Tranter keen to overcome UK to US barriers

The BBC should overcome international differences and make more co-productions with firms in the US, according to head of fiction Jane Tranter.

She said at a Royal Television Society event this week: "I want to make a series that launches in dozens of countries all at the same time, but has something to say to the ordinary man or woman on the street in every one. That works on a personal as well as universal level, that manages to feel both local and global."

The BBC has collaborated with US cable channel HBO on several projects in recent years, including Extras and Rome.

Tranter acknowledged there were both cultural differences and practical barriers, such as the fact that an "hour-long" BBC programme is 60 minutes whereas, without adverts, a broadcast network US show lasts 45 minutes.

"Working with more international partners poses a real challenge for us. Is there a feeling that somehow a show does not have enough breadth?"

However, she added: "This is a practical challenge that can be overcome so long as there is enough willingness - and there is enough willingness."

Tranter's comments come after ITV agreed an extensive development and formatting deal with Fox.