Bebo plans for six online TV productions

LONDON - Bebo has committed itself to make a minimum of six original online productions for 2009 under a newly created programme banner Bebo Originals.

The productions will build on the success of its previous online dramas, such as 'KateModern' and 'Sofia's Diary'. 'Sofia's Diary' has since been broadcast on Five.

The social media network said it was developing and commissioning content for 2009 that would broaden out from successful dramas to encompass entertainment, reality and comedy.

Joanna Shields, Bebo president, said: "It's been just over a year since we brought KateModern to Bebo and demonstrated the full potential of popular short form content broadcast over a social network.

"Such has been the success of this and our other short-form shows that have followed that we are delighted to be in a position to commit to a full multi-genre schedule for 2009."

The shows will be selected by new commissioners Kelly Brett and Kate Burns and scheduled so that they are given an opportunity to perform on Bebo without competition, as well as offering them promotional support across the network.

As a result of these changes, programming will fall in the three main categories:

Firstly Bebo Originals, which are the equivalent of a television broadcaster's original commission that benefits from the support and promotion of the network. These will be of the same quality of previous original commissions, 'KateModern', 'Sofia's Diary', and 'The Secret World of Sam King'.

Secondly there will be third-party productions created exclusively for air on Bebo, as well as programmes broadcast on traditional platforms. Examples include 'Meet The Freshers', which was made by Tom Thurlow and will airing next month on Bebo.

Lastly there are Open Media production deals struck with conventional broadcasters such as the BBC and Channel 4 and resulting in shows such as 'Fonejacker' and 'Top Gear' being aired on Bebo.

Kelly Brett, head of original production at Bebo, said: "We are very excited to be launching Bebo Originals, taking what we learnt from successes such as 'Sofia's Diary' and 'KateModern', and building them into a constant schedule throughout next year."