Miracle Screenings: International magazine covering the business of television and film

What are your acquisition strategies?

My biggest strategy is concentrating on a particular area and finishing it before I move on to the next one. There are thousands and thousands of hours of programming on the international market. A typical buyer needs to have 28 hours a day, 11 days a week, 15 months a year and to live at least 140 years to watch all of them. At this point, like in the popular board game "Monopoly", I must collect particular programming that is marketable and sellable by our sales team. Secondly, it is highly crucial to develop a unique point of view and thematic plan. During of the screening of various programming, it is necessary to find different titles that could be incorporated into something else. This gives my sales team a chance to sell it as a package. Third and most important is to be nice to my sellers and give them my maximum appreciation in terms of their production and distribution efforts.

What programs are you looking for?

As I mentioned above, I am trying to extend my existing collection, with: Prime-Time Specials - usually one hour programs produced for national networks with a special twist, event, know-how, original subject, etc.
produced with a high-budget.
"Crime & Investigation" - since we acquire around 300 hours of Court TV, I am trying to find new series and specials.
Non-dialogue gags and sketches - this may be not my favorite theme since this genre is oriented more for a male target group. However, our company, AFL Productions produces a lot of comedies including our latest hit "Naked & Funny", so I am obligated to support the collection with world best shows of this style.

Can you name the most successful titles that you acquired in 2005/06?

"Breaking the Magician's Code"- DARO/Currently with Alfred Haber Distribution. "UFO's" - Alfred Haber Distribution; "Court TV Collection" - RDF; "Cirque de Soleil" - Granada; "David Copperfield" - TVFilmBiz; "World's Most Dangerous Sport Events" - Rive Gauche; "Franz Harry's Magic Planet" - Apropal Productions Ltd; "Just For Laughs" - Just Pour Inc.

What programs will be in demand at MIPCOM 2006?

My opinion is that at MIPCOM 2006, as at any market, thought-provoking programs, series and movies are always in demand. I doubt that any genre could die without the attention of some buyers. There are good and bad programs in any genre. So, as a buyer I'm always looking for fresh, dynamic, well-scripted and directed programs.

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