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TBI’s 2023 Predictions: Lars Hermann, COO, Apple Tree Productions
As the new year gets underway, TBI talks to some of the biggest names in the global TV industry to get their thoughts on the major trends and best shows coming up in the next 12 months.
Here, Lars Hermann, COO of Denmark’s Apple Tree Productions, talks streaming movies, budget concerns and The Last Of Us.
What is the biggest growth area for your company this year?
Producing content for streamers. The year-on-year 11% inflation in Denmark from October 2021-22 means budgets increase, making financing more difficult. I think streamers are better geared to deal with it than broadcasters.
What is the key trend going to be this year?
Streamers will make more and more feature films, that would otherwise have been made for the cinema. I think there is a growing demand for new movies alongside the new series to give subscribers that alternative.
What is your New Year’s resolution and why? (work or personal)
After a catastrophic year in 2022 (rights crises between creators and streamers in Denmark) we must build back up to the great position we were in a year ago – delivering 3-4 great shows a year. Feels like one step back, one step ahead, and now in a more difficult market, but we want it badly.
What will be the biggest headline in 2023 and why?
“European film in crisis”. Streamers are engaging more and more in feature films, competing against cinemas, where attendance is struggling to come back up after covid-19. Seems like an opportunity to me.
What show (from outside of your own company) are you most looking forward to?
The Last Of Us. What’s not to like – dystopian sci-fi, Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey!
Read more from TBI’s 2023 Predictions
- Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios
- Marco Nobili, EVP & Int’l GM, Paramount+
- Mikiko Nishiyama, EVP, Nippon TV
- Julian Bellamy, MD, ITV Studios
- Nomsa Philiso, executive head of programming, Multichoice
- Marina Williams, co-CEO, Asacha Media Group
- James Burstall, CEO, Argonon
- Lucy Smith, entertainment division director, RX France
- Mark Fennessy, founder, CCO & chair, Helium
- Andrea Scrosati, Group COO & CEO Continental Europe, Fremantle
- Maaz Sheikh, CEO & co-founder, StarzPlay
- Kate Beal, founder & CEO, Woodcut Media
- Daria Leygonie-Fialko, CEO, Space Production, & co-founder, OUP
- Tim Mutimer, CEO, Cineflix Rights
- Rob Wade, CEO, Fox Entertainment
- Lars Hermann, COO, Apple Tree Productions
- Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights