Paramount Global Distribution is heading MIPCOM with acompelling program offering including content that spans every genre from drama to comedy, documentaries, formats and international co-productions.
Lisa Kramer, President, International TV Licensing, explained: ‘Our main hot picks for international buyers this year include the charming and very funny comedy, Colin From Accounts, which was a huge hit at LA Screenings this year. This is one of our international co-productions starring and executive produced by Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer’.
‘We also have Fire Country, which is an action drama with procedural elements featuring strong characters. The series is inspired by series star and executive producer, Max Thieriot’s real-life experiences growing up in Northern California fire country. Poker Face (10x’60) is a mystery series starring Emmynominee Natasha Lyonne for Peacock in the U.S. from T-Street and MRC Television. This is the first series from Rian Johnson who serves as creator, writer and director of the original series’, she added.
About the changes in the distribution business, she said: ‘We areat the forefront of subscription streaming with both Paramount+ and FAST Channels/AVOD with PlutoTV. As a distributor, Paramount Global Content Distribution has adapted our focus to support both the streaming efforts, as well as third party licensing. With Paramount+ Original content, as well as premium pillars, which are streaming first, but we also have a robust slate of first run content which we are taking direct to market from inhouse brands such as CBS Studios, as well as select third party producers’.
She continues: ‘In short, by consolidating all of our many brands/genres under the label Paramount Global Content Distribution, we have created a single distribution powerhouse with the first run and library assets to power both inhouse O&O’s as well as third party licensees’.
The executive believes audience and industry tastes ‘have changed’ through the pandemic as they are watching more television / streaming series, features, etc. ‘We are able to continue to reach audiences across the globe through our compelling programming line-up’, she remarked.
Paramount+ has a very aggressive expansion roadmap, including key European markets this fall, and further markets in Asia next year. At the same time, PlutoTV has a similar growth strategy. Kramer: ‘In order to support these streaming initiatives and continue our robust third-party licensing business, we continue to manage an enormous portfolio of brands and exclusive world class content from the biggest producers around the world. There is more content than ever: we have found a balance in supporting our services as well as expanding our licensing deals with key clients across the globe.
