Factual Programming by Alliance Atlantis

Stephanie Rockmann-Portier Vice President of Sales, Head of Factual Programs, International Content Distribution Alliance Atlantis

What kind of factual programming shows do you sell in Western Europe and why?

Traditional documentaries and lifestyle work extremely well in Western Europe, satisfying and filling the various themed documentary slots as well as providing quality entertainment in broadcasters schedules. Lifestyle in particular sells well as it is a hybrid between reality TV and factual entertainment, so a genre that is very popular. Many free terrestrial channels require specific one-off programming for their schedules, however this is not the case with speciality channels, so the best way to satisfy the needs of both is by selling one-off documentaries that can be packaged under an umbrella theme and fulfil the needs of a programming strand. One example, distributed by Alliance Atlantis, is "Turning Points of History ", a collection of films from very different directors that fall under the umbrella title of "contemporary history." This collection has sold extremely well. Besides the packaging of the show, programs that sell well are those that touch the public with themes that everyone can relate to regardless of culture, such as our series "Rich Bride, Poor Bride ", that highlights the stressful build-up surrounding weddings, and of course this always comes with a lot of drama, something everyone can definitely relate to.

At the End of My Leash / Alliance Atlantis

Please give us details of some of your most successful factual shows that have sold into Western Europe.

Lifestyle shows which focus on makeovers - whether it's for personal cosmetic reasons or to just overhaul the interior of a house - are hot in demand. Our show "Debbie Travis' Facelift " has been snapped up in numerous territories including Portugal (SIC), Netherlands (RTL), UK and Ireland (UKTV), Belgium (Vitaya), Sweden (Kanal 5), Denmark (TV5) and more. "Design Inc.", has also done well selling into The Netherlands (RTL), Portugal (SIC), Italy (Sitcom) and Norway (TV Norge). Also, broadcasters are still hungry for after classical historical series. Our series "Turning Points of History", which recaptures those milestone events in international history that changed the world, such as the lightning air raid on Pearl Harbor through to the discovery of insulin, has sold into key territories such as UK (History UK), Ireland (RTE), Italy (Fox), Germany (NTV and WDR), France (AB3) and Scandinavia (Viasat).

Please comment on a couple of your new factual programmes that will be unveiled at Mip TV and available to Western broadcasters.

We will be unveiling some exciting new documentary and lifestyle series as part of our slate during the upcoming market. "At the End of My Leash", finds world-renowned canine behaviourist, Brad Pattison, tackling the most severe cases of pet troubles, taking problem dogs and their problem owners on an intense journey of better understanding. When pet behaviour begins to cause friction between spouses - both need training. Brad's no nonsense approach proves that old dog and dog owner can learn a few new tricks. We will also be presenting "Party Mamas ", which follows out-of-control Momzillas as they plan over-the-top extravaganza parties for their children. Gone are the days of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and pizza parties, now it's time to Supersize these events. "Party Mamas" is a jam-packed, nerve-filled triple-latte-paced ride through the lives of controlling, exacting, super-demanding mothers who will pull out all the stops to throw "the best party ever for their little darlings". "Design Interns" is another great show that gives viewers an all-access pass into the exclusive, intimidating world of a renowned interior design firm. Twelve interior design graduates will compete for one intern position, working under the watchful eyes of company owners Anna Simone and Elaine Cecconi. In each episode, contestants will compete in a design-based challenge, from building and styling to selling their designs and, most importantly, themselves. With only one job at stake, design magnate wannabes must prove that they have the guts and the talent to compete for the glory.