During the panel “Format Futures: How to make a splash on the global stage” at NATPE Budapest 2025, leading executives discussed how original ideas from smaller companies are breaking onto the international stage. Moderated by Barry Walsh (Realscreen), the meeting brought together Ákos Erdős (Paprika Studios) and Aleksander Herresthal (Seefood TV), who shared strategies, experiences and visions on global format development and sales.
Erdős underlined Paprika Studios focus on original creation and its expansion across Central and Western Europe. He cited the case of Fish on the Cake, a format produced in seven countries, with over a thousand episodes, as an example of the regional potential to scale internationally. He also highlighted the company’s recent return to independence after its exit from the Viaplay group, which allows them to seek new alliances and control regional distribution.
Herresthal presented The Box, a reality competition inspired by the need for surprise and personal challenge, born during the pandemic. He stressed the importance of maintaining control over IPs, even if that means taking risks. Seefood TV has chosen to distribute its creations directly to avoid them being relegated to third party catalogues.
Both agreed that, faced with tight budgets and the attrition of large global formats, the market demands creative, cost-effective and relevant content. Erdős mentioned Traitors as an example of recent success and stated that commissioners are more open to new ideas if they offer efficient production.
Finally, Herresthal remarked that the key to success remains passion and confidence in one’s own ideas: ‘If you believe in something, sometimes you have to take a risk and do it yourself’.
