Viewpoints: acquisitions strategies

Petteri Ahomaa
Executive Producer
Solar Television Oy
Finland

What are your acquisition strategies?

We are looking for new formats and trying to be fast in our moves. We have good relationships with many format sellers such as Nordisk Film, Reveille LLC, 2waytraffic, BBC International, Absolutelly Independent and many others. We have also founded a new company Solar Television Oy, which is a sub company for Solar Films Inc. We have previously produced our shows under Solar Films, but from now on, it wi ll be Solar Television.

Identity

What products are you looking for?

We are interested in any types of new things. Of course it helps if the format has had international success already.  Clever paper formats are also in our interest, but naturally they will be harder to sell to broadcasters. For us it doesn't really play a big role where the format originally comes from. For example, we have optioned shows from smaller markets like Belgium and the Netherlands. Production wise, we are mainly concentrating on the Finnish TV-market, but co-producing things for other Scandinavian or Baltic markets are also great possibilities.

What were your key acquisition deals in 2007?

"Identity" and "Biggest Loser" from Reveille LLC. "Identity" is now airing on MTV3 Finland and does great. "Biggest Loser ґ s" second season aired on fall 2007, and we are hoping to produce a third season next year.

What are your plans for MIPTV?

Meet all the old important contacts and also see some new interesting companies. Everyone should feel free to contact us.