Viewpoints: acquisitions strategies

Beatriz Stein Head of International Acquisitions Synapse TV Brazil

What are your acquisition strategies?

I work in the main independent distribution company in Brazil. My job is to place the right audiovisual content to a number of TV stations and new platforms. For me, the best strategy is to know very well the programming needs of the clients and, on the other hand, get to know as much information about the programs as possible. If you know exactly what you are offering and to whom you are offering a specific program, there is a great chance you have a deal done. In brief, if you have done a good research and if you have a good relationship with your clients and suppliers, things seems to flow easier.

What programs are you looking for?

Synapse licenses an average of 300 hours of international programming per year to Brazilian stations. We supply programming to a wide range of stations, with a wide range of different needs. Therefore, we will be at the market looking for pre-school and children' series, as well as documentaries for public and educational stations, concerts and classical music for Pay TV stations, teen' series to local free TV stations, religious documentaries, Christmas specials and entertainment programs for websites. I would rather say: we are looking for good, well-produced, new language programming.

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

"Noah & Saskia", a teen drama series acquired from Australian Children's Television Foundation was the most successful title aired last year. Two public stations, Multirio and TV Cultura broadcasted the series with high public ratings: more then 2 million people, at both stations combined.

What programs will be in demand at MIPTV 2007?

As we have seen in previous years, I think programs for the new digital platforms and mobiles will be highly in demand.