BBC iPlayer to air exclusive dramas

The beeb has announced it will air a BBC Three drama strand exclusively on their iPlayer service.

The new drama strand will build on BBC iPlayer’s strategy to showcase more exclusive content within the service in 2013 and on the BBC Writersroom’s ongoing commitment to bring the best new writers to UK audiences.

During 2012, the BBC brought selected online-only programmes to audiences via BBC iPlayer. These included BBC Three Feed My Funny new talent comedy pilots, a Doctor Who mini-series called Pond Life, and curated archive programmes for BBC Four.

“The drama strand is a bold and exciting venture between BBC iPlayer, BBC Three and BBC Drama Production to commission six original short films over two years, written and directed by the best up-and-coming writing and directing talent from across the UK.” – BBC

With last years productions proving popular on BBC iPlayer, including Pond Life receiving over 5 million requests, the BBC Three comedy pilots over 1 million requests and the BBC Four archive programmes receiving over 2 million cumulative requests the corporation is extending the service this year.

Victoria Jaye, BBC Head of IPTV & TV Online Content, adds, “This ambitious new strand builds on BBC iPlayer as a creative platform to bring original British drama to audiences online, and explores storytelling outside of a scheduled TV slot or duration. Audiences will be able to discover, share and enjoy these dramas whenever and wherever they choose.”

[Reported by Mike Watkins]