BBC2 is planning a major factual series for next summer taking a definitive look at more than a century of British cinema history.

Each 90-minute episode of the seven-part series will tackle a different genre, with comedy likely to cover the Carry On films, thrillers encompassing Hitchcock's British body of work and horror featuring the Hammer back catalogue.

The series, which is still in the early stages of planning, will feature interviews and archive clips, and each episode is likely to be followed by a classic British movie from the featured genre.

There is also likely to be spin-off programming on digital channel BBC4 and associated red-button content.

The BBC is already talking to bodies such as the UK Film Council and the British Film Institute about organising events around the country to tie in with the series.

The BBC2 controller, Roly Keating, has ordered the series through Adam Kemp, the head of commissioning for arts, performance and religion.

"We're very excited about creating a season to celebrate British film in summer 2007. Beyond our programming we very much hope to create a festival of events across the country and are in the process of consulting with key stakeholders in the industry to help make this a season to remember," Mr Kemp said.

The series is to be made by the BBC's Manchester-based factual entertainment department, which specialises in archive shows.

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