Category: CBBC
Date: 22.06.2005
Printable version
Elaine Sperber has decided to leave
the BBC after six and a half years as CBBC's Head of Drama.
During her time with CBBC she has been instrumental
in producing and commissioning some 53 series, serials and single dramas
including the highly successful Tracy
Beaker, Kidnapped,
Feather Boy, Stig
Of The Dump, Pig Heart
Boy and Mark Haddon's original comedy,
Microsoap.
Elaine said: "When I arrived at the BBC I wanted to
make children's and family dramas which were more contemporary and reflected
the lives of the audience who watch our shows.
"I was committed to expanding the range of content
and style for the viewers, treating them as the sophisticated consumers
of programmes they truly are. I think I have achieved that."
Her success in pushing the boundaries of children's
drama has also been reflected in the awards the programmes have won:
five Baftas; an International Emmy; two RTS awards; two Broadcast Awards;
and most recently an Indie Award for Fungus
the Bogeyman.
As an American, Elaine was also keen for CBBC drama
programmes to have a more international appeal: she successfully initiated
several sizeable co-productions including I
Was A Rat with Canadian company Catalyst; Fungus
the Bogeyman with CBC; and Bootleg
and Noah & Saskia
with ABC in Australia.
Her recent production of Kidnapped
will be aired on PBS in the United States this autumn.
She will continue producing and developing children's
and family drama when she leaves the BBC, and intends to use her skills
to move into new areas of drama as well as exploring the new business
opportunities which are now available in the independent sector.
She will be leaving the BBC in July and is expected
to formally announce her future plans soon.
