Prime-Time TV Formula

What are the coming trends in prime-time programming in Western Europe ? What is the percentage of American fare and European fare in primetime slots? What are the coming trends in production, distribution and broadcast? Miracle Screenings asked European and American moguls and major Broadcasters about successful programming about coming trends in prime-time programming.

Justin Hatfield VP Sales Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia & Benelux Fremantle International Distribution (FID) United Kingdom

What are the coming trends in prime-time programming on Western European TV Channels?

The best game shows and reality programs stay strong, as do the top talent programs like "The X Factor", "Idols" and "Poker Face". Comedy is coming back strongly and we have a fantastic line up of comedy programs, which range from young skewing sketch comedy from the UK & Australia, including "The IT Crowd", "Man Stroke Woman", "Comedy Inc." and "That Mitchell & Webb Look". There is rising interest in 'green' programming, a developing genre which covers a wide range of issues including lifestyle, dietary and health issues, for example programs like "Jamie at Home" and Jimmy Doherty's hit BBC series "Jimmy's Farm". Event programming is also increasingly important in the region. Broadcasters are looking for promotable, franchise programming which is strongly identifiable to viewers and supports the broadcaster brand. At FID, we are finding that programming such as "Prehistoric Park " (6 x 1-hour), a big budget production which appeals to the whole family, is able to meet those needs.

What is the percentage of American fare and European fare in prime-time slots in Western Europe ?

While I couldn't quote exact figures, it seems that in Western Europe a lot of US output deal / volume deal programming is not really wanted by broadcasters and so is played outside prime time slots, mainly late night and daytime. Many channels now also have digital off-shoots where this 'superfluous' US programming is also played. Regardless of whether programming comes from the US or Europe programmers are looking for "content" that will make a difference, programming that will stand out.

What programs do you have on the air in Western Europe ?

"Falcon Beach " airs in Spain on La Sexta each Thursday at 10.30pm, and "Prehistoric Park ", will air in a family primetime slot. In Scandinavia, TV Norge, Kanal5 and SBS6 Denmark all play Jamie Oliver´s "Jamie´s Great Italian Escape" in weekend primetime slots. Jamie also plays in primetime / early primetime in all Nordic and Benelux territories and each of his programs is licensed by all of Iberia, Nordic Countries and Benelux. Similarly, "Prehistoric Park " is set for family primetime timeslots across these regions.

What programming is in demand in Western Europe now?

In addition to the genres mentioned in question one, I also believe that local adaptations of proven successes are on the increase. For instance a local version of hit telenovela "Betty la Fea" is being produced by Grundy Producciones for Telecinco, Spain and there is also a Spanish version of the game show "Distraction", being produced for Canal 10 in Uruguay as "Distraccion".

What programs will be in demand at MIPCOM 2006? Please give us your opinion.

I would imagine that these trends would continue for MIPCOM 2006 and we will see interest from broadcasters in big event programs, family-friendly viewing, comedy programs, reality and talent programs as well as key lifestyle programs which remain popular - essentially everyone wants "events, brands, franchises" to build their schedules and FremantleMedia are able to provide content, whether it be finished tape or formats for local productions, and has a very successful track record in creating and delivering event programming, building brand value and sustaining successful franchises.

Prehistoric Park