Tim Davie challenges BBC Studios to create more British IP

Tim Davie has issued a “top-level challenge” for producer distributor BBC Studios and the wider British TV industry to create more IP.  

Addressing the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS Committee) this morning, the director general said balancing the level of new IP being created with the desire to exploit existing shows and brands is a “Grade A” question and “top priority” facing the wider TV industry.   

“It is a challenge for us [all] to maintain enough UK IP. Why? Because, like footballers, top talent are being picked up by global companies. They are being paid a fortune to create IP which is then owned outside the UK. I don’t think we are spending enough time on this.” 

He cited the likes of Strictly and Bluey as key titles for BBCS and suggested that its recent leadership changes and appointments are important steps in increasing its output.  

“Do I think we should be generating more new hits out of BBC Studios? Yes, I’d like that,” he said.  

“We have hired some really good people in recent months. You will see new chief creative officer in Studios and a better IP exploitation unit in there with an incredible team. I think we’ve got work to do. It’s a top-level challenge for value creation for the BBC over time. We have some new IP but we could do with some more.” 

Davie was also pressed on whether the BBCS could do more to exploit its extensive archive.   

“Are there some gems in there, like a Paddington, that can be reimagined? BBC Studios looks at it every day and is digging around for those. We need to keep digging and thinking creatively about that,” he said.  

“We are still wrestling with how to monetise the back catalogue and archive. New technology could open up new possibilities with the deep archive in terms of searchability, and think there are creative solutions. We need to hire the right people as well.”