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How to Pitch Your Domino Show to Public Broadcasters: A BBC-Style Proposal Template

ddominos

2026-02-12

10 min read

A ready-to-use BBC-style proposal template and production notes to pitch your domino show to public broadcasters in 2026.

Hook: Turn your viral domino videos into a BBC-ready show — without losing your creator spark

Creators, producers and community event leads: you make jaw-dropping chain reactions, but pitching that magic to a public broadcaster feels like a different language. You worry about format pages, opaque commissioning processes, budgets that scare you, and rights that feel like legal black boxes. This guide gives you a ready-to-use proposal template and practical production notes tuned for public broadcasters (think BBC-style expectations) so your domino project reads like a professional, commissionable idea in 2026.

The 2026 landscape: Why now is the moment to pitch

Public broadcasters are evolving fast. In early 2026 the BBC entered talks to produce bespoke shows for YouTube — a sign that public broadcasters want creator-native ideas and multi-platform strategies more than ever.

“The BBC and YouTube are in talks for a landmark deal that would see the British broadcaster produce content for the video platform.” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

Key trends shaping commissioning in 2026:

Multi-platform commissioning: Broadcasters accept — and often demand — integrated digital delivery and social-first short forms alongside linear broadcast assets.
Format sales value: Broadcasters look for formats that can be reproduced internationally and monetised across windows.
Live & community events: Post-pandemic hybrid live events are back in vogue; public broadcasters love community engagement and participation.
Production standards: 4K HDR, accessible captions and deliverables are standard. Dolby Atmos and immersive audio are gaining ground for large-scale specials.
AI-assisted previsualisation: Tools for previs, automated shot lists and even domino layout simulation have cut preproduction time — but commissioners want human craft and safety plans.

What commissioners actually look for — translated for domino creators

When a commissioning editor opens your PDF, they’re scanning for signal: can this idea reach a clear audience, can it be produced within budget and schedule, and does it fit the broadcaster’s remit and editorial standards? Translate your creator instincts into commissioning language with these quick mappings:

Viral chain = Format — Explain repeatability, episode count and localisable elements.
One-off stunt = Special — Treat large builds or world-record attempts as event television with audience hooks and community tie-ins.
Behind-the-scenes = Access — Broadcasters prize journeys and learning; make the human story central.
Merch/awareness = Impact — Public broadcasters want educational or community benefit where possible.

Proposal blueprint: The BBC-style one-page executive summary

Start with a high-impact one-page summary that can sit at the top of your full proposal. Editors often decide in minutes — make those minutes count.

Title: Short, punchy and searchable (avoid puns that don’t read well in metadata)
Logline (25 words): What happens, who’s at the centre, and what’s the hook? Example: “A six-part series where community teams race to build themed domino sculptures that trigger spectacular, educational chain reactions.”
Format: One-off special / 6 x 24’ / 10 x 10’ shorts — state runtime and episode structure.
Audience: Primary + secondary demographics and platforms (e.g., families on Saturday evening; 16–34 on YouTube shorts.)
Sizzle link: URL to a 90-second proof-of-concept (or attach as a private Vimeo link). Label as "SIZZLE" and include runtime.
Budget headline: Broad range (e.g., £120k–£180k for 6x24’ or £30k for a one-off 60’ special). See the sample budget section for line items.
Rights wanted: Broadcast + BVOD (12–24 months), UK & ROI + non-exclusive social rights. State exclusivity requests.
Deliverables & timetable: Delivery format, estimated post date and production schedule (pre-prod, shoots, edit, delivery.)
Producer & credits: Attach CVs and highlight live event experience and safety record.

Ready-to-use full proposal template (copy, paste, adapt)

Paste this into your document and fill in bracketed items. Keep the whole file under 10 pages for first reads.

1. Title Page

[Show Title] — [Format: e.g., 6 x 24’ / One-off 60’]

Produced by: [Production Company / Creator Name]

Contact: [Producer email | phone]

2. One-Page Executive Summary

[Insert the one-page summary from the blueprint above]

3. Series Overview & Tone

Describe the show’s world in 150–250 words. Be concrete: how each episode begins, escalates, and ends. Mention emotional and educational beats.

4. Episode Breakdown (for series)

Ep1: [Theme] — [Hook, key set pieces]
Ep2: …
Ep3: …

5. Audience & Reach Strategy

List target demographics, viewing occasions, and a cross-platform plan (linear, iPlayer/BVOD, YouTube, TikTok shorts). Include community engagement: live streams, local build hubs, school outreach.

6. Talent & Production Team

Short bios (50–80 words) for host(s), producer, director, DoP, safety officer, and lead domino artist. Attach CVs as appendices.

7. Production Notes & Workflow

See the production notes section below for a detailed checklist.

8. Budget: Headline and Notes

Insert the headline figure and attach a one-page budget. Use our sample budget table to build credibility.

9. Rights, Clearances & Editorial Notes

Explain desired rights windows, archive use, and any music/clip clearances. State who will clear third-party locations or branded elements.

10. Delivery & Technical Specs

Deliverables: 4K HDR mezzanine, H.264 proxy, closed captions (SRT), audio stems, masters. Include timecode and QC process.

11. Risk & Safety

Summarise health & safety plan: insurance, risk assessments, fire & emergency plan, build crew certifications, COVID/health policy (if applicable).

12. Appendices

Sizzle Reel link
Full budget
CVs and company info
Sample shot list

Sample budget (broad strokes for a 6 x 24’ series)

Use these figures as a credible starting point. Adjust for location costs in your market.

Pre-production & development: £20,000
Production (6 shoots, studio & location): £60,000
Talent & crew fees: £35,000
Post-production (offline, online, VFX, grading): £35,000
Graphics, music & rights clearance: £7,500
Insurance, health & safety, contingency (10–15%): £15,000
Distribution, legal & deliverables: £7,500

Estimated total: £180,000 (flexible up or down). For a one-off 60’ event, expect £30k–£120k depending on scale and live elements.

Rights & commissioning language explained

Broadcasters will ask about a few critical rights areas. Spell them out plainly in your proposal:

Broadcast rights: Territorial and duration (e.g., UK & ROI perpetuity or 7–10 year). Public broadcasters often want long-term UK rights.
Digital & social rights: Specify online windows, clips for social, and residual social usage.
Format rights: If you want to retain the format for international sales, propose a negotiated shared model. Some commissioners buy format rights outright; others license for limited territories.
Archive & future exploitation: Clarify whether the broadcaster can use clips in promos or archive libraries — see guidance on when media companies repurpose family content for negotiation tips.

Tip: Be explicit about what you retain (brand partnerships, merchandising, live event control) and what you grant. Always advise consulting a media lawyer for formal terms.

Production notes — How to make your domino build broadcast-quality

Good domino TV is not just pretty tiles — it's rhythm, reveal and storytelling. Here’s a technical and creative checklist used by experienced production teams.

Creative direction

Build the tension curve: reveal, close fails, a mid-build jeopardy, then cathartic resolution.
Human story first: show the builders, their setbacks and triumphs.
Use macro and crane shots: mix micro (tile tipping) with wide environment reveals.

Camera & lenses

Primary: 4K mirrorless or cinema camera (e.g., Sony Venice II, Canon C70) for main angles.
Macro: dedicated macro lens and slider for tile-level detail.
Stabilised crane or jib for graceful reveals; gimbals for mobile walkthroughs.
High-speed: 120–240fps cameras for slow-motion tipping sequences (one camera per key angle if budget allows).

Lighting

Soft, directional fills to highlight texture without glare on glossy tiles.
Accent LEDs for colour themes (match to episode theme or branding.)
Practicals for live audience shots and presenter close-ups.

Audio & music

Boom and lavs for interviews; isolation mics for live commentary.
Design a dynamic soundtrack: silence is powerful. Let the domino sounds breathe in mixes.
Plan for stems (dialogue, effects, music) to submit with masters.

Safety & rehearsals

Run full dress rehearsals for critical triggers.
Have fire suppression, first aid, and a trained safety officer on set.
Document build steps for insurer and broadcaster requirements.

Post-production & deliverables

Offline edit in 4K, online finish to HDR PQ or HLG as required.
Closed captions, audio description, and transcript for accessibility — these are mandatory for public broadcasters.
Provide a short 90–120s sizzle for promos and social repackaging into 15–60s clips.

How to build a compelling sizzle reel (90 seconds that sell)

Commissioning editors often watch the sizzle before reading the proposal. Make every second count.

Start with the high-impact shot — the reveal that makes editors sit up.
Cut in human beats: faces, struggle, celebration.
Include on-screen titles: Format, runtime, producer & contact details at the start and end.
Finish with the production hook — community scale, world-record attempt, or format repeatability.
Upload as private Vimeo and include time-coded highlights in the proposal. See a case study of turning a live launch into a micro‑documentary for structure ideas.

Pitching process & timelines: realistic expectations

Broadcasters have cycles. Here’s a practical timeline for a first approach to delivery:

Initial outreach with one-page exec & sizzle: 1–2 weeks
Editor feedback & request for full proposal: 2–4 weeks
Negotiation & development deal (if agreed): 4–12 weeks
Preproduction & casting: 6–12 weeks
Production & post: 12–26 weeks depending on scale

Tip: Offer a short proof-of-concept shoot (low-cost) as a lower-risk path to commission. Many BBC commissioners now accept mini-sizzles or digital pilots as part of decision-making — and low-cost creator kits (see notes on in-flight creator kits and compact field setups) make that feasible.

Case study snapshot (real-world example of successful pitch)

In late 2025, an independent creator collective pitched a 3-part “Community Domino Nights” special to a UK public broadcaster. They attached a 60-second sizzle filmed in a local civic hall, a clear community engagement plan (schools & charities), and a modest budget with a 10% contingency. The commission cited the cross-platform strategy and community impact as decisive. Key takeaways: show community benefit, include a realistic safety plan, and provide social-first deliverables.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Too much spectacle, not enough story: Broadcasters need an emotional narrative. Add human stakes.
Vague budgets: Break down costs. Commissioners distrust fuzzy numbers.
Rights confusion: Be explicit. Specify what you keep and what you grant.
No delivery plan: State technical specs clearly — 4K HDR masters, SRT captions, QC workflows.

Futureproof your pitch for 2026 and beyond

Think beyond linear: propose repackaging strategies, AR/VR previsualisations for partner museums, and hybrid live events. Pitch pilots that integrate AI-assisted previs while keeping human craft and safety central — commissioners appreciate innovation when accompanied by clear governance. Note the BBC-YouTube discussions in 2026 signal appetite for creator-inspired formats that can live both on broadcast and creator platforms.

Final checklist before you hit send

Sizzle reel uploaded and link tested.
One-page exec polished for skim readers.
Budget attached with notes and contingency.
Safety & insurance notes included.
Rights table with exact windows.
CVs appended and references available.
Delivery specs and timeline clearly defined.

Closing: Pitch with confidence — and a plan to prove it

Turning your domino passion into a commissionable show is about translating creative spectacle into a reproducible format, a clear budget and a rights package that protects you. Use the proposal template above as your launchpad: pair a killer sizzle with concrete deliverables, an airtight safety plan, and a cross-platform outreach strategy. In 2026, public broadcasters like the BBC are actively seeking creator-driven concepts that work on both broadcast and digital. Make your pitch speak both languages.

Actionable next steps: 1) Use the template to draft your one-page exec and sizzle shotlist this week. 2) Film a 60–90s proof-of-concept focusing on your strongest reveal. 3) Reach out to commissioning editors with the one-page and sizzle link, and be ready to follow up with the full proposal.

Ready to convert your domino builds into broadcast commissions? Share your sizzle in our creator community for feedback, or download our editable proposal pack to customise for your next pitch.

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