In-house plans emerge in Desmond’s designs for C5

In the week that C5’s owner hailed a “remarkable” turnaround, sources have indicated that early-stage plans for in-house production are being formulated.

The broadcaster is recruiting for two development producers, who will be tasked with generating and pitching ideas quickly and getting ideas commissioned. It is also thought that a C5 “wish-fulfilment” show is being developed to accompany Northern & Shell’s planned £50m Health Lottery, and is likely to be made in-house.

One source said Desmond was keen to move into production from a business perspective, enabling him to cut overheads while retaining rights to content. It is thought the media tycoon will target lower-cost, returnable programming.

C5 is already “dipping its toe in the water”, and after making Be A Star On Neighbours in-house, is currently making a similar show based on Home & Away.

N&S’s Portland TV subsidiary has studios, playout, production and post-production facilities, and one source said: “It’s relatively easy to start, and Desmond could publicise the shows in OK!, the Express and the Star.”

Commissioning and commercial deals and recruitment are also all back on the agenda at C5. Sources indicated that Big Brother could launch on 10 August and this week confirmed its next highest profile commission since Desmond took over, asking Shed Media’s Ricochet to reversion Warner Bros’ The Bachelor for the UK.

Rugby player Gavin Henson will take on the title role for the 10 x 60-minute series that will air later this year.

The summer will also see the broadcaster’s first product-placement deal, having agreed to feature Mission Foods wraps and tortillas in next month’s 8 x 30-minute Mexican Food Made Simple from Blink Films.

The deal, which extends an existing AFP partnership agreed in February, was put together by AFP specialists Krempelwood with Mission’s ad agency Brass.

The broadcaster has extended its commissioning team, appointing Michelle Chappell as commissioning editor for news, current affairs and documentaries. She will join from BBC London factual, reporting to Andrew O’Connell, head of factual, news and current affairs.

Chappell worked on the launch of The One Show, helped revamp Watchdog and has managed history magazine show National Treasures Live for BBC1.

N&S said this week that C5 has been making an underlying profit since September, thought to be around £10m.