BBC And BSkyB Work Together For New Drama Series

There is speculation that the BBC and BSkyB are about to announce details of a jointly commissioned programme. The two broadcasters are believed to have given the go ahead for a newly formed independent company to produce a 90-minute pilot for a new adventure drama series. Said to be an 18th century costume drama and described as an action packed series, the production costs would be jointly shared by the BBC and BSkyB.

David Elstein, the outgoing head of programming at BSkyB, has refused to reveal any further details of the venture in advance of an official press release but did say “It is an interesting and important development. It may well develop into something more substantial. I hope other broadcasters will look at this as much as a forerunner to become standard practice”.

… more rumours are flying around, this time regarding who is to replace David Elstein at BSkyB. A shortlist of possible candidates to replace the Channel 5-bound Elstein with ITV network director Marcus Plantin, BBC director of programmes Alan Yentob and Steve Morrison Granada Media Group chief operating officer heading the top of the list.