BBC Storytellers Brief 2023 / 2024

The Rewind Portal was launched to mark a centenary of stories told by the BBC. Content is searchable by keyword, place, topic and much more. For the 2023/24 submissions we are asking writers to use the portal as a source of inspiration for their stories.

We want stories triggered by what the writers see in this digital archive, and we want them to be hooky, punchy, and have a sense of mystery or intrigue. Many have found footage of their relatives in there, stories of friends, or the places and streets where they or their parents grew up. For some, it has given a first real view, caught on camera, into their own history.

Another reference would be the film project, inspired by use of Rewind.

We are not seeking stories that have no conclusion, they must be satisfying to the listener. Nor are we seeking stories that rely heavily on our troubled past. This is well-trodden turf, and stories which avoid constant reference to The Troubles stand a much greater chance of selection. We’ve also had a lot of submissions about funerals. We’ve probably had enough funerals to be honest.

It is worth noting that a number of the writers who have been successful in this process have gone on to write for BBC Radio 4. Deadlines are important, as is sticking to the brief. Please do not stray from the brief.

We want:
Engaging stories that feel real, earthy, gritty and suspenseful, or genuinely uplifting funny tales.

We do not want fantasy, sci-fi or stories with no conclusion.

They must be of this place and have authentic dialogue or voice.

They must not have extreme language or sexual references that prevent us broadcasting them to a family audience. We are prepared to push the boundaries, but no direct or explicit sexual descriptions, no use of the F word and any salty language needs to be measured and critical to the story / dialogue.