Kanal 7 (Turkey), The Format People (Canada), Nippon TV(Japan) and Di Agency (Russia) reflected on the “Testimonials of the Industry” that the new narratives and filming schemes will govern the production of new formats.
Irina Zotova, editor in chief atDi Agency, a Russian agency that represents creators, directors and producers in this market, commented that the production of series in this CEE market has been increasing deeply in the last years: ‘Netflix released two Russian series attached to creators that we represent, which makes us proud because our stories are crossing borders. Since OTTs began to arrive a couple of years ago in our territory, producers have brought a more global dimension to content. At LAVS, we are opened to generate new creative alliances’.
Tom Miyauchi, format producer and licensing, international business development at Japanese multi-platform giant Nippon TV,highlighted that the company’s seasonal game shows,Stacking it and Crush Park, are designed for the ‘enjoyment and observation of the family’, following the trends of good-feel programming: ‘These shows are perfect to be adapted in all parts of the world, and in turn, suitable for recording protocols taking Covid-19 into account, guaranteeing 100% distancing in the recording studios’,he remarked.
Yeşim Sezdirmez, deputy general manager, Kanal 7, stressed that despite the Covid reality, Turkey has been maintaining its productive balance: ‘The biosafety schemes are being fulfilled in the TV industry in Turkey, that is why the titles in this market, they are generating so much interest in the international market’, she said. In addition to classic drama, the executive underlined that the drama narrative is going to other genres, such as thriller.
Michele Rodrigue, CEO and partner, The Format People(Canada), spoke about the situation of formats today, ensuring that this segment is dominated by broadcasters and large production studios: Banijay, Fremantle, Red Arrow, among others. ‘Pandemic has complicated the sale and the search for partners for the most indie developers. These are difficult times for formats, although they are being carried out, it has been difficult for the newest filmmakers. We hope to be back in business soon enough to bring the most innovative formats to the screen from the most inventive creators’.
On the third day of LAVS, global executives will continue take protagonist on the “Testimonials of the Industry” portion of VS Next.
