James R | On 27, Nov 2020

BBC Three has commissioned new documentary Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?, after a successful pitch at this year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest.

With average puppy prices doubling in the last six months because of Covid-19, the timely documentary will look at some of the 20-somethings looking to launch new businesses breeding designer canines. Analysis suggests that workers aged 25 and under based in the North West are four times more likely to face job losses due to the pandemic than any other age group. With prospects looking grim, aspirational social media savvy individuals in the North are learning the ropes when it comes to breeding, and capitalising on the demand for designer dogs.

The film will follow the young breeders as they try to build their businesses and make them reputable. But, with puppies for life and not just lockdown, and a rise in ‘bad breeders’ looking to make a quick buck, it will also explore and discuss what constitutes good and bad practice in the world of dog breeding.

The idea for the film was pitched by Sophia Slater and Helena Rochester at the BBC Three pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest, which invites young filmmakers from the North of England to pitch live in front of BBC commissioners and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three. The winning pitch receives a BBC Three commission and support from a northern-based independent production company.

Campbell says: “The BBC Three Pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest is a brilliant launchpad for new talent and has been hugely successful for us. We were really excited about the prospect of this film and Sophia and Helena’s enthusiasm for it was infectious. We went for it because we love ideas that are aspirational and the business angle baked into this against felt really timely and ambitious.”

Slater and Rochester will be supported in making it by award-winning Salford-based production company Nine Lives.

They said: “We’re so excited about winning the opportunity to make this documentary for BBC Three and will be filming some fabulous young contributors.”

Recent winners include Rebecca Southworth for her film Can Sex Offenders Change, Ashley Turner for School Of Hard Tricks and Channel Wallace for Life After My Brother’s Murder.

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