Acquisitions
The ITV Acquisitions team source and licence finished programmes for both the linear and online ITV portfolio - consisting of ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITV Quiz, ITVX and Britbox - and look for content in most genres across Drama, Comedy, Factual, Kids and Film. We are also looking for co-production and pre-buy scripted opportunities for ITVX with a focus on the following genres: premium crime drama and gripping thrillers, supernatural/ sci-fi that is grounded in reality and comedy that is either young or male skewing. . A non-uk commissioning broadcaster should be attached and talent that resonates with a UK audience is key. Please note we are not acquiring any foreign language content (including dubbed or subtitled) at present.
OUR CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
Series/Specials Requirements
ITVX
ITVX is our free to view, integrated streaming platform. We aim to super serve our core viewers but also offer content that wouldn't traditionally fit within our suite of linear channels. At present we are focusing on the following key areas.
- Scripted Drama: First run big, glossy and noisy drama and well loved library titles covering a range of genres such as crime, thriller, sci-fi and fantasy. Primarily from the US but we are also open to considering series from Canada, Australia and New Zealand. eg THE TWELVE, LOVE & DEATH, NORTH SHORE, ONE TREE HILL and PENNYWORTH
- Scripted Comedy: First run and library young skewing comedy with relatively broad appeal. We are interested in both live action and animated mediums. eg SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, SCRUBS, EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS and THE MIDDLE
- Pre-Buys and Co-Productions: We are looking for scripted opportunities for ITVX with a focus on the following genres: Serialised premium crime dramas and thrillers that are compelling and gripping, supernatural/ sci-fi that is grounded in reality, and comedy that is either young or male skewing. In all cases, we would come on at a point when there is an international primary commissioning platform/ broadcaster who has greenlit the show (i.e a UK secondary partner is then sought) and with at least one key on screen talent attached who would resonate with our audience.
- Factual Docs: Although Factual content is currently not an acquisition priority we may still consider high profile true crime mini series or documentaries about iconic figures that have a strong resonance with the UK audience that are told in a unique way or have great access. We are not looking for one off docs or smaller scale boxsets
ITV2
ITV2 is our Entertainment channel aimed at 16-34s. We are open to US network and English language scripted comedy and drama that speaks to our target audience. Current titles on the channel include FAMILY GUY, BOB’S BURGERS and SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS. We are also open to big budget/mainstream entertainment shows; current titles on the channel in this vein include HELL’S KITCHEN US, THE MASKED SINGER US and AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR
We are also looking for non-scripted glossy, aspirational, fun reality and lifestyle series (not single docs) from the US/ Canada/Australia to sit alongside shows such as the REAL HOUSEWIVES franchises and BOTCHED. Pre-watershed titles (suitable to be transmitted before 2100) are preferred. Current programmes on the channel include THE BACHELOR AUSTRALIA, MILLION DOLLAR LISTING L.A. and GORDON RAMSAY'S FOOD STARS USA . Either series with distinctive characters, or something with a strong format.
Ideally all content should be exclusive UK premieres, but we will consider sharing with a smaller pay TV Channel.
ITV3
ITV3 is aimed at an ABC1, 35+ audience, and we look for UK dramas and one-off miniseries that would appeal to this demographic.
ITV4
ITV4 is the home of free-to-air sport, sports magazine shows, action films, quality factual and entertainment programmes from the archive aimed firmly at men but, importantly, that don’t have a keep-out sign for women.
There is a consistent sport offering on the channel throughout the year with a mix of Snooker, Darts, Cycling, Football, Horse Racing and Motorsport featuring such events as the La Liga Football and the Tour de France.
ITV Quiz
ITV Quiz focuses on ITV’s modern day quiz and game shows. We aren't currently acquiring content for this channel.
ITVX Kids
ITVX Kids is our dedicated children's content area of online streaming platform ITVX. It hosts programming aimed at pre-school but its main focus is 6-12 year olds. For this age group our main priority is animation of all genres and all demographics that would sit alongside such shows as Lego Ninjago, Mr Bean, Scooby-Doo, Barbie and Tara Duncan. We will also consider live-action of all genres that have a strong emphasis on entertainment such as Ninja Warrior Jnr, Detention Adventure and All Round Champion.
We are also interested in acquiring/pre-buying/co-producing 30-minute animated specials based on well-known kids/family IPs, in the vein of The Highway Rat, The Tiger that Came to Tea or The Snowman. These specials should include recognisable voice talent and would be broadcast on either ITV1, ITVX, or both.
We aren't currently looking for any shows aimed at Pre-school audiences or educational and non English language programming.
BritBox
BritBox is our British-focused SVOD service. We are looking for the best of British programming both classic and recent. On the series front we are particularly interested in drama focused on crime but we are open to a wide range of scripted genres.
We don't acquire game shows, cooking shows, recent children's shows, travelogues or nature documentaries for the service.
FILM REQUIREMENTS
Films for the Linear Channels
We typically concentrate on well-known, mainstream Hollywood titles e.g. JAMES BOND, HARRY POTTER, MAMMA MIA, FAST AND THE FURIOUS etc.
Films for ITVX
With over 250 free films available at any one time, the ITVX film page offers a mix of major Hollywood titles both new and old, alongside timeless classics and cult favourites. Popular Oscar and Bafta nominated titles and high profile feature docs are also welcomed. Ideally, content submitted will have HD versions available.
What we Aren’t looking for
We are not looking to acquire any wildlife/ travel/ MMA/ science/ history / paranormal/ extreme weather/ fashion/ fitness/ wellbeing/ food/ World War 2/ foreign language / current affairs programming at all for the ITV channels or On Demand platforms.
What to Send Us
Completed content
Programme info (title/ep count/duration/synopses) and which service you think it is best suited to
Avails lists of relevant content
Screening links
In development content
Programme Synopsis
Pitch Deck
Script if available
Contact - contentacquisitions@itv.com