Virgin seeks docs, fact ent for Ireland

Virgin Media Television in Ireland, the broadcaster set to be rebranded from TV3 Group this month, is on the hunt for documentaries and factual entertainment formats.

The shows will air on the group’s three free-to-air channels, Virgin Media 1, Virgin Media 2 and Virgin Media 3, which are rebranding from TV3, 3e and be3 respectively from August 30.

Programming will air during 2019 and 2020, with ideas being sought that “must reflect life in contemporary Ireland. We want to investigate the milestones of modern living, the issues and dramas of life in Ireland and the major changes occurring in our society,” the company said.

Of particular interest are “returnable brand-defining formats and series, focusing on noisy and topical ideas in hour-long slots.”

“Unique access opportunities” and Irish-language submissions are also being sought.

Virgin said the emphasis “should be on compelling and gripping factual series which reflect contemporary Ireland or shine a light on areas that we seldom see.”

Submissions should be made by August 31 and form part of the BAI Sound & Vision Fund for Virgin Media Television. Earlier this week, the company put a call out for drama projects.