The BBC's latest scheme for cutting the cost of programme-making will be tested at the corporation's London-based factual and learning department later this year with the introduction of low-cost desktop editing systems for production teams.
The BBC's latest scheme for cutting the cost of programme-making will be tested at the corporation's London-based factual and learning department later this year with the introduction of low-cost desktop editing systems for production teams.

Broadcasthas learned that the corporation has ordered at least 15 Apple Final Cut Pros which will be given to programme-makers, who will be expected to carry out some of their shows' basic offline editing in an effort to cut post-production costs.

The move is part of the BBC's Production Innovations scheme, an offshoot of last year's review into spending, which is designed to cut costs in programme production. It will give the department the editing power of a large facility.

The BBC has chosen FCP for the trial because it can provide desktop editing for as little as£3,000, cheaper than rival systems from Avid and Quantel.

But the corporation's plan to ramp up the amount of in-house editing done by programme-makers is controversial with both factual and learning staff, for whom it means extra work, and post houses for whom it means less.

One factual and learning insider told Broadcast: "Now they're turning researchers, directors and assistant producers into editors, which is absolutely against the advice from post houses and BBC Resources."

"They tried it out for the first time on Full on Foodand some staff reported that it was an unmitigated disaster. But the top brass at the department have been told that it was a fantastic success."

One senior figure in UK post-production said: "When producers and directors do it themselves, programmes take longer to edit. Where a traditional edit would take three weeks, it takes them six, working day and night."

The move could have a huge impact on post houses, which will have to kit themselves out with the editing package if they want to compete for BBC work.

UK Post chief executive Gaynor Davenport said that several members have already raised the issue with her and that she was talking to the corporation about the plans.

Blue managing director Danny Whybrow added: "It seems like a great idea in theory but these kinds of cost-saving schemes can potentially be disastrous."

A BBC spokesperson said: "We are currently in consultation with Bectu and UK Post about it. Nothing is finalised."

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