Programme Commissioning Procedures

Topic: The Critical Moment

The single-episode dramas under the Programme Commissioning will continue to base on social-realist topics but duration of each episode will be extended to one hour instead of the original half hour. Therefore, it is expected the stories submitted will reflect our contemporary situations from various perspectives in a broader context so as to provide the audience with more food for thought. We still welcome scripts adapted from real-life stories.

“The Critical Moment” is to describe the desperate plight one is facing, a situation which calls for our immediate attention, either something on the verge of breaking out or the dilemma of a long-term stalemate with the ultimate choice to be made at the crossroad. The emphasis on “imminent” urgency in the title is to feature the dramatic effect of the episodes. Yet, it is also our focus and concern that whether the depiction of the plight and the reflection of the social problems can strike a chord with the audience and make them reflect deeply over the issues concerned.

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• A 44.5-minute HD drama episode
• In the Hong Kong society where we see quirky political scene and social phenomenon, there are a wide range of problems, ranging from hefty property prices, wealth gap, the aging population, “doubly non-permanent resident pregnant women and children” flocking to Hong Kong and inclination towards industrial development to restriction on freedom of speech, introduction of national education and cultural differences. All these issues are always popular topics of the press and the media. Yet, if we adopt an approach which tells stories of personal experiences of the general public, it may bring real feelings and understanding of the present dilemmas.
• Production budget: no more than $500,000.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Stories about China

China has experienced tremendous changes in terms of her economic, social and infrastructural developments in the recent decades. She has progressed from poverty to moderate prosperity. However, prosperity is achieved at the expense of unprecedented social problems, including environmental pollution, food safety issue and moral degeneration. On the other hand, we also see the struggles of individuals. Some parents are ready to do anything to make their children succeed in life; someone still feels emptiness despite the possession of a fortune while someone else still holds to his ideals and beliefs despite numerous failures and attempts …
Upon coming to the crossroad, one cannot help but ask: Which direction will China go?
What has modernisation brought to the 1.3 billion people on the soil of China? What will be the next step?
Each of the episodes in “Stories about China” will tell a story of a character. Through video footage and narration, the audience will have the chance to gain a better understanding of the contemporary China and think about the challenges and issues faced by her.

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• A 22-minute HD single-episode documentary.
• Real stories with real characters; filming location may be Hong Kong, the Mainland, Macau, Taiwan, or any Chinese community around the world. Preferably stories taking place in the Mainland China.
• Production budget: no more than HK$180,000.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Free topic

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• A documentary series of at least 5 episodes on a same topic.
• HD production of 22 minutes per episode.
• Production budget: no more than HK$1.4 million.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Documentary series related to the underwater world or the ocean

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• A documentary series of at least 5 episodes on a same topic.
• HD production of 22 minutes per episode.
• Production budget: no more than HK$1.4 million.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Free topic

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• HD production of 4 minutes per episode.
• Production budget: no more than HK$80,000.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Free topic

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• HD production of 10 minutes per episode.
• Production budget: no more than HK$165,000.
• Suitable for primetime TV.

Topic: Free topic

We are inviting proposals with the following contents:

• An animation series of at least 10 episodes with same characters or on a same topic.
• HD production of 3 minutes per episode.
• Production budget: no more than HK$750,000.
• Suitable for primetime TV.