Part B dealt with the development of a program from concept and the pursuit of funding for production of that program, an exciting and intensely creative process that can be heartbreaking as well. Without the necessary funding to cover the costs of production, it is unlikely that production will commence and the program will then never be made. The unfortunate statistical reality is that a majority of program concepts that go into the development process do not end up as programs shown on television. They fall by the wayside somewhere along the line, most commonly through insufficient funding.

For those projects that do move into production, the environment of the project changes dramatically. No longer is it a semistructured, freewheeling exchange of ideas run on enthusiasm, hope and a modicum of desperation. The prevailing mood switches to one of structure, and the application of professionalism. There is still room for creativity and new ideas. That never stops until the program is delivered, but these are applied in a long, integrated and managed process, a matrix that is business-like and follows clearly laid-out pathways.

The intensity eases for the producer at this stage. There is a mood of relief at having got the project over the major hurdle that stands between the idea and its realisation, the ‘green light’ of funds that enables the project to go into production.