Programming is Europe is undergoing a major shift, with drama on the rise and local fiction adaptions enjoying success, according to Nassima Boudi, international sales manager, Eurodata TV Worldwide.
Speaking at today’s Breakfast Briefing organised by Broadband TV News and NATPE in Budapest, she also said that entertainment is now the most popular genre, accounting for 41% of the top 10 shows in 71 countries worldwide.
US shows are losing ground in international markets and talent formats dominate.
Peter Radnai, director of local production, Chello Central Europe, meanwhile said that Chello tries to focus on entertainment, with even scientific programmes being presented as infotainment.
Commenting on the second screen he added that obtaining potential new viewers now has to be done through the internet.
Antony Root, EVP orginal programming and production, HBO Europe, provided insights into the company’s strategy in the CEE region.
He cited a number of productions including Burning Bush, directed by Agnieszka Holland (who is also a HBO director), and of which HBO Europe is “immensely proud”.
Root also said that HBO is hoping to develop writers in the CEE region.
Patty Geneste, CEO and founder of Absolutely Independent and the Chair of FRAPA, meanwhile provided an overview of the latter and its activities.
It has 150 members, including creators, broadcasters and producers, among them Endemol, Fremantle, ITV Studios, Start TV China and Mongol TV.
FRAPA has a format price calculator, taking into account territory, frequency, length, time slot and broadcast, as well as a ‘bible generator’, or format bible template.
FRAPA also cooperates with a number of bodies including the World Wide Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
