What do buyers want?

Buyers from all over the world are heading to Cannes for the 60th MIPTV. We spoke to some of them ahead of the market to find out what types of content they are on the lookout for at MIPTV … Dirk

Neuhoff

head of documentary, NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Germany

“We’re looking for political and investigative stories like Snowden’s Great Escape, Net Wars or Putin’s Games; docudramas like Otto Weidt – A Blind Hero’s Journey or Albert And Hermann Goring – Two Dissimilar Brothers; documentaries like Grand Illusions About Eco Food or Counterfeit Drugs. In general, strong, untold, exclusive stories!”

Bernarda Grum editor and buyer, RTV Slovenija

“My focus is on scripted drama and comedy series. I’m looking for a high-quality new productions — European, but also some non-European production — different genres including contemporary, period drama, crime, comedy and biopics and finished, ready-to-air, programmes.”

Mila Mayi vice-president, acquisitions & co-productions, Corporacion RTVE, Spain

“We are Spain’s public television service and we look for quality content. Particularly fiction series, feature films, animation, live action for children, and documentaries.”

Qi Yu head of international, JYS Media, China

“We’re looking for finished programming in the genres of kids & teens, docs & factual, entertainment, animation, history & civilisation, nature & wildlife and science & knowledge.”

Junita Budvytiene head of acquisitions, Lithuanian Radio and Television

“The priority is given to drama and documentaries applicable to all the family. On the main channel we have got five daily daytime series. Weekends go for daytime series and movies. The primetime series slot at 23.00 is more focused to action, thrillers — a male audience.

Karin Marelle head of acquisitions, Starz, UK

Lionsgate+ is the streaming arm of US premium channel Starz. Lionsgate+ is searching for premium, provocative, propulsive scripted series. We look for addictive, ambitious break-out hits with ultra-premium production values, writing quality and character. Less slow-burn, more edgeof-seat. From-the-heart, territory-tailored stories — our co-production commissions seek projects that resonate in-market and have international appeal.

Laura Ní Cheallaigh

commissioning & acquisitions editor, TG4, Ireland

“We’re looking for strong feature films and drama series for primetime linear viewing as well as VOD box sets — english or foreign language. Documentaries — blue-chip natural history/wildlife, sports, music but also any strong doc that might resonate with Irish audiences and fit with our channel/schedule needs. Daytime series with volume — factual entertainment/doc/lifestyle, nostalgic/light drama that will resonate with audiences, long-running branded quiz shows. Music performances and music/popular culture documentaries that appeal to a broad Irish audience.

Loren Baxter head of acquisitions, Off the Fence, UK

“We look for series and specials that resonate with international audiences. At the moment, there is a need for ancient-history topics, nature and wildlife, WWII, premium science series — either in health, pop science or technical, such as engineering — as well as topics that come with unique access to people or places.

Isabelle Palmitessa buyer, RTBF Belgium

“RTBF is a public service media which aims to promote its values — audacity, connection, respect, transparency, diversity — and to offer content for all generations in an increasingly digital society. We’re looking for French-speaking or French-dubbed documentaries about history and social issues.

Marina Capretti rights acquisition, La7, Italy

“La7 Spa is a free television broadcasting channel mainly focused on current and politics events with live shows on daily slots and four primetime slots. This makes our channel recognisable as one of the most important news and information channels. We’re looking for historical and current documentaries and library feature films, series and mini-series.”

Nina Tuominen acquisition executive, YLE Finnish Broadcasting Company, Finland

“I’m looking for wildlife, history, art and science docs, both one-offs and series, with high-production values, strong stories and innovative storytelling. I’m eagerly searching for new, previously untold stories.”

Jean-Philippe Ceppi senior producer, Radio Television Suisse, Switzerland

“We’re looking for investigative breath-taking documentaries and factual. Social, political, environmental, crime and social issues.”

Kaye Warren acquisitions manager, non-scripted, SBS Australia

“We look for strong storytelling that explores different perspectives and unique viewpoints with recognisable, global talent that drive viewership. We look for shows that inspire conversation and elevate debate, both locally and globally. We look for relevant and contemporary narratives and programmes which attract a broad audience. In the non-scripted genre, we look for presenter-led history, travel and science along with big global stories of historical significance. Factual entertainment with appeal for our distinct audience is also something we are on the look-out for.”

Sandrine Ventezout acquisitions and co-productions executive, Histoire TV, France

“We look for original, momentous and sharp content proving that history is exciting and significant for us all. We acquire, pre-buy and co-produce, also on an international level.”