LumoTV reveals drama commission brief as it seeks first deaf-led microdrama

LumoTV content

UK-based streamer LumoTV has opened its latest scripted commissioning round as it searches for drama ideas with deaf-centred storytelling and deaf characters at their core.

The commissioning round opened on October 5, with submissions accepted until November 13.

The brief calls for comedy and action stories that champion deaf representation both on screen and off, including microdrama and vertical drama.

LumoTV said it is aiming to make the UK’s first deaf vertical drama in any genre during this commissioning round.

The ambitious action-led stories it is looking for could range from adult-skewing revenge thrillers to more mainstream, family friendly and co-viewing content, LumoTV said.

This year there is a focus on stories about the nations and regions of the UK, particularly comedies and sitcoms from the North of England and Wales.

LumoTV is also seeking content that has the potential to attract additional screen agencies or co-funding opportunities, as well as stories related to the climate.

Other areas include fresh takes on established IP now in the public domain, including, but not limited to, Dickens, Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare, provided there is an “original and compelling” reason to revisit that world through a “deaf gaze.”

Projects for LumoTV’s next Step-Up short film scheme, designed as a training pathway for emerging writers, directors and directors of production, are also being sought.

The brief invites ideas from creatives and producers with any level of experience, as long as a deaf creative is attached at the heart of the project in a role such as writer, co-writer or director.

Whilst most of LumoTV’s onscreen language will always be sign language, the commissioning round will consider a limited number of projects from non-signing deaf or hard-of-hearing creatives on a case-by-case basis where this reflects their lived experience.

LumoTV is inviting submissions from two groups: emerging talent, for shortform projects and first-time commissioning opportunities, and established production companies and creatives.

For major series and features, LumoTV can come on board at the development or pilot stage, either as a consultant or a funder. It can help take projects to market with a view to securing a mainstream co-commission or it can join as a coproduction partner.

LumoTV is also open to joining or co-funding projects that are already partly in place, whether they’re subject to development deals or have some production funding secured.

These can be set in the UK or abroad as long as a deaf UK creative is involved and there is deaf representation amongst the cast, if LumoTV is to board as co-commissioner and coproducer.

The commissioning brief reflects LumoTV’s recent campaign, The 91% Mandate, which encourages broadcasters, commissioners, production companies and talent to work more closely with the deaf community and increase the volume of content created in sign language by deaf talent.