TBI Weekly: What’s hot ahead of The London TV Screenings?

Starstruck

With London Screenings getting underway next week, TBI checked in with execs from international distributors of all sizes as buyers descend upon the British capital in search of the next big thing.

Execs share the low down on the hottest new shows on their slates, the top upcoming trends to watch out for in 2022 and which of their competitors’ shows they’re keeping an eye on – or just thoroughly enjoying – at the moment.

Look out for the full interviews, which will be published throughout next week, but for now, here are some of the highlights from just a few of those who shared their thoughts.

Cathy Payne

Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights

What single distribution trend will define the next 12 months?
The ongoing competition for eyeballs between the global OTT offerings versus the linear broadcasters and their bespoke VOD domestic services – the latter of which have developed into deep VOD offerings in their own right. But watch out for the rise of linear programmed channels (FAST channels) on VOD platforms.

What show are you most looking forward to in 2022?
I’d have to say The Crown on Netflix – a return that will be made more poignant in this special Platinum Jubilee year, plus special mentions go to My Brilliant Friend and the new season of Billions.

Ruth Berry

Ruth Berry, Managing Director, Global Distribution, ITV Studios

Which country’s programming will boom this year & why?

British – a large share of the US content market is integrated into studios’ streaming platforms globally and not available to acquire. That, coupled with the growing strength of British programming, especially drama, elevates it into a premium spot that continues to deliver great audiences around the world.

What’s your standout show for London Screenings and why?

Litvinenko – not only is it a fascinating story of our time and current geo-political situation, it’s incredibly told, powerfully acted and a truly fitting testament to the man himself. Must watch television at its best.

Louise McNab

Louise McNab, director of content sales, BBC Studios

What single distribution trend will define the next 12 months?

There will be an even more diverse mixture of top performing content. We will see new voices, new ideas, new technologies, new services – all driving the creatives to take risks they may have never considered before to set new standards in must-watch content.

Rewind to this time in 2018. You have the same knowledge as you do now – what would be the first thing you’d do?
I would take some even bigger bets. The demand for quality has exploded and the appetite for something different is stronger than ever before. Happily, looking at our pipeline, we are well positioned for the future.

Jens Richter

Jens Richter, CEO of international, Fremantle

What single distribution trend will define the next 12 months?

There is a lot of growth with platforms entering more markets in the SVOD space, there will also be huge growth in the AVOD space, like IMDb TV expanding into more territories and other AVOD players coming to market.

Rewind to this time in 2018. You have the same knowledge as you do now – what would be the first thing you’d do?
Invest in digital first, given the speed at which the market has changed and continues to change from linear, to digital, to streaming 24/7 and most recently the growth of FAST channels.

Rick Barker

Rick Barker, head of sales, DCD Rights

What show are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Being a golf and cricket fan, it could only be This Could Go Anywhere in which the first series followed former cricketers Phil Tufnell and Brendon McCullum, playing golf, sharing some great stories, eating and drinking the finest food and wine around New Zealand.

Which country’s programming will boom this year & why?

The continual rise of K-drama, highlighted by Squid Game has recently gripped worldwide audiences, but it’s not an overnight sensation; it has taken years to build up to this position. Asia and in particular Singapore and Malaysia will experience a similar boom and with international and regional streamers expanding their presence across Asia, distributors will be keeping a keen eye on the region’s development pipelines.

Prentiss Fraser

Prentiss Fraser, EVP Television Distribution at Endeavor Content

What’s your standout show for London Screenings and why?

Our spring slate this year is really strong; Tokyo Vice, Killing Eve Season 4, Life & Beth, Wolf Like Me etc. but I’m really excited for Conversations With Friends to come out as the casting is amazing and Element Pictures and Lenny Abrahamson have created another stellar piece of work from Sally Rooney’s novel.

Which country’s programming will boom this year & why?

Korean content will continue its boom trajectory and there is definitely untapped potential across South East Asia as well.