC Drama in-house, these will focus on developing new and up-and-coming writing talent as well as giving opportunities for new actors to work with established talent.

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