Are you ready for a TV market takeover of feel-good shows? London Screenings is about to bring a wave of entertainment that will make you forget about the winter gloom. Distributors are echoing the iconic words of Russell Crowe’s Maximus: “Are you not entertained?”
According to Jens Richter, CEO of Fremantle International, most platforms are now seeking entertaining shows to provide much-needed escapism. They want to transport the audience to another world and help them forget about reality, even if only for a moment. “We want to entertain you” is the headline for this year’s TV market.
Oliver Bachert, chief distribution officer of Beta Group, agrees that in a world filled with conflicts, people are looking for shows that are accessible and easy to enjoy. A bit of light-hearted entertainment goes a long way in helping us deal with everyday news. Even Nordic Noir, known for its dark and gritty themes, is embracing a lighter tone.
While crime and thrillers continue to dominate as major export genres, buyers are now seeking other narratives as well. For example, Berlinale Series Selects is presenting “Lost Boys and Fairies,” a show about a gay couple deciding to adopt a child. There’s also the comedic “Boarders,” which is generating a lot of buzz and attracting several deals.
In addition to crowd-pleasing stories, buyers can expect to see more unscripted content in the lineup. Rachel Glaister of All3Media International notes that unscripted shows are a major trend for all the major UK distributors. Fremantle, for instance, has a new docuseries in the works about Elisabeth Taylor, with none other than Kim Kardashian as an executive producer.
Richter emphasizes the importance of reaching viewers and not just producing great shows. The key currency in today’s TV landscape is traffic. Shows like “Nightsleeper,” with its action-packed storyline about people in peril on a train, are highly commercial and attract a wide audience.
Cost-efficiency is another concept that distributors are rediscovering. Overspending is no longer a priority. Bachert points out that a good story will find its audience regardless of the budget. Platforms are now looking for shows that offer cost-efficiency and are considering windowing, a concept that dates back to the early days of TV.
Long-running franchises are also becoming increasingly important. At a time when numerous platforms are competing with each other, having an established brand provides guidance for the audience. Richter advises taking extra care of big brands that are already established in their territories.
London Screenings has steadily grown over the years, with 29 distributors signed up to showcase their offerings this year. However, streamlining the event is crucial. With scripted and unscripted content, along with format upfronts, all condensed into around 3 hours, it becomes a lean and effective experience.
This event has become one of the places to be in the first part of the year. It offers efficiency as everyone is gathered in one place, seeing things at the same time. While meetings are important, the focus is still on screenings. Buyers prefer to see real, clear impressions of what’s coming now, rather than pitches for shows that are yet to be produced.
London Screenings is the spring event of absolute global relevance. Get ready to be entertained and captivated by a wide variety of feel-good shows and unscripted content. It’s time to leave the winter gloom behind and embrace the joyful and light-hearted spirit of television.
Source: Variety