CITV: we want indies' ideas

Green Up Your Life

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CITV controller Emma Tennant has revealed that the channel once more "has money to spend" and is actively looking for original formats.

Top of Tennant's wish list is a new game show for children based on fun physical challenges.

While she would not reveal how much cash was in the kitty for new commissions, Tennant said: "We do have money to spend. Not a lot, mind you, but we do have some money. The message to indies is that we are looking for new programmes, and we are interested in receiving pitches. Children's is a hugely important genre for ITV, and the channel is performing extremely well at present."

She said CITV had maintained its position as the largest commercial kids channel during its transmission hours, and that for two months of this year it has been the second largest children's channel in the UK.

Tennant said that budgets had been tight for children's programming at CITV, but signalled that the channel was once again expanding its original British content.

"Right now I am looking for a challenge-style gameshow for the channel - we definitely have a gap in the schedule for one."

After being made CITV controller last January, Tennant recommissioned Horrid Henry
and Fingertips and then made the first original CITV commission in 18 months - Bookaboo! - in July. The 13 x 10-minute series follows the adventures of a "rock puppy" who cannot play his drums until he's been told a story.

Last week, Broadcast revealed another new commission - a children's eco-series called Green Up Your Life which was produced in partnership with British Gas. Tennant added there were "definitely more" opportunities for commercial partners to "kick in" funds for children's programmes.

"Anyone willing to invest in children's programming will be welcomed," she said. "Green Up Your Life is a great example of how a commercial partnership can result in a really fun entertaining programme."