BBC Opens The Door To More Indy Producers

Professional just got a whole lot less expensive
Many thanks to Kevin Johnson at b-roll.net for this update

The BBC, the premier quality broadcaster in the world just released its new production guidelines for 2010.

Among the many requirements that The BBC lists for independent producers are the cameras that The BBC find acceptable for broadcast.

The BBC, being among the most traditional broadcasters in the world lists 3 that are approved for independent producers:

The SONY PDW 800  – $38,990.00

The Red One -  $35,000 (all in)

Canon XF300E – $6799.oo

This is clearly a sea-change for The BBC.

The Canon XF300 is the first 1/3 chip allowed in HD shows.

And this is not for news. This is for all programming – documentary, drama, comedy and so on.

The BBC is and always has been the technical standard bearer for quality television and in opening the door to the Canon XF they are sending a clear message that it is their intention to support lower budget productions and clearly more ‘independent’ production companies.

Some might call this a ‘lowering of standards’, or perhaps it’s just an indication that the technology has gotten that much better.

In either case, it clearly paves the way for more people to get into the independent television production business.