The new commissions add to a portfolio of successful digital-first scripted content that includes Float, Dog Days and Short Stuff
BBC Scotland has commissioned four new short form comedy series, adding to its portfolio of established and successful digital-first scripted content, which includes award-winning dramas such as Float and Dog Days and its digital comedy strand Short Stuff.
These commissions form part of BBC Scotland’s digital strategy which is designed to deliver distinctive Scottish content on platforms where audiences are increasingly choosing to watch.
By commissioning formats that are accessible and shareable, BBC Scotland continues to evolve how it reaches younger and more diverse audiences.
Earlier this year, the BBC announced its partnership with YouTube as part of the BBC’s value for all strategy, ensuring more BBC content is accessible to all audiences where they are.
Louise Thornton, BBC Scotland’s head of commissioning said: “These projects reflect our ambition to create bold, original Scottish content that works brilliantly on BBC iPlayer and beyond.
“They speak directly to how audiences are watching today.”
Gavin Smith, commissioning editor, scripted added: “We have been working for many years in the scripted digital-first short form space and our strategy has produced award winning content.
“We’re delighted to have brought Deb Charles into the team as assistant commissioner, scripted to build on this success and we look forward to having further content announcements in the coming months.”
THE SHOWS:
Marc Jennings’ Genuine Question – Why Vote?
In the run up to the Holyrood election, Marc Jennings’ Genuine Question – Why Vote? follows stand up comedian and podcast host Marc Jennings as he attempts to understand Scottish politics from the perspective of the “everyman”.
Marc takes a peak behind the curtain of the campaign trail hearing contrasting views from people wearing very different shades of rosette.
Contributors include Angela Constance (SNP), Mags Hall (Scottish Greens), Sanne Dijkstra Downie (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Thomas Kerr (Reform UK), Paul Sweeney (Scottish Labour) and Meghan Gallacher (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party).
To help cut through the noise, Marc also turns to expert analysis from political commentator and academic Professor Sir John Curtice.
Covering major issues, manifesto promises, competing claims, crucial context and occasional daft tangents, the series balances factual insight with satirical instinct — one man doing his best to understand why these people want your vote.
Commenting, Marc Jennings says: “As a stand-up comedian with a podcast, it was only a matter of time before I stuck my nose into politics.
In an age where many are feeling scunnered with politics the Holyrood election gives us a chance to see whether there actually is anyone worth voting for.”
Marc Jennings’ Genuine Question – Why Vote? is a 6×10 series produced by The Comedy Unit (a Banijay UK company) for BBC Scotland. It will be available to watch on the BBC Scotland YouTube channel from Friday 1 May and on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 2 May.
The Chief Grills…
The Chief Grills sees Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson – better known as The Chief – invite a series of high profile “persons of interest” into the interrogation room.
Guests include musician Callum Beattie, Scotland international footballer Ryan Christie, interior designer Banjo Beale, influencer agency directors Amy Moore and Kirsten Cameron, stand up comic Connor Burns, and author and podcaster Sophie Gravia.
Under police interview conditions, and “for the benefit of the tape”, The Chief conducts in depth conversations about life, legacy and the law.
Conversations lead to surprising revelations and unexpected collaborations, from The Chief’s tips for winning the World Cup to his ideas for re engineering stadium anthems with a more “pro police” message. Once the Chief is satisfied no further action is required, guests are free to go.
With his trademark authority and curiosity, The People’s Chief is determined to understand what makes modern Scotland tick. Believing that those shaping society can help him better understand it, Miekelson quizzes his guests while consulting case files, uncovering “evidence” and revisiting key dates. Interviewees are asked where they were on the day in question, whether they’ve ever found themselves in trouble, and are encouraged to make any necessary admissions.
At the same time, The Chief presents himself as a Renaissance Man, constantly highlighting the many ways he believes he has something in common with his guests. Open to collaboration and advice, he explores how everyone might work together for the good of the police force – and indeed the nation.
Starring Jack Docherty, The Chief Grills is a 6×10 series produced by The Comedy Unit (A Banijay Company) for BBC Scotland. Episodes will publish weekly on BBC Scotland’s YouTube channel from 11 May. It will be available on BBC iPlayer later in the year.
MyAmi Nails
A polished, fast-moving, gag-packed, short form comedy celebrating community, colour and the chaotic beauty of starting over.
Leanne’s world is turned upside down when she inherits her brother’s business. She goes from working as a car mechanic to overseeing beauty treatments. Steep learning curve. Very different tools.
It is a challenge running any business these days. And Leanne wouldn’t describe herself as a nail bar regular. Thankfully the staff are friendly – enthusiastic Shoshanna, experienced May and expert Shug – her brother’s partner.
MyAmi Nails is a 1×10” short form sitcom produced by The Comedy Unit (A Banijay Company) for BBC Scotland. It is written by and stars Karen Dunbar as Leanne, Lawrence Chaney as Shug, Maureen Carr as May and Catriona Faint as Shoshanna.
It is available to watch now on the BBC Scotland YouTube channel and across BBC Scotland social channels in bitesized vertical chunks.
Reality Bunker
Reality Bunker, written and performed by Harrison MacNeill and Leo MacNeill, (aka Them is Brothers), is a unique parody of reality TV, set in a subterranean bunker somewhere in Scotland. It’s a multiverse of reality shows crashed into one!
The series lampoons every competitive reality show there is – think Traitors in a Scottish Bunker, Love Island in a Scottish Bunker, Squid Game in a Scottish Bunker, Big Brother, The Running Man, Celebrity Shark Swimming, Destination X… Reality Bunker is a mix of each, delivered in bitesize episodes.
There are confessions to camera, ridiculous tasks, betrayals, romances and evictions as well as day-to-day conversations, interactions and developments… all in a post-apocalyptic subterranean bunker.
The series is an all-encompassing melting pot of character and conflict, with endless daftness coming from the mix of contestants from across Scotland, the UK and beyond, all played by Harrison and Leo.
Harrison and Leo are experienced writer performers, and have previously written and performed in BBC Scotland Short Stuff sketches ‘Til Breath Do Us Part, Suburban Supervillains and The Crime That Happened.
Reality Bunker is a 10×2’ series produced by North Bridge Media for BBC Scotland. It will be available to watch later this year on BBC Scotland’s YouTube channel and social platforms.
