Viewpoints: acquisitions strategies

Amy Friedman SVP, Original Programming/Creative Director The N (a teen programming arm of MTV Networks) USA

What are your acquisition strategies?

We've had great success with acquisitions and we're now looking for two different types, preferably North American: Large library (100 episodes) strippable, off network, live-action comedy or drama with an older teen focus; First run, live-action comedy, drama or reality with an older teen focus
 
What programs are you looking for?

We're looking for a range of both narrative and reality properties with an older teen focus. In narrative, it's everything from dramas to dramedies to single camera comedies, even sitcoms.  Plots and protagonists can be anywhere from high school to college to first jobs.  We're also interested in reality again, having taken a few years off.  Transformation, competition and docu-soaps are all interesting to us. 

Can you name the most successful titles that you acquired in 2006?

"Summerland & One on One" (CBS Television Distribution)

What programs will be in demand at MIPTV 2007?

We've heard of the death of the serialized drama and the death of the comedy and we don't believe either. I think business models will favor low cost production, new media, and natural/global integration. The real Holy Grail: anything that links storytelling to social networking. No one's REALLY done it well...yet.  We'd like to be the first.