1. BBC Media Action
BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international development organization. We believe in the power of media and communication for good. We work in more than 20 countries worldwide, supporting the independent media essential to democracy and development. Each year our projects reach over 100 million people facing poverty, inequality, and insecurity with information they can trust—helping to improve health, bridge divides, challenge prejudice, and save and change lives. We follow the editorial standards and values of the BBC, but rely on funding from donors and partners to carry out our work. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), BBC Media Action runs Zaza & Zuzu, an award-winning children’s programme providing psychosocial support and educational entertainment for children aged 5–10 years affected by war and displacement. Phase I produced 52 episodes, reaching children in Gaza with resilience-building stories. Phase II will build on this success with 40 new episodes, deepening the programme’s mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) impact, strengthening outreach to caregivers and communities, and ensuring safeguarding and child protection remain central to production.
2. Objectives of the Assignment The selected production company will:
• Design and produce a set of 40 facilitator activity cards that accompany the 40 audio stories.
• Produce one 15-minute animated pilot episode based on selected stories and existing audio provided by BBC Media Action.
• Develop social media and promotional visual assets to enhance visibility and audience engagement. This phase will also lay the foundation for future collaboration, including branding, communications strategy, and long-term visual content development.
3. Scope of Work
A. Facilitator Activity Cards Design and produce 40 A5 facilitator cards, each including:
– Illustrations and visual elements linked to the corresponding story.
– Interactive and reflective activities for children aged 5–10.
– Clear facilitator guidance to help support emotional expression, learning, and group interaction.
– Ensure all cards are child-friendly, inclusive, and culturally appropriate, integrating key psychosocial and educational elements.
– Deliver print-ready and digital versions (Arabic and English). B. Animated Pilot Episode Produce one 15-minute animated pilot episode based on selected stories.
– Cover all stages: concept design, storyboarding, visual development, animation, and post-production.
– Integrate sound design, music, and subtitles in Arabic and English. (BBC Media Action will provide the main audio and voice recordings.)
– Collaborate with BBC Media Action throughout each stage (concept → storyboard → animatic → final version).
– Ensure that all content aligns with BBC editorial values, safeguarding standards, and psychosocial objectives (MHPSS). C. Social Media & Promotional Visual Assets Create a series of custom visual assets (static and motion-based) to promote the Zaza & Zuzu stories across social media and digital platforms.
– Assets should reflect the new Zaza & Zuzu visual identity, tone, and child-friendly design.
– Deliver in platform-optimized formats (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital channels).
4. Deliverables
• One fully produced 15-minute animated pilot episode, with English subtitles, and or sign language interpretation in HD broadcast-ready format.
• Set of social media visual assets (illustrations, promotional materials, and motion graphics) – TBC.
• Source files for all designs, animations, and illustrations.
5. Timeline
• Start date: 15 November 2025
• Production & design period: 4 months
• Delivery of all approved materials will be on a rolling basis, in agreement with BBC Media Action.
6. Vendor Qualifications The company must demonstrate:
• At least 3 years of experience producing children’s content.
• Proven experience working in conflict-affected settings.
• Documented safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Adequate facilities and staff capacity to deliver high-quality production on time.
• Proven track record in delivering similar projects with NGOs/UN agencies.
• Strong professional references.
• Understanding BBC Editorial guidelines or equivalent.
7. Reporting & Coordination
• The company will report to the Senior Projects Manager at BBC Media Action MENA.
• Close collaboration will be required with the project coordinator and the creative/technical teams.
8. Safeguarding & Compliance The company must:
• Adhere to BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and ensure all staff complete training.
• Follow BBC editorial guidelines and values.
• Collect and manage signed consent forms for all children engaged in production if needed.
• Ensure safe recruitment, supervision, and monitoring of all staff and contractors.
9. Payment Terms (linked to deliverables)
• 30% upon contract signing and submission of production plan.
• 40% after successful pre-testing and delivery of 20 approved episodes.
• 30% after final delivery and approval of all deliverables, and reporting.
10. Application Process
Interested companies should submit:
• Technical proposal (approach, timeline).
• Financial proposal (budget in USD, inclusive of taxes/fees).
• Company profile with relevant portfolio and proof of similar experience.
• Safeguarding policy and procedures.
• CVs of key staff
How to apply
Submissions should be sent to: khadija.maalej@TN.bbcmediaaction.org and Razam.Hejazi@TN.bbcmediaaction.org by 15 November 2025 with the subject line: RFQ – Zaza & Zuzu – [Company Name].
Safeguarding Note This work involves engaging with vulnerable children, youth, and adults. Mandatory training will be provided to the successful company on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. A background check may form part of the recruitment process.E