Current TV is to ask viewers to help commission its next series of documentaries from four TX pilots as part of a new initiative dubbed ‘Open Season’.
The factual broadcaster has lined up the rough-cut segments and 4 x 30-minute pilots from indies Mosaic Films and Tonic Productions alongside Current’s in-house team to air in October, setting no limit on the number that may be ordered.
Viewers will be able to rate the docs via a starred rating system and leave feedback in a dedicated area on the Current TV website, with the broadcaster also gauging reaction across social media. A live commissioning discussion will then take place, followed by a public green-lighting at Bafta on 10 November.
Tonic is piloting Flash Talk, inspired by flashmobs and Speaker’s Corner, which features a well-known personality delivering a surprise public lecture. It will be produced by Tim Samuels.
Mosaic has produced Dekay’s Guide To Estates, a musical documentary following young female rapper Dekay as she investigates the social architecture of estates, exec produced by Anna Edwards.
For the in-house offering, David Thompson and Tom Barbor-Might respectively have produced What Would Sharia Do?, exploring Islamic courts, and Behind Rebel Lines, investigating the stories behind the UK’s recent protests.
Jane Mote, managing director of Current TV, said the initiative fitted with the channel’s ethos of nurturing new talent.
“Open Season allows us to create a TV first where viewers help shape the channel, and we are completely transparent about the process of TV,” she said.
“We are expecting lots of strong opinions about a thought-provoking line-up of shows.”
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