BBC Launches Talent Search

The BBC has launched another bid to find and develop new talent for its TV and radio stations. The third annual BBC Talent campaign will include a Big Brother-style competition to find new children’s TV presenters.

Alan Yentob describes the scheme, which will also look for radio and interactive presenters, film makers, sports, science and wildlife reporters, writers, animators, producers and developers, as underpinning “the BBC’s commitment to innovation, creativity and risk-taking.”

Head of BBC Talent, Angie Stephenson, added: “The schemes are designed to give people their first break and encourage them to find their path in the creative business.”

Endemol, makers of Big Brother, are known to guard the copyright of their reality gameshow jealously, and are likely to be keeping a close eye on the children’s presenter competition. The documentary series, shown on CBBC, will see ten shortlisted candidates living together for three weeks and completing tasks, in a format which sounds similar to that of Big Brother. At the end of this viewers vote for the winner, who will be offered a one-year contract and the possibility of fronting their own show.

The BBC is going on the road to promote the talent search, which will also be backed with trails on TV and radio and a advert featuring BBC presenter Ian Wright which will show in Odeon Cinemas for the next ten weeks. A dedicated website including online application forms has been launched, FMCG brands Persil and Kellogs will carry details on the back of packs and high street retailer Virgin Megastore will carry copies of an information booklet.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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