Viewpoints: acquisitions strategies

Galya Halaui
VP of Program Acquisitions and International Strategy
Luli-The Channel for Babies
Israel

What are your acquisition strategies?

The acquisition strategy at Luli, a channel dedicated solely to the unique needs of TV's youngest viewers, is focused on obtaining the best programs for babies aged 0-3. Thus, we seek to acquire programs that help stimulate the minds and thoughts of young toddlers and help develop the crucial cognitive and social skills of babies during their early stages of life. Luli's diverse programming introduces toddlers to letters, numbers, art, cultures, music, movement and more in a safe, commercial-free and peaceful environment.

What products are you looking for?

Luli's goal is to provide top quality programs that ensure an enjoyable and enriching first encounter with TV for young, impressionable viewers. We are constantly searching for educational programming that familiarizes toddlers with colors, songs, numbers and basic concepts. We also encourage the exposure of toddlers to diverse textures by providing and continually seeking programs in the following genres: 2D, 3D, cell animation, live action, claymation, puppets, stop motion, etc. Since Luli is available in multiple territories all over the world, we seek to acquire programs from all different countries. Due to the very young age of our viewers, all of our acquisitions are fully dubbed into the local language under the watchful supervision of linguists. Much care is taken to ensure top quality dubbing and an appropriate level of language. The actors also use a calm and friendly tone of voice to maximize the toddlers'level of comfort.

What were your key acquisition deals in 2007?

Some of the world's leading distribution houses have provided us with their best programs in 2007, including Bert Smet's "Hopla", Beyond's "P.B. Bear", "See How They Grow", "Baby Animals" and more.

What are your plans for MIPTV?

Our plan at MIPTV is to find more excellent educational programming appropriate for babies, expanding our rich variety of programs in order to provide babies and toddlers with rich auditory and visual experiences.