Belfast could be the scene for two brand new TV shows over the next year, with each series hoping to attract around two million viewers per episode.
Newly released documents state the council has been approached by the BBC to participate in two factual series; one following public agencies doing their daily work, and another exploring the Botanic Gardens.
The first is entitled ‘The Defenders’ and is due to air later this year, with an initial run of 12 episodes of 45 minutes.
It is aiming to “attract an audience of between 1.5 to 2 million per episode”, according to the new council papers.
BCC officers have already carried out preliminary discussions with production company Raw Cut TV “to ascertain the aim of the programme”.
It is clear from the briefing documents outlining the proposals that Belfast City Council officials are concerned that the shows may attempt to paint Northern Ireland’s capital in a poor light.
“…Raw Cut TV confirmed they are not interested in running their own ‘Rouge Traders’ style investigations or in naming and shaming,” the council documents state.
“Their aim is to showcase the agencies as the go about their daily work.
“They are also willing to enter in to a legal agreement with the council to ensure adequate safeguards to provide reassurance that our image and reputation are protected and that our enforcement powers and cases (past and present) would not be jeopardised in any way.”
The second TV series, also being shown on the BBC, is entitled “A Year in Botanic Gardens” and will be produced, subject to agreement with Belfast City Council, by production company Clean Slate TV.
According to council briefing documents, which state this Botanic TV show idea was only shared with them at the time of writing, the series will explore the new Tropical Ravine and Palm House in Belfast’s most famous public garden and park.
“[It will] also take a look at the kind of people who visit the park including event goers and dog walkers; it would show how the park works in all seasons and the hard work it takes to maintain the gardens and park,” the papers state.
“The company has not made any reference to investigating any regulatory or enforcement aspect of council work, and officers seek permission to progress discussions on this proposal.”
Both shows will start filming in the city this year, subject to legal agreements and other terms and conditions with Belfast City Council.
Source: Belfastlive
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