BBC Studios introduces Auntie

BBC Studios has unveiled a new label to be headed by creative directors Samantha Anstiss and Sam Bickley, with two BBC2 orders on its books.

Samantha Anstiss

Auntie Productions will sit inside BBC Studios and has a broad range of developments on its slate, ranging from factual drama to factual entertainment and documentary.

The label has already won two six-part commissions for BBC2: In Your Ear and Inside the World’s Most Extraordinary Hotels.

In Your Ear is a documentary format that follows two Brits going through one of the most challenging weeks of their lives, such as starting a new job, having a child or bouncing back from a life-changing disability.

Experts are on hand to provide advice and offer new perspectives, diverse cultural wisdom and advice in their own quirky and entertaining way.

Sam Bickley

Inside The World’s Most Extraordinary Hotels is described as an “immersive specialist factual documentary series” that goes behind the scenes at some of the world’s most impressive hotels.

Former commissioners Anstiss and Bickley are joined at Auntie by Charlie Nicholson, who becomes head of development. He previously worked at Endemol, Oxford Film & Television and Blast! Films.

Anstiss and Bickley report to Roger Leatham, director of entertainment, music and events at BBC Studios.

“Factual Entertainment is a really important and exciting area for us and Samantha and Sam have a strong track record in commissioning and producing bold, contemporary, creative ideas across genres,” he said.

“These latest series have real warmth and wit, as well as a big sense of adventure and I can’t wait to see what new programmes and formats they develop next under their label Auntie.”