Jens Richter Managing Director SevenOne International Germany

What are the coming trends in broadcast of formatting content in Western Europe ?

There are various global trends. Fortunately, SevenOne International has a wide spectrum of entertainment formats, ranging from scripted docu dramas, reality shows, comedy, to primetime events, which are available as both, ready made versions and local adaptations - this range helps us to fulfil the buyers' needs.

Comedy is definitely a trend. We are in the great position to have various comedy formats. Some are purely based on comedy like comedy "Schiller Street " or scripted formats like "The Shameless Three", in others, comedy is mixed with other elements like science, as in the quiz show "Clever!" Another worldwide trend are celebrity shows. Our celebrity sports event "Stars in Danger" has been sold already to France, Italy, Hungary and Romania and is in negotiation with various other key territories. Also, the demand for game shows is growing again. Our game show "Mind Games" just went to Italy and Spain. And dating shows are never out of fashion, as our latest sale of "Love Lab" to Greece shows. Another current big topic is "Call-in TV": Together with our partner 9Live, the world leader in Call-in TV formats, we can produce a tailor made ready-to-broadcast show and deliver it in your local language straight to your studio.

Do you have formats on air in Western European TV Channels?

We have formats on air not only in Western Europe ; they even found their way to such exotic countries like Thailand or China and Anglo-Saxon countries like Australia. In Europe, "Schiller Street " premiered on M6 in France with a market share of 24,2 % and on Nova TV in the Czech Republic with a market share of 30,22 %. "Clever!" started with absolutely fantastic ratings in Italy on RAI UNO with 23,68%, and both in Denmark on TV2 and in the Czech Republic with 47%. And the comedy show "Clueless Genius" makes people laugh in Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary and Romania.

What Western European markets are important for your business?

Every market is important for us. Of course it helps when one of the European key territories adapts a format successfully - it's an extra push. For instance, when RAI UNO brought "Clever!" to the screen, it was like a chain reaction worldwide: countries like Australia, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, China, and Thailand quickly acquired the format.

What are the advantages from acquisition of formats compared with acquisition of ready made programs?

By adapting a format, you are able to add local flavor to the show. With familiar faces and specific cultural elements, it's much easier for viewers to identify themselves with the show. We also provide professional production consulting when we sell a format. And by combining our know-how with the high production expertise of the local production companies, we created some very successful adaptations and long-term business relationships with our clients. However, we have very good experiences with ready made programs, because with our wide spectrum of programs we are pleased to offer the buyer exactly what he's looking for.

What new formats will you bring at MIPCOM 2006?

SevenOne International will be bringing an attractive mix of about 50 new titles and 300 hours of new programming to Cannes - new series, comedy series, telenovelas, mini-series, movies and formats. In the format section, we present a wide range of formats. In the prime time celebrity game show "Extreme Activity", "Beat the Host!", another big prime time event show, one candidate plays against the host of the show. In the daily show "The Wedding Planner", it's all about getting married. Regardless of the bridal couples' budget, with his energetic, impulsive, humorous but nevertheless romantic ideas, the wedding planner will conjure up an unforgettable, truly individual wedding for the couple. After the success of "That's Life", which returns for a second season, we also have very high hopes for our new Telenovela, "Love is in the Air". We're definitely looking forward the market and are excited to pre sent our new catalogue.