Oprah Winfrey Network call for UK content

Backed by Oprah Winfrey, the new Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will launch on US cable on 1 January 2011, initially reaching approximately 75 million US homes. 
 
Oprah Winfrey is a larger-than-life television personality in the United States thanks to her enormously successful daytime talk show. OWN will feature programming focusing on life improvements and personal growth, in particular they are interested in unscripted content, for example musicals / interview content and documentaries. It is understood that the network would like to air at least one feature documentary each week and a world premiere once a month.

"My vision for OWN is to create a network that inspires our viewers and makes them want to be who they are on their best day," Winfrey said.

The highlight from the programming slate is "Oprah's Next Chapter," a one-hour show that the network said would showcase Winfrey as she conducted "riveting conversations" in various locations around the globe.

Another show the cable network has high hopes for is "Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind." Among the personalities scheduled to appear are director James Cameron, musician Lady Gaga and photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Other shows are "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star," from reality show mogul Mark Burnett, in which contestants vie for the chance to host their own show; "Why Not? With Shania Twain," featuring the country singer's life after her painful divorce; and "Gayle King Live," a televised version of the radio talk show hosted by Winfrey's best friend.

Previously announced shows on the network include "Oprah Presents: Master Class," in which Winfrey chooses a prominent celebrity to give life lessons; a female prison show titled "Breaking Down the Bars"; "Enough Already" with de-cluttering expert Peter Walsh; the sex and relationship series "In The Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman"; and "The Miracle Detectives," in which a skeptic and a believer are pitted against each other in their exploration of "an amazing event."
 
South West Screen is collating information for an initial submission at the end of May 2010.
 
If you would like to be considered, please send us the following information:
 
a short pitch or brief
a one page summary of your idea
a brief biography statement of the principals involved
 
How to apply
 
Simply send the above information as an email attachemnt to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Wednesday 19 May. If you have any queries or would like to discuss your idea further you can contact Johanna on 07717755846 or 0117 9529973.

This article was taken from: http://www.swscreen.co.uk