Buyers, producers and financiers flock to inaugural TBI Social

International buyers, producers, financiers and distributors flocked to the inaugural TBI Social yesterday evening, where speakers from Amazon, Banijay and Lionsgate provided insights and opinion on the fast-changing TV landscape.

Held during UK Screenings week – and ahead of a packed week of events across London – hundreds of attendees made their way to the Southbank to hear from key execs on how the content business is throwing up challenges and opportunities aplenty.

Martin Backlund

Martin Backlund, head of content at Amazon Prime Video UK, Eire and Nordics, outlined how his company has been adapting its content offering to changing viewer tastes, while providing fascinating detail on how the streamer’s originals production side of the business works with its acquisitions operation.

Backlund underlined that flexibility in deal-making was a key facet of the Amazon model, providing opportunities for both producers and those holding rights, while Banijay Group’s head of distribution Tim Mutimer discussed the soaring potential of AVOD.

Mutimer also discussed Banijay’s push into drama and how it is looking to secure talent for both scripted and unscripted projects, while Marc Lorber, SVP of international acquisitions & co-productions at Lionsgate, revealed how his company is balancing working with nascent streamers and traditional broadcasters.

Lorber discussed the roots of projects such as Sharon Horgan’s Motherland and Cold Courage for Viaplay, discussing how the US studio is looking to expand its international reach with co-development and co-production deals, as well as investment and scripted format acquisitions.

TBI’s next event takes place on Tuesday, 18 February, and features Left Bank Pictures’ CEO Andy Harries. Click here for more information – last few tickets remaining.