BBC Transparency

I recently applied for a job producing one of the BBC’s leading drama productions. It is a series that I have worked on and been connected to ever since it began. I have 20 years of the right experience and as objective as I can be, I thought I’d have a pretty good chance.

I came 2nd. Nobody remembers who comes 2nd right? Normally this wouldn’t have bothered me at all. I have been a freelance filmmaker all my life and have grown totally impervious to the endless rejections, but this one got under my skin.

the guy that was appointed had already done the job for the last year. He was a safe bet, neither exciting or a risk. A nice comfortable pair of slippers that the exec producers could slip on with any wrinkles. Of course, he was going to get the job long before interview day. He was a shoe in. Nothing wrong with that; I’ve appointed people I know many times, but at least I didn’t waste anyone’s time advertsining for a job that didn’t really exist.

The BBC is obsessed with marketing itself as transparent and open to scrutiny. The playing field is supposed to be level; equal opportunity for internal and external candidates alike. This is an absolute lie. Most BBC jobs have gone or have people lined up long before they ever hit the pages of Broadcast magazine.

In period where we all, filmmakers and viewers alike, wondered what happened to the great brave drama series of 20 years ago, it’s not difficult to see why. The BBC takes the path of least resistance in all its staffing terrified that anything or anyone might stand out. Ok as a philosophy if you are a bank, but totally unacceptable if your business is producing original thought provoking programming. This comes from people with something to say not those who know how to say nothing.