THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF FILM, BROADCASTING, BROADBAND, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION MARCH/APRIL 2012 VOL. 32 NO. 2 $9.75 In This Issue: MIP Expectations NATPE’s CEO Quest 2012 TV Predictions Istanbul TV Show ® www.videoage.org
DV To Add Millions Of Blind L.A. Screenings: Comediennes, People To Video Consumption Brit-Tested Shows, Wacky Families
BY DOM SERAFINI e here at VideoAge keep (and international buyers) too. n the U.K., a recently aired BBC parody poked fun at the ITV costume drama a close eye on the TV Wacky families (à la Modern Family) Downton Abbey because of its very long scenes with no dialogue in which pilots, way before the seem to be taking center stage on the characters communicate simply by exchanging glares. Now, imagine a blind U.S. networks’ new comedy front (e.g. ABC’s How to Live person trying to follow along without a voice describing those mostly silent series are announced at With Your Parents for the Rest of Your Downton scenes. the May Upfronts. (Continued on Page 36) In the U.K., two So far, million people have sight Wseveral trends have emerged Iloss. There are an estimated amongst the nearly 90 PR Biz: Between a Rock 30 million adult Americans, or pilots (a few more than 9.5 percent of the population, last year), which have and a Hard Place who have trouble seeing or been commissioned by the BY LUCY COHEN BLATTER are blind. Depending on the networks for the 2012-2013 degree of vision impairment, season. he thing about publicists is that, though they are the number could be as high While the usual cop important to the editorial mix of any publication, as 54 million (according to series, legal dramas and they are very rarely seen or heard. Let’s change Turner Broadcasting research). supernatural series are well Tthat and give them their proverbial 15 minutes of In Canada, people with seeing represented on the nets’ fame by turning the spotlight on them. disabilities represent 4.5 percent rosters, there are plenty of Knowing that there are different roles for PR other options for viewers (Continued on Page 38) (Continued on Page 34)
States Are Banking On Tax CHARLIE SHEEN Downloads here are people who want to control the Internet, others who seek to regulate it, some who would like to restrict it, many who want it to remain Anger freewheeling and anarchic, and also those who simply MANAGEMENT wantT to tax it. The problems are well ...because people don’t know how to self-medicate known: Privacy (e.g., the “Do not track” issue), pirating, net neutrality, spectrum scarcity, etc. And each problem has its own set of issues, like “fair use,” for unauthorized downloads; “targeting advertising” for the privacy issue; “bandwidth-hogging,” for net neutrality, and so on and so forth ad infinitum, with Internet tax issues said to be affecting interstate commerce as well. Now considering, for example, that downloads will soon surpass CD and DVD sales and rentals, what does this mean for the entertainment industry? True to the saying, only death and taxes are sure things, so it’s only a matter of time until taxes hit the Internet sector big time, and who’s better than “Uncle Sam” (the U.S. government) at finding Visit us at Booth RB.40 a way to milk the new cow? (Continued on Page 32)
WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION
Annons_FINAL.indd 1 2012-03-08 19.52 ONTENTSVIDEO AGE • No.2 • March/April 201 2
Cover stories: 16. DISCOP in Istanbul shows that Described video could add millions neither snow nor rain can slow of blind users to television consumption down the MECANA TV engine
L.A. Screenings: Expect comediennes, Brit-tested shows and wacky families. But a large number of pilots will assure C a good mix
The PR biz: Between a hard rock (client) Children’s Television. Kids TV experts and a harder place (media). A look behind 18. like to summit at Kidscreen in New York the pitch
In the U.S., states are banking on tax downloads. Other countries will undoubtedly follow suit
20. Predictions and projections: What more to expect for the TV biz in 2012
6. World: Italy, China, U.S., Poland, Canada
26. A Tribute: NATPE ends Rick Feldman era at the dawn of its 50th anniversary 10. Tech News: 3D shows on 2D, IPTV eliminates PVR, DVB-2T, Spectrum shortage, Eutelsat’s 4,000 mark
28. Product placement. Unloved and distrusted, it gets a shaky reception in Europe
12. Book Review (Review). U.K. TV series makes Americans class-(un)conscious
30. Convergence and morality. If Internet TV feels like broadcast TV, rules should apply, but more lightly
14. MIP-TV preview. New dates add uncertainty to an already stressed- 40. Conference, travel news and calendar of events out market
42. My2¢. The Emmy must differentiate between broadcast and pay-TV
China, the U.S. studios are limited in terms of the number of films they Poland Denies can distribute in the country due to a Catholic DTT quota system. The country is expected to be the world’s largest cinema market oland’s National Broadcasting within the next 10 years. Council (KRRiT) rejected These latest restrictions come as an application from the Lux the Chinese government prepares to Veritatis foundation, which transfer power to a new generation of owns Catholic TV channel leaders this fall. TV Trwam, to obtain a China’s Expansion, of China is not permitted to screen In other news, two state-owned digital broadcasting (DTT) between 7p.m. and 10p.m. Chinese media groups (Shanghai licenseP for the channel. Restrictions For TV In a statement, the government’s Media Group and China Media The Polish Episcopate has demanded State Administration of Radio, Film Capital) and DreamWorks Animation to know why TV Trwam was denied n China, the ruling Communist and Television declared that foreign in the U.S. announced a joint venture. the license. Additionally, The Helsinki Party has banned Chinese entertainment “cannot take up more Called Oriental DreamWorks, the joint Foundation for Human Rights broadcasters from airing foreign than 25 percent of total programming venture will be located in Shanghai asked that KRRiT provide detailed programs during primetime in an time each day.” Additionally, domestic and will develop original animated and information about how the Council effort to keep international shows channels in China must limit the live-action film and TV content, as well decides to award broadcasting licenses from gaining greater influence number of shows broadcast from any as live stage productions. The deal was for the operation of multiplex digital and “threatening the socialistic one country or region. announced at an economic forum held terrestrial broadcasting services. Ivalues” the Party champions. As a On top of that, despite the fact recently in Los Angeles, which Chinese A KRRiT member reportedly stated result, programming produced outside that U.S. film and TV are popular in Vice President Xi Jinping attended. that providing a digital broadcasting license to TV Trwam would not be financially beneficial for the multiplex. However, it has also been reported that digital broadcasting licenses have been given to TV stations with fewer ALWAYS financial assets than TV Trwam. eOne Eyeing Alliance Films ready anadian production and distribution company Entertainment One (eOne) has reportedly been linked to a bid for another Canadian company, Alliance Films. Previously, proposals had Cbeen made by other companies for parts of Entertainment One, but because the 55x60, 11x120 2x60 company did not feel those proposals adequately reflected the value of its business, it is no longer considering them. In September, Entertainment One hired Credit Suisse and JP Morgan to carry out a strategic review of eOne, and their services have been retained. eOne distributes the Twilight films in
13x30 10x30 the U.K., while Alliance invests in films such as The King’s Speech. The investment division of the Quebec government and the private equity arm of Goldman Sachs, which owns approximately two thirds of Alliance, put Alliance Films up for sale in January.
400x30 14x30 30 Minute Weekly Carlo Sartori actionlifestylereality 1946-2012 entertainmentcrime arlo Sartori, the former Scan the code Secretary General of PrixItalia with your phone to see –– the TV festival founded and all of our new organized by RAI, the Italian programs now! state broadcaster –– died last MIPTV Booth # R31.17 February in Rome. He was 65 Contact [email protected] to schedule a meeting DEVELOPMENT • DISTRIBUTION • REPRESENTATION years old and suffered from a Visit cableready.net to see full episodes of our entire program library. +1 203-855-7979 | [email protected] Cdegenerative ailment. Sartori, one of RAI’s top executives
(Continued on Page 8) 6 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 A DREAM SIGNED EGYPTIAN OASES (DOCUMENTARIES) 6 x 12’ - 1 x 35’ ROGER FEDERER CASH(DOCUMENTARIES) 25’
Programs
SinestesiaSinestesia A film by Erik Bernasconi
"Sinestesia" chronicles the vicissitudes of four young adults in two moments of their lives which are in turn linked to two dramatic episodes three years apart. The intervening years see the characters confronted by the usual joys and difficulties of everyday life. However, they also find themselves having to react to a destiny which, every now and again, places a cross- roads in our way.
Fiction - 2010 - 1h30’ 16/9 High definition Coproduction: Imagofilm - RSI Radiotelevisione svizzera
Our complete catalogue on rsi.ch/sales
Documentaries Swiss Television Fiction Sales Office Children CH 6903 Lugano Entertainment Switzerland Tel. +41 91 803 54 82 Classical Music Fax +41 91 803 57 25 Jazz - Pop - Rock salesoffi[email protected] Americans delivered during a NATPE with Fox Sports Southwest valued at speech became famous: “Yes, [Italy Local TV Deals For $3 billion that includes equity in the produces] trash-TV, but it’s our own Sports Rights network, escalator clauses and profit trash, there is no need to send yours.” participation. The deal, which doesn’t go into effect until 2015, has allowed Prof. Sartori, a graduate of Stanford ocal TV rights on regional the Rangers, which were bankrupt, University, was also a visiting professor sports networks (RSN) in to develop a franchise payroll of at Barnard College from 1980 to 1981. the U.S. are the equivalent approximately $125 million this year. He’s survived by his wife, actress of hitting grand slams for The Angels followed suit with a 20-year (Continued from Page 6) Stefania Barca and two young children, baseball teams in lucrative TV deal they inked with Fox Sports West, Camilla and Giulio. markets, making it possible which is valued even higher than the who was credited with the creation of for the teams to sign top RaiSat, the revival of PrixItalia and Rangers’ agreement. The Angels’ local quality talent. the growth of RaiWorld, was also a L TV contract made it possible for them professor of Mass Communications, Through a trend that’s developed years to sign slugger Albert Pujols to a 10-year, a journalist and a writer, with many after the New York Yankees launched $240 million contract. books about television to his name. their YES Network on cable in 2002, With local TV deals that expire or Sartori was also one of the founders of (which reportedly generates annual feature reopener clauses by 2015, the Euronews’ consortium of 19 European revenue in excess of $450 million), teams L.A. Dodgers (whose franchise value public TV organizations. such as the Texas Rangers and the Los has soared due to its anticipated TV He was asked to become the Chief Angeles Angels of Anaheim have begun deal), Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle of Radio and Television at the United cashing in on local cable deals. Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies and Nations in New York City, a position The Rangers were the first to hit the Washington Nationals may be the next that he declined. His admonition to Sartori at MIP-TV 2000 ground running through a 20-year deal set of teams poised to cut themselves a larger slice of the local TV revenue pie. In addition to these teams, the San Diego Padres are ready to ink a deal with Fox Sports pending MLB approval. The deal would grant the team a whopping $75 million a year for 20 years, despite the fact that the team plays in only the 26th-largest market in baseball.
The Artist: Miracle Of Marketing
eave it to the Americans to create a world sensation out of a black-and-white, non- commercial 2011 silent French film, which culminated with a five-Oscar win. The New York-based The LWeinstein Company (TWC) purchased distribution rights to the film for the U.S. and Australia for $3 million after The Artist won one award at the Cannes The great content shift — the demand for content anytime, Film Festival. anywhere — has set in motion a kaleidoscope of infi nite Once the film reached U.S. soil, consumption options with unlimited business models, all enabled TWC spent an additional $20 million ® to market it, though some analysts said by shifting technologies. Broader-casting professionals are leading that marketing costs could have reached this device-driven expansion by collaborating across screens, and as much as $30 million, or double the cost of production. leveraging multiplatform distribution, as the new paradigm for As per early March, the film — success. From creation to consumption, every aspect of the content released in the U.S. on November 25 lifecycle is being dramatically impacted by changing technologies. — had generated $32 million in the U.S. and $44.7 million in other parts ® of the world, for a total gross of $76.7 NAB Show, the world’s largest media and entertainment event, is million. the place to experience the rapid emergence of hot technologies, TWC’s Oscar strategy for The Artist FREE game-changing strategies and new players, all brought together to is comparable to that of the 1997 Exhibits-only Pass Italian movie, Life is Beautiful, in which deliver content that exceeds market expectations. Turn shift in your the Weinstein brothers spent a reported Use code PA02 favor and evolve in a marketplace that moves forward with or $15 million in marketing, or double its production costs. In 1999 that film won without you. Register now! three Oscars. Life competed in both the U.S. and foreign film categories, while The Artist, being silent, ran only in the U.S. category. CONFERENCES April 14–19, 2012 EXHIBITS April 16–19 U.S. film companies invest, on Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada USA average, 25 percent of a film’s budget in marketing. www.nabshow.com
8 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 The great content shift — the demand for content anytime, anywhere — has set in motion a kaleidoscope of infi nite consumption options with unlimited business models, all enabled by shifting technologies. Broader-casting ® professionals are leading this device-driven expansion by collaborating across screens, and leveraging multiplatform distribution, as the new paradigm for success. From creation to consumption, every aspect of the content lifecycle is being dramatically impacted by changing technologies.
NAB Show,® the world’s largest media and entertainment event, is the place to experience the rapid emergence of hot technologies, FREE game-changing strategies and new players, all brought together to Exhibits-only Pass deliver content that exceeds market expectations. Turn shift in your Use code PA02 favor and evolve in a marketplace that moves forward with or without you. Register now!
CONFERENCES April 14–19, 2012 EXHIBITS April 16–19 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada USA www.nabshow.com broadcast within the same video signal. incorporate Google TV 2.0 software into smartphones in sales. Implementation This technique allows consumers with their TV sets. Sony is also launching TV of UI technology will be driven by the 2D HDTV receivers to watch the 2D sets with an IPTV alternative to cable and desire to enable hands-free operation. version, while 3DTV sets can display satellite reception. Tech News the same program in 3D. IPTV is said to be worrisome for traditional TV companies because it could become a major new competitor, Airwaves Make since Incos are aiming at bringing TV Sets with content to big-screen TV. Waves For IPTV Make PVR In addition, with IPTV, home PVR TV, Telcos 2DTV and 3DTV time-shifting will lose much of its relevance Irrelevant since content is available in the cloud. Are Compatible martphones consume 24 On the other hand, there is a sprint times as much spectrum as he race toward integrating toward advanced user interface (UI) traditional mobile phones. eneva, Switzerland-based Internet TV (or IPTV) into technologies that allow TV sets to recognize Tablet PCs consume more Digital Video Broadcasting’s regular TV sets is said to be a gesture, motion and voice control. than 100 times as much. (DVB) Steering Board has marathon not a sprint. Patience Since the advent of the TV remote Faced with these increasing approved the requirements is the new mantra among control in 1950, the basic paradigm for for a second 3DTV delivery Internet companies (Incos) controlling the TV set has not changed spectrum needs, the mobile system. The DVB-3DTV phoneS companies are claiming more and TV set manufacturers. substantially. According to an IMS enables the 2D HDTV SouthT Korea’s Samsung and LG, Japan’s Research report, by 2015, connected frequencies, and the only way to get Gand 3D versions of a program to be Sony and Taiwan’s Vizio have started to (or UI) TV sets are expected to lead those is from broadcast television. This much-needed spectrum is also alluring to governments. The U.S., for example, could generate $30 billion from an additional spectrum auction. The U.S. telecommunications authority, the FCC, has determined that The Audio Description Experts the wireless sector will need at least 500 MHz of additional spectrum within the Petit ours - series jeunesse series - ours Petit next three years. Some of it will come English, French, Spanish from satellite frequencies, but a big chunk I Love Lucy will come from broadcast TV stations. Comedy Series TV stations in the U.S. are hard pressed, since less than 10 percent of TVHH rely on FTA, while the wireless companies claim that their spectrum shortage is holding back the entire U.S. economy. One solution is for TV stations to move (re-pack) from the 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequencies into the South Park VHF bands, but this is not considered Animation Series an acceptable option since the VHF Feature Films, Television and band is not very good for delivering digital TV signals. Plus, the frequency Live Television Audio Description change would cost each TV station an estimated $2.5 million.
Volver Eutelsat Hits The Feature Film On Time 4,000 TV Ch. Mark
he satellites of Paris-based On Target Eutelsat are now carrying 4,000 TV channels. This milestone was reached with the addition of the Arabic- On Budget language channel Rotana Lockout Cinema. Feature Film T Over 50 percent of Eutelsat’s TV channels were added in the last five years, with the growth of TV markets Seamless Audio Description since 2003 in the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Central Europe. All of Eutelsat’s TV www.descriptivevideoworks.com channels are digital and 60 percent 1 866 818 DVWS (3897) serve the pay-TV market. HDTV Vancouver · Toronto · Montreal · Los Angeles · Boston DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO WORKS channels represent seven percent of the signals carried.
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circumstances; therefore, it’s refreshing to escape into the world of Downton Abbey, where social mobility doesn’t exist, and where “heroes are the rare Book Review overachievers who work their way up to butler from footman.” She implies that this class-focused society based on birth rather than personal success relieves some of the pressure and makes us feel less sorry for ourselves. Plus, in the U.K. TV Series Makes meantime, we can fantasize about what it’d be like to sleep on ironed sheets and read newspapers whose pages aren’t wrinkled because they too have been Americans Class-(Un)conscious ironed. She reprints passages from Lady his review is unusual in the Almina and The Real Downton Abbey sense that it’s about a review and Below Stairs, cleverly challenging found in the February 5, readers to determine which memoir was 2012 New York Times Book written by a member of the upper class, Review titled “Remains and which was written by a member of the Days: Three Books of the lower class. “See if your keen Explore the Reality Behind discerning eye can spot the difference,” theT World of ‘Downtown Abbey.’” It is, she quips. in fact, a review of a review. Naturally, it’s not a difficult task, but What generated VideoAge’s interest is even after doing this, readers still have the large number of books the Times only a vague idea of Newman’s opinion reviewed about Downton Abbey, the regarding the quality and value of each British costume drama airing on public book. It’s clear that she is not convinced TV network PBS in the U.S. — and that the Countess of Carnarvon’s book how the newspaper related to them. possesses a high degree of accuracy, All three books highlighted in the which is why she introduces the book by pages of the Times review — The World William P. Cross, who offers a different of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes account of specific events mentioned in (St. Martin’s Press, 303 pages, $29.99); the Countess’ book. Lady Almina and the Real Downton However, Newman does reveal that Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere she finds Margaret Powell’s Below Stairs Castle by the Countess of Carnarvon to be more accurate: “I suspect the real (Broadway. Paper, 310 pages, $15.99); story of the relationship of servants and Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Newman takes the time to introduce upstairs and downstairs of the fictitious to their masters is more accurately Maid’s Memoir That Inspired “Upstairs, another similar book published last Downton Abbey — gives Newman told by Margaret, in her simple and Downstairs” and “Downton Abbey” by year titled, Life and Secrets of Almina the opportunity to Americanize the quite brilliant” book. She also believes Margaret Powell (St. Martin’s Press, Carnarvon by William P. Cross, which context of the series: “We [Americans] that Powell is “such a credible narrator 212 pages, $22.99) — were published the Times does not review. She also continue to labor under the delusion [because] she’s never reflexively bitter in the U.S. While the first two books provides background about Powell, that we live in a class-free society.” or nasty” about those she served. were published in 2011, Powell’s book is whose memoir Below Stairs describes Newman also seems to take offense to Rather than thoroughly evaluating the a re-release, first published in England her years as a servant. the socially inferior moniker attached books she sets out to review, Newman in 1968. It served as an inspiration for to the downstairs quarters of the castle, — and thus the readers — gets caught In contrast, Newman devotes just a the earlier classic TV series Upstairs, neglecting to mention that the term was up in her desire for a “crisp newspaper.” few words to Jessica Fellowes’ book — Downstairs, as well as Downton Abbey first used during Edwardian England of That is to say, we don’t learn much which is listed on the first page of the itself. the early 1900s. (Some of us recall that about the value of the books she is review as a title that will be discussed In the words of the Times reviewer, New Yorkers living on the East Side of supposedly reviewing. Despite all that, — and tells readers nothing about the author Judith Newman, the publishing Manhattan considered the West Side her writing is engaging, and will likely author; even neglecting to mention that industry “is mining the popularity of “socially inferior,” as was publicized in encourage those who haven’t seen the Jessica Fellowes is the niece of Downton ‘Downton Abbey’ with the release and the 2007 Hollywood movie The Nanny series to tune in — although I can’t say Abbey’s creator, Julian Fellowes. Neither re-release of two books [the Countess of Diaries). the same about reading the books. does she mention that Julian Fellowes Carnarvon’s and Powell’s] that inspired Newman posits that there are two wrote the book’s forward. Originally produced by London the show, and the inevitable companion reasons that Americans are drawn to Weekend Television, Upstairs, volume to the TV series [Fellowes’].” In fact, except to say that the book the British series: First, we secretly Downstairs was revived by the BBC in exists, she ignores Fellowes’ The World Newman informs readers that the wish for the perks to which those 2010. Downton Abbey is produced by of Downton Abbey throughout the author of Lady Almina and the Real who live “upstairs” are entitled. As Carnival Films for ITV network in the remainder of her review. Readers have no Downton Abbey is former fashion Newman writes, the idea of being U.K., and the second season, which designer Fiona Aitken, who is now the idea what the book is about, although we handed everything on a silver salver, consists of eight episodes, has wrapped eighth Countess of Carnarvon and the grasp from Newman’s tone that she isn’t being served breakfast in bed and even up on PBS in the U.S. In the U.K., 10.7 current resident of Highclere Castle, dazzled by it: She characterizes it simply having the soles of your shoes polished, million viewers tuned in for the season where Downton Abbey is filmed. (The as, “the inevitable companion volume is enticing. two finale. 1,000-acre Highclere estate is actually to the TV series (inevitably titled ‘The Second, Newman argues that with The third season will be set in the located in Hampshire, England, not World of Downton Abbey’).” the upcoming 2012 presidential 1920s, and will hit airwaves in September in Yorkshire where Downton is set). The dominant and recurrent topic of election, Americans are being blamed of this year, with American actress Shirley While discussing the Countess’ book, the TV series — viewpoints from the for not bettering their economic MacLaine joining the cast. SA
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MIP-TV Preview
Market’s New Dates
Bring Uncertainty “MIP is really
he big question is: When will the L.A. Screenings coming so quickly Pitch, the annual competition for important and TV program buyers arrive in after MIP-TV, and the majors seeming creators and producers searching for Cannes for MIP-TV? Will to be less supportive, it’s in danger of financing partners to develop their people try to they come on Saturday for the becoming the red-haired, left-handed documentary projects. official opening on Sunday, or stepchild of the TV markets (a title For Lou Occhicone, SVP of maximize their will they arrive on Sunday for recently held by NATPE).” Operations at CABLEready in Norwalk, Monday meetings, rendering President of Rive Gauche Television, Connecticut, “Since MIPDoc is ahead investment in theT opening day useless? David Auerbach, echoed Sahab’s and of MIP, MIP-TV is probably our most Plus, will the drastically reduced Reardon’s apprehension: “It’s confusing important market next to MIPCOM.” it. It’s going to presence of the major U.S. studios have and many of my early meeting requests CABLEready planned to submit eight an adverse affect on the number of [came] from people who [weren’t] even to 10 programs at MIPDoc, and will continue to be an program buyers attending the market? aware of the change.” use meetings at MIP-TV to follow These and other questions were on CCI Entertainment’s co-chairman up with buyers that express interest important market.” market-goers’ minds as they prepared Charles Falzon expressed a viewpoint on in those programs. He elaborated, for the annual spring trek to MIP-TV, the opposite end of the spectrum. “I don’t “As a small company, we need to be -Reess Kennedy which returns to the Palais des Festivals think it’s a big deal,” he said of the change. very strategic about how we spend our — this year a week early — kicking off “It’s not a business that’s time-sensitive. money and promote our shows,” so April 1 to accommodate the Easter and From our end, it hasn’t affected much.” MIPDoc’s proximity to MIP-TV makes both markets all the more valuable. and case studies showcasing innovative Passover holidays. Felipe Herz Boclin, Marketing branded content. Plus, the Brand of the Tomas Darcyl, president of Argentina- coordinator at Globo TV Internacional Other companies seem to have the based Telefilms was adamant that the agreed, predicting that the change same idea. Over 930 factual program Year Award will honor an international change “will not affect anything, and would not affect turnout. He felt that exhibitors will attend MIP-TV, including: consumer brand for its outstanding everyone will arrive between Friday and ultimately “The financial crisis may Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, contribution to the development and Saturday to start the market with great have more of an impact” than the Arte, A+E Networks, BBC Worldwide, production of branded content. energy on Sunday.” calendar shift. Discovery Communications, FCCE Participants can also take part in Distribution, Frances Televisions, ITV a four-day program of sessions and Despite feeling that the Sunday Date change or no date change, once Studios Global Entertainment, National debates about digital trends. They can start is “going to be interesting,” A+E again the U.S. studios will have a very Film Boards of Canada, National Network’s SVP International Sean light presence at the Palais. As of press Geographic, PBS International, Scripps screen the latest 3D titles and discuss Cohan expected the market to be well time, only CBS Studios and NBC Networks and ZDF Enterprises. the latest developments. Additionally, attended. He added that his company is Universal had registered with a booth. the International Academy of Television “super committed to the market. We’ve The Drama CoProXchange, Arts & Sciences’ 2012 International It was that absence of the studios a program for commissioners, invested in a brand new booth that Digital Emmy Awards will recognize that fazed Nat Abraham, president producers and deal-brokers involved in promotes the brand, and we’re bringing of Distribution at Breakthrough the best content created and designed a lot of new content, so our hopes for international co-production, features the Entertainment in Canada. “Those Co-production Summit. There will also for viewer interaction and/or delivery MIP are very high. We think it will be studios are the main draw for most “on a digital platform. our biggest MIP market yet due to our be case studies of some of the most senior buyers who may decide to only significant international co-productions. To keep people extra busy, there will content and our investment.” attend the L.A. Screenings instead” of be Mastermind keynotes delivered by: Indeed, “MIP is really important making the trip to Cannes for MIP-TV. MIPCube is a two-day event running simultaneously with MIPDoc Jonathan Miller of News Corporation, and people try to maximize their The final verdict for this MIP will investment in it. It’s going to continue featuring showcases, visionary talks, Joanna Shields of Facebook, Miles Young come before the market starts, and workshops, networking events and of Ogilvy & Mather, producer Tim to be an important market,” said a will be based on whether distributors’ diplomatic Reess Kennedy, managing competitions, including Content 360. Kring, Chris Albrecht of Starz, Jeremy schedules are filled with appointments This competition gives digital creatives Darroch of Sky, David Frank of Zodiak partner at Cable U, a sister company of on Sunday. If indeed appointments are CABLEready. the chance to pitch new ideas in cross- Media Group, Hans Vestberg of Ericsson scheduled on Sunday, the market will media content. But Claudia Sahab, director, Europe not be much different from the others. and Rodolphe Belmer of Canal+ Group. at Televisa Internacional “didn’t like However, the new start day could be Running alongside MIPDoc and Presentations will cover a wide variety the change [of dates] at all because it’s problematic for exhibitors since MIP is MIPCube, MIPFormats is billed of topics, including connected devices also a holy week.” She explained that now one day shorter. A quiet Sunday as the largest international gathering and connected audiences, the global “MIP-TV is always a slower market could make MIP, in effect, a two-day of the world’s leading producers, animation marketplace and 3D TV. market rather than a four-day event. commissioners, buyers, distributors and than MIPCOM, but this year for sure In terms of parties, besides the traditional we think it will be slower than usual” creators of formats. It features screenings, As always, MIP will be preceded by media breakfast and luncheons, there due to the change in dates. networking sessions and interactive MIPDoc, which will hold court March workshops, among other events. will be two anniversary celebrations: one Gavin Reardon, head of International 30-31. MIPDoc will feature over 1,400 Plus, MIP-TV will continue the Fiction for the U.S.’s CABLEready and another Sales and Co-Productions at Canada’s of the most recent factual programs from for Turkey’s ITV. Incendo concurred: “Starting on around the globe, offering participants Screenings, including the red carpet Sunday will only help continue the a number of conferences, matchmaking World Premiere Television Screenings As far as attendance goes, organizer trend of MIP-TV being a more poorly events, keynotes and case studies to and the International Fiction Screenings. Reed MIDEM expects 11,500 attended market than MIPCOM. Who choose from. Participants can also look There will also be a two-day Branded professionals from 100 countries and wants to work on a Sunday? And with forward to the MIPDoc International Entertainment program featuring talks over 4,000 buyers. SA
14 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2
DISCOP Istanbul
Turkish Drama Attracts Buyers, Int’l Sellers Ride The Wave
he recently concluded second opted to meet with clients at a meeting ITV’s Can Okan edition of DISCOP Istanbul table instead of a stand, focused mostly got a cold reception outside on Turkey. She had some meetings with this type of content very appealing to a due to inclement weather, Middle Eastern buyers as well that kept variety of territories, she said. but a warm response inside her busy, since she was TV Azteca’s the Intercontinental Ceylan only executive at DISCOP. The conferences held on the second day Hotel in the Taksim area of of the event focused on the renaissance of Conferences mostly presented Istanbul. The three-day Turkish market, Arabic content, exploring the genres and T overviews of the status of the audiovisual which ended March 1, registered 181 programming trends that are currently sector in Central Asia and in the Middle acquisition companies and some 128 fueling Middle Eastern television and East. Day one’s panelists included distribution companies for a total of film companies, as well as the issues GroupOne/1TV’s Ferrell Meisel, who 628 participants. of censorship and competition between gave a detailed account of the growth Arabic and Turkish content. The market featured two exhibition perspectives in Afghanistan, and TRT’s areas — the Anadolu and Bosphorus Meltem Tumturk Akyol, who harped Local distributors played host ballrooms — that were set up with on the success of drama series produced and organized evening events for stands and viewing boxes, while an in Turkey. She emphasized the high participants. On February 28 both additional room was dedicated to production values and the preservation Kanal D and ATV sponsored a party, companies that opted for meeting of family values, which are at the core while Global Agency hosted a beautiful tables. The set-up varied a bit from the Televisa’s Silvia Garcia, Mario Castro of such series. Cultural differences are evening at the Esma Sultan Mansion in traditional DISCOPs, like the one in limited only to certain themes, making Ortakoy on February 29. Hungary (now NATPE Budapest). show gives him the opportunity to meet with buyers from smaller territories Needless to say, local companies such as who usually don’t go to MIP-TV, due ITV-Inter Medya, TRT, ATV, Digiturk, to the high costs of attending the spring Show TV and Global Agency had the event in Cannes. largest stands. The market area was very busy from day one, perhaps because — Caracol’s Berta Orozco concurred, due to the snowy and rainy weather paired noting the presence of buyers from with cold temperatures — participants countries such as Lebanon and Egypt had to stay indoors most of the time. who don’t show up at other markets. This is why she likes to pay a yearly visit Distributors in attendance were to broadcasters in this area. pleased with the rapid growth of the market and with the interest shown by Asked about the competition that program buyers for this event. Televisa’s telenovelas are experiencing as a result Mario Castro reported good traffic of the success of Turkish drama series, and, even if most of his meetings had she replied that there is such a large been previously scheduled, some walk- need for content there is “a slot for all.” ins too. He pointed out that this trade TV Azteca’s Martha Contreras, who A panel at DISCOP Istanbul
Azteca’s Martha Contreras Caracol’s Berta Orozco NBC Universal’s Marwan Helayel
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Children’s Television
Kids TV Experts Like To Summit in New York
idscreen Summit 2012 two days at Kidscreen he “met with Giuliano Tranquilli, partner of had to be one of the few all the people I needed to see.” He Switchover Media international TV trade also announced that the three-year-old Switchover Media is entering into the shows that is a seller’s MIP, which, in the end, means it’s more co-production business, after starting market, in the sense that productive.” He also volunteered some buyers outnumbered as a TV channel and later moving into licensing. suggestions: “If only [the organizers] sellers. Held on three could fix a few things to make it more floors of the Hilton Hotel New York, it Canada’s CCI, on the other hand, is fluid. Many people complained about K a Kidscreen veteran. The company was featured 10 exhibition areas, including the amount of time wasted looking for four umbrella stands from Canada, represented by president Arnie Zipursky the person you have to meet, even when France, Spain and Korea, which reserved and VP of Distribution Jill Keenleyside. you have a dedicated table, since there “meeting tables” for their companies Even though CCI’s presence at is zero signage.” He also suggested that (20 from Korea alone). this Kidscreen was not at the level of the organizers help generate more traffic The three-day market, which last year’s event, where it launched in the dedicated table area, which is far kicked off February 7, was organized GeoFreakZ, the market continues to be less exciting than the sponsored area of by the Toronto-based Brunico, which very important for Zipursky, who’s now the delegate lounge. also publishes Kidscreen magazine. It expanding into the TV-movie field, for CCI’s president Arnie Zipursky Bejot added that, “Some of our featured 36 seminars, 150 speakers which he’s planning a major launch companies don’t attend the seminars. from the world of children’s television, here at MIP. They came here to do business either and attendance from many broadcasters Chile produces about 15 theatrical The Kidscreen setting is more of a in straight sales or in setting up new including BBC, France Television, films per year and a score of TV conference-based event where the market co-production projects. They can also ABC Australia, Disney Channels, CBC programs, especially telenovelas, which portion is coincidental. To facilitate follow up on existing projects.” Canada and Italy’s RAI. are distributed internationally by non- meetings, however, the organizers set On the subject of seminars, one Mathieu Bejot of TV France Chilean companies. But because of up tables instead of booths. Some of participant told us that despite attending International (TVFI) reported that their lack of international distribution, the tables were sponsored and therefore seven sessions, “I attended … only one over 100 French delegates, including 25 the Chilean “brand” tends to get lost. reserved, while others were free to grab until the end, as I didn’t find them very of TVFI’s member companies and all As a remedy, Cinema Chile plans if unattended. It was not unusual for useful. Some of the ‘30 Minutes With’ the major French broadcasters attended to become more active at film and different people share the same table sessions were purely Q&A with no Kidscreen. TV trade shows such as MIPCOM while playing musical chairs with presentation.” Among the first-time participants was and AFM. Arena said that although whatever chair or stool was available. Yet, concluded Bejot, “Overall, the Costanza Arena, executive director of she’s very satisfied with the amount of According to TVFI’s Bejot, “The feedback is positive and business-wise it Cinema Chile, who was busy promoting recognition and number of accolades market is seen as very efficient. It is more seems to be a good year. It might help not only nine producers of children’s that Chilean films are getting from focused and small-scale, and therefore to be away from the worries of the euro programs, but also her country, Chile, festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, more casual and less stressful than zone!” as an international partner for movies Venice and Berlin, Cinema Chile will and television programs. become more active in promoting Cinema Chile is a state-funded Chilean audiovisual content and the association that represents 31 Chilean country as a production center at audiovisual companies. Created in 2010, international TV markets. Cinema Chile is a subsidiary of the Film Another first-time Kidscreen TV Producers Association (APCT), participant was Giuliano Tranquilli, which is under private funding. a partner at Rome-based Switchover According to Arena, co-producing Media, which operates two children’s with Chilean companies means channels (K2 and Frisbee) and one international producers can tap up to 60 geared for young adults (GXT). percent of their program budget from Tranquilli, who left an unusually state funds. Subsidies are also available snow-covered Rome for balmy New York for scripts and post-production services. City weather, found Kidscreen a “very Currently, HBO Latin America is relaxed market. Not like MIP, where if producing TV series Profugos in Chile, one is 15 minutes late the appointment while Italy is co-producing a movie is canceled or rescheduled.” with German and French partners in Tranquilli acquires about 200 hours The sponsored tables area at Kidscreen Chile. of children’s programs per year and in
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Predictions & Projections
What More To Expect For The TV Biz In 2012
BY SARA ALESSI shift as consumers migrate to different Gene George of Starz he Mayans believed that platforms.” the world would end in One trend that Starz’s George sees CCI’s Falzon noted that due to 2012. Obviously, they bet continuing throughout the year is that budget cuts, co-productions are on drama, not comedy. But of broadcast platforms becoming “more becoming increasingly important and what will the rest of the year involved in broadening the rights they will continue to hold a prominent bring for the TV industry? secure to enable them to reach their position throughout 2012, as will local VideoAge asked a group of audience by all means possible.” He entertainment programs that reflect execsT to peer into their crystal balls and elaborated, “We are seeing more requests local values, cultures and languages. predict want the future has in store. for additional rights, such as mobile, Yeo Chun Cheng of Media as channels become available to their Nat Abraham at Toronto-based Development Authority of Singapore viewers across different platforms.” Breakthrough Entertainment was frank: agreed that the “tightening of budgets “It’s no secret that the conventional From Toronto, CCI’s Charles Falzon in the current economic situation media business, be it television, print, concurred saying, “There’s a whole new will push the TV industry into more radio, etc., will face another challenging player in the mix, which is subscription co-productions and partnerships.” year, as advertising revenues will be VOD and subscription broadcast. We’re increasingly carved up by the alternative seeing a really interesting tension. Midsize Citing the current economic online and mobile media favored by companies are finding it difficult to situation, Power’s Steve Turney in younger consumers.” 9 Story’s Vince Commisso navigate the approach to it. At the same London wouldn’t be surprised to see a “continued increase in demand for “Television will for the foreseeable time, traditional buyers are acquiring the broadcasters’ acquisition budgets and subscription VOD rights, too…There domestically produced programming in future still be the strongest medium Latin America, whilst in some southern for video content,” he said, but added, the level of aggressiveness they will are a lot of bad deals happening because have.” But he noted, “Fortunately for us, people are just signing off rights.” European countries broadcasters have “online media will quickly become the shifted away from production toward a we have not really been impacted by this Patrick Elmendorff at Studio 100 primary source of entertainment.” more acquisition-based strategy.” macro-economic condition.” Media in Munich said his clients are also From Zurich, Switzerland, Esther Van In terms of programming in demand Messel of First Hand Films concurred: From Toronto, Vince Commisso of “now asking for more comprehensive rights in order to satisfy consumer in 2012, A+E’s South has found that “TV is still king,” she said, but “only 9 Story Entertainment also expects the demand.” He explained, “In addition to there is a “continuing trend for good when [TV is] able to combine different industry to be affected by the “weak traditional free TV or pay-TV rights, we quality reality programming with a aspects of media, online and offline. economic climate…The cut back in advertising dollars will have an impact are therefore offering our partners and strong narrative…Related to this is [The] TV industry is challenged as on the amount of content produced this clients a copious rights portfolio such as that reality show formats are attracting never before and working feverishly on year,” he predicted. Web TV, Catch Up, IPTV, VOD, etc.” a lot more interest from production all aspects to remain the key medium.” companies, particularly in Western The European economic crisis was Cesar Diaz from Miami-based Gene George of Starz Media in Europe. [This] is a trend that I expect also on Ricardo Ehrsam’s mind. From Venevision International honed in on Burbank, California, predicted that the Televisa Internacional’s Madrid office, what he called a “definite increase in will continue to grow.” industry will “continue to be challenged by Ehrsam said, “I don’t see a very good local productions, especially coming “In the non-fiction world, reality various factors. In Europe, the economic year for emerging markets at this point out of small to medium sized territories TV remains important, and I expect crisis will continue to bring caution to in time given that we are in crisis. in Latin America and Eastern Europe.” formats to develop further in new ways, However…the analog switch-off [and] (Continued on Page 24) the opening of new channels [offer] a very important opportunity for Televisa to provide additional content.” According to Giuliano Tranquilli at Rome’s Switchover Media, the “switch-off is still effecting the habits of the viewers, more channels with new content are still entering the free-to-air market and this means more offer[ings] for the viewers and more opportunity for the business.” Jonathan South of A+E Networks in London also predicted that there would be “growth in France, Spain and Italy because of the developments with digital terrestrial free-to-air.” David Auerbach of California-based Rive Gauche Television emphasized Saralo MacGregor of Content Television that “Viewing patterns will continue to CCI’s Charles Falzon Televisa’s Ricardo Ehrsam
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(Continued from Page 20) forms and content,” added First Hand Los Angeles said that “High-quality Films’ Van Messel. programming will be in greater demand Additionally, 9 Story’s Commisso by both traditional outlets as well as noted that “More and more, television [Over-The-Top] OTT players [e.g., is becoming a ‘kick-back and laugh’ Netflix, Hulu] who, as we know, are medium for younger audiences, [making] now investing in the production of comedy in children’s and family their own bespoke programming. And, programming…the biggest trend.” placement of programming on these OTT services should also be seen as a For Rive Gauche’s Auerbach, “The great second window opportunity for Patrick Elmendorff of Studio 100 world is flat. Ideas know no boundaries linear product with shorter windowing and good ideas will continue to become possibilities. This…will create a “Buyers will need to recognize that hit shows in multiple territories.” Breakthrough’s Nat Abraham different dynamic for both buyers’ and there’s more competition than ever for the Content’s Saralo MacGregor from sellers’ strategies,” she said. same programming, and for sellers, there are additional opportunities to be had and a carefully strategized placement plan to be considered,” MacGregor added. In terms of what the future holds for trade shows, Starz’s George said, “MIP- TV and MIPCOM continue to be the key markets for us. We will continue our strong presence there and capitalize as the studios take a less visible position. We hope that L.A. Screenings can serve a greater role for us in the future. With the recent commitment by NATPE to remain in Miami for 2013, we are expecting our trade show strategy to remain consistent over the next year.” Content’s MacGregor concurred: “For us, the most important TV markets have traditionally been MIP, MIPCOM, NATPE and the L.A. Screenings. While not all buyers attend every TV market, we get a broad enough range at each of these as to make attendance extremely worthwhile.” For Switchover Media’s Tranquilli, MIPCOM is still “the main TV market, while attendance at MIP-TV appears to be progressively decreasing.” He added, “We will also attend NATPE, which for European execs is more attractive since it moved from Vegas to Miami.” Of course, Content’s MacGregor summed up the goals for 2012 best: “As always, there are sales targets to achieve.”
A+E’s Jonathan South
24 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2
Miami Heat
NATPE Ends Rick Feldman
Era At The Dawn Of Its 50th A pensive Rick Feldman, who will remain with NATPE as a consultant
his is a tribute to Rick Feldman, One of the criticisms directed toward more of a marketplace than a conference. the departing president and Rick was that he didn’t ask for advice, “Anyone can organize a conference,” he It’s ironic that CEO of NATPE. The incipit especially from his board, and that he said, “but not all can create a market.” is to reassure our friend Rick didn’t listen to that same unsolicited This is despite the fact that, at the his last three-year that it’s going to be a good advice. In our experience, though, event there were a record number of story, so he can relax. We he tended to listen to our unsolicited 82 seminars for a total of 44 hours in contract wasn’t don’t remember him before advice, even if it was only implemented a three-day, 30-hour working period. after a three-year assimilation process. Before he took over in 2003, NATPE renewed once he The joined NATPE; perhaps he was calm as a toad in the sun, but when kissed by Take the Tartikoff Awards, for featured just 20 seminars. NATPE’s Hollywood princes he turned example. Only this year, after at least However, at NATPE 2011, Rick did could finally bask into a nervous Nellie, worried about four years of VideoAge commenting that credit VideoAge with instigating the everything, including the weather. they no longer reflected NATPE’s 98 fortuitous move to Miami (with one of in praise and At the outset, it must be said that percent international constituency, did his PR staff adding that since NATPE Feldman did save NATPE from he select international honorees. was finally where we wanted it, VideoAge compliments for a financial ruin. He joined the non- The Awards also caused a rift between should stop whining). It only took four job well done at profit organization after disastrous Feldman and some NATPE board years of editorials, even though we first management, and he’s credited as a members, especially in 2007 when suggested a Miami move in a January NATPE 2012. good administrator, but not so much as Feldman was adamant about officially 2002 article. But it only took him one day a “visionary,” as VideoAge pointed out in saluting Dick Robertson, (who was not to acknowledge that our early warning a January 2009 article. Perhaps NATPE fond of NATPE), as a TV distribution about the elevator problems was correct. as Hungary’s inflationary economics couldn’t afford any vision at the time. leader. In 2002, during a NATPE press Now, in the midst of another, small due to the euro, the country’s political NATPE’s turn for the worse came with conference, the then-president of Warner but significant issue raised by VideoAge, upheaval, disputes with other European the 2002 stand-hotel suites controversy Bros. Domestic TV Distribution said, we find ourselves deprived by another Union members and the Sofitel Hotel, and the major U.S. studios pulling out “The need for NATPE is over,” adding, challenging, untimely outcome. At last DISCOP’s headquarters, looking to of the market. The crisis, which nearly “I can’t imagine why anyone would go year’s DISCOP market in Hungary (now increase rates. DISCOP will surely be a caused the end of the annual event, found to NATPE in New Orleans in 2003.” NATPE Budapest), we asked Feldman challenge for NATPE’s new CEO. the previous NATPE management not Then, what about the conferences? For why NATPE’s slogan is “Content First” and not “Content Sales First” since it is a Then there is the quagmire of growth. only unprepared, but in the midst of a years VideoAge reported that they were With the current Miami structure spending spree. When Feldman arrived interfering with the business of buying TV market. His answer was that the tag was created without consulting VideoAge. and venue, NATPE can only grow in 2003 he had to first focus on finances and selling: NATPE’s main purpose. At to a maximum of 7,000 cumulative and, later, on the TV trade show itself. one point, when we began previewing However, years ago, NATPE did participants, from the current record consult with VideoAge. It asked us to He scaled down a costly and useless what we expected to be the most useful of 5,000. At the same time, it cannot bid for their official Daily, but we lost sprawling office space, he scrapped the ones, Feldman so vehemently objected move to the Miami Beach Convention out, supposedly to a lower bidder, but Hawaiian vacation for staff members to the point that in future issues we Center due to the studios’ opposition to and close friends after each NATPE scrapped the feature altogether. possibly because Rick did not want to have an overly independent publication the booth arrangement. event, he reduced the overpaid NATPE Finally, this year, during the end- in his midst. Earlier, NATPE considered And not only does NATPE — which personnel, and cut down on the frills of-market press conference, he startled “ buying into a publication in order to will turn 50 next year — have to face (like food in the press room). most reporters by stating that NATPE is have some yearly visibility, but discarded competition from existing programming From day one when Feldman took the idea. the NATPE reins, he walked into a markets, but it also has to fend off thankless job. No wonder he became Unfortunately, at DISCOP the entrenchment from big TV trade shows very defensive at every slight suggestion challenge for NATPE was not just in the U.S. such as NAB and CES, both or comment, which he inevitably viewed its slogan, but the market itself. The looking to enter the content business. as criticism. He was placed in the middle previous owner, the Paris-based Basic Because today’s challenges are of a demanding board and an even Lead, is said to have been wise in different, the NATPE board may be of tougher industry that was constantly in unloading its remaining portion of the opinion that the new CEO has to be the midst of one of the world’s recurrent the market to NATPE, its partner, different: Someone with a clear vision economic or financial crises. since the trade show has reached its of how to face the multiple challenges; maturity and faces an uphill future. It’s ironic that his last three-year someone well known and respected by The territories DISCOP covers — the international TV industry. contract wasn’t renewed once he could Central and Eastern Europe — are finally bask in praise and compliments themselves maturing and are becoming On the other hand, perhaps the for a job well done at NATPE 2012. Also rich enough to afford markets such as market has changed so much that not welcome was the change in calendar the L.A. Screenings and MIPCOM. As even two Rick Feldmans could deal dates for NATPE 2013, pushed back a consequence, Latin distributors, one with all of NATPE’s new challenges, one week to January 28-30. of DISCOP’s largest constituencies, are and therefore a trade show specialist a On the other hand, as they say, television finding the market less appealing and lá Paul Zilk of MIP and MIPCOM’s has to be appreciated as a “medium,” thus are reducing their participation. fame (and not a TV executive), would because it can never be rare or well done. A joyous Rick Feldman On top of that there are problems such be a more suitable CEO.
26 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 MIPTV - Palais des Festivals - Cannes - Stand # RSV 02 Product Placement
Unloved And Distrusted: A Shaky Reception in Europe
BY BOB JENKINS proper means for measuring the Tele Images’ Philippe Alessandri n December 2009, the European impact.” Commission (EC), through the Breadin also thinks the “valuation” to be the producers’, naturally everyone “Television Without Frontiers” issue is making it difficult for many wants a piece of the pie, and there is AVMS (Audiovisual Media product placement deals to get off an argument for broadcasters getting Services) Directive, introduced the ground, commenting, “unrealistic some money because if, for example, a paid-for product placement into expectations from both broadcasters and mainstream European television advertisers have made deals difficult to show is sponsored by Coke, they are not Ifor the first time — but you could be execute.” But he added, “We can expect going to be able to sell spots to Pepsi.” forgiven for not having noticed. this to improve as more deals are done, But, he concluded, “the arguments are Product placement has always divided creating a body of precedent.” still in favor of the producer getting Europe. In some countries, such as Another restraining factor on the the majority of the money, not least Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and development of this business model because in these days of ever-shrinking Poland, the practice has long been legal is the requirement that the product budgets this means the broadcaster will and the business of product placement concerned not be given “undue get a better show than they were able is now a mature one. Whereas, in prominence.” The problem this causes to afford.” markets such as the U.K., where the EC DLT Entertainment’s Donald Taffner Jr is that, as newcast’s Lan explained, directive was not formally introduced “By its very nature product placement Despite the problems and the until February 28, 2011, and in France, broadcasters guard their relationship is a communication device aimed at arguments, Taffner, for one, was there has always been strong opposition with advertisers quite closely, and are not delivering a deeper engagement with sanguine about the future of product to the idea. naturally inclined to share them with the audience by showing the product in placement, declaring, “There is a future Although, as Nancy Lan, Strategic the wider production community.” situ and with a degree of prominence for product placement in Europe, even if Partnership director at newcast, a that delivers cut through for the brand, As an illustration of this truth, Breadin it won’t be the magic elixir some thought company within the ZenithOptimedia but what constitutes undue prominence pointed to the fact that, “in the past it might be.” He went on to suggest Group that specializes in product is open to interpretation. It is not clear year ITV has trialed product placement one possible way in which technology placement, pointed out, “prior to the whether it is the size of the brand on two of its in-house productions, might be able to boost income streams EC ruling at the end of 2009 product impact, the length of time it is shown This Morning and Coronation Street, but placement existed in Europe in two on screen, the degree of editorial input, from product placement: “There is has not permitted product placement forms, ‘prop placement,’ whereby a or some combination of all of these.” a new technology, not dissimilar to with any programs commissioned from supplier offered goods to producers, blue screen, that allows you to shoot a external suppliers.” And, as Taffner pointed out, the free of charge, to be used as props, thus problems product placement creates are product — say a soft drinks dispensing skirting around the ban on payment, One such supplier, Donald Taffner not confined to the producer. “Although machine — generically. This means and also in series imported from Jr, president of the U.S.-based DLT the money generated by a product that if you sell the product placement Entertainment, was clear that, “product countries where the practice was legal, placement deal is generally considered to, say, Coke, you can limit the deal by especially America.” placement has had virtually no impact time, and at the end of the period either on our business,” adding, “while it is In Lan’s estimation, “the EC renew or sell to another advertiser.” directive on product placement hasn’t fine in principle, there can be problems made a great impact on any European if the parties aren’t careful with it.” He Zodiak’s Breadin was also optimistic market, because many of the countries stressed that, “DLT Entertainment, as a about the future for this business model conservative on this issue are navigating company, is cautious about the model. in Europe. He believes, “as ‘social the new rules with caution, and in Yes we like the money coming in, and networking’ and ‘click to buy’ capabilities markets where product placement has we think that, properly handled it does become fully integrated into domestic no harm, but advertisers can try to been common for some time, the ruling viewing habits, the commercial benefits exert excessive control and that has to hasn’t caused much change.” of product placement will increase be resisted.” This is a view shared by Tim Breadin, dramatically. The softer benefits of Echoing the comments made by director of TV Operations, Zodiak UK, product association and endorsement Belgium and Netherlands, who believes Breadin, Philippe Alessandri, CEO of may be eclipsed by the commerce, there are a number of reasons why French production house Tele Images ‘click to buy’ as seen on the screen.” product placement has been slow to take said, “French broadcasters are reluctant off in the U.K. “The relationships in a to develop product placement because He concluded, “If a direct relationship product placement deal, as with other they fear it will reduce ad revenues, can be established between product advertiser-funded content propositions, while advertisers, on the other hand, placement and sales, then the sector Zodiak UK’s Tim Breadin are complicated. Unsurprisingly, U.K. remain shy of it because there is no will grow rapidly.”
28 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2
Convergence & Morality
If Internet TV Feels Like B’cast TV, Rules Apply Slightly
ith the increasing Ed Richards of OFCOM popularity of VoD and “We should strive OTT (Over The Top) “this is not set in stone, and, at the services — via online moment, we are playing five U.S. series: delivery services such to preserve the as Netflix and Hulu Body of Proof, Terra Nova and Desperate — and the beginnings open nature of the Housewives, all from free networks, of true convergence of television and and just Dexter and Homeland from W pay.” And while Alduy acknowledges the Internet, real issues are emerging as to how the content we watch will be Internet.” that, “pay-TV shows are important,” regulated, and by whom. precisely because they provide, “edgier In a speech delivered earlier this -Ed Richards series such as Shameless, Nurse Jackie, year, Ed Richards, chief executive of and Mad Men,” he also made the point the U.K. broadcast regulator OFCOM, that, “the fact that they are so edgy also identified the key technical and market means that, in France, we can only use with the consumer. In this world of changes that are creating new challenges them late [at] night. For the past three for content regulators. In particular B2C relationships content producers years or so, we have struggled to find he tapped: 4G mobile connectivity, Jane Turton at All3Media are no different from producers of popular and innovative series that can tablets and smartphones, connected any other FMCG [Fast Moving something looks, feels and acts like TVs and “services that combine linear Consumer Goods] — consumer trust play [during] primetime.” TV, but is delivered over the Internet, and on-demand viewing.” and confidence is paramount. Of Gene George is executive vice president into people’s living rooms, we need course, we always operate within the His conclusion was straightforward, of Distribution at Burbank-based Starz something that meets audiences’ prevailing laws and regulations, and “in such an increasingly converged Media, the home to many of the biggest expectations and provides the right would absolutely never do anything world, it is simply not possible to provide international drama hits of recent years, degree of reassurance.” that would threaten consumer trust in the comprehensive audience protection such as the Spartacus franchise and Jane Turton, Business Affairs director any of our brands. But, by the same of the pre-Internet world.” at All3Media, felt Richards’ speech token, regulators need to balance their Magic City, set in decadent 1950s Miami Richards went on to suggest that was, “very much along the right lines duty to the public with their duty not against a backdrop of that city’s Mafiosi those responsible for content regulation in calling for a light touch, adherence to strangle creativity.” which, George reports, “has already need to think about four main areas. to sensible principals and proper One way in which the industry has cleared more than 70 territories before it “First, we should avoid tinkering with protection for minors and from harm already begun to strike this balance even debuts on April 6.” the established regulation around and defamation.” However, she went on “between the need to protect the public While George was happy to broadcast TV. It is respected and to raise some interesting points of her — especially children — against the need trusted by the public and understood acknowledge that “in part, the own. “[Our company] is no different not to stifle creativity, is in recognizing by practitioners.” international success of the [Spartacus] from the vast majority of large content that pay services need lighter regulation franchise is due to the fact that the His second suggestion was that “we suppliers in that the overwhelming than free-to-air channels, because people series clearly pushes the boundaries of should strive to preserve the open nature majority of content we produce is have made a conscious choice to pay of the Internet.” This, Richards believes produced for broadcasters and was for the channels, can regulate them in television, and is truly ‘premium,’” he is both, “desirable in and of itself and made to conform to their regulations. their own home, and can stop paying also echoed Turton’s plea that creativity also a recognition of what is practical in That said, some of this will have been for them if they don’t like the content not be stifled by censorship, adding the light of the hundreds of thousands made for post-watershed (after 9:00 being delivered. And this has been that in the case of Spartacus it was of services emanating from places well p.m.) and will in practice be available having a definite impact on what sells not. “The edited version has also been beyond the jurisdiction of the U.K. or on these platforms at 3:00 p.m., so internationally, especially in terms of U.S. highly successful in several territories even the EU.” some sort of tweaking or flagging will drama, where many of the most successful as well, and this is because Spartacus be necessary,” she asserted. And this led to the third area dramas of the past few years, series such has brilliant writing, a dramatic and Richards suggested regulators should Turton believes the original content is as Mad Men, Spartacus and the eagerly engaging storyline and a great cast.” consider. He insisted that “it is the task easily dealt with from a regulatory point anticipated Magic City, have all emanated for the government, regulators and the of view, but what is “more challenging from pay services in the U.S. What is clear is that arcane though the subject of censorship may seem, there industry to provide clear information, from a regulatory perspective are add-on Manuel Alduy, head of Cinema/TV education and a framework of personal content and activities made to support series at France’s Canal Plus estimated are many key issues yet to be resolved, responsibility through which individuals the broadcast.” that, “generally about 40 percent of the and the way in which those responsible and their families can exercise an Here too, Turton thinks the future U.S. series we play are from the FTA resolve them will potentially have a informed choice.” is safe, explaining, “increasingly net world and 60 percent are from pay significant impact on the future of the Finally, Richards believes, “when producers are developing a direct link services.” Although he pointed out that, audiovisual content industry. BJ
30 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 annuncio 27x360:Layout115/03/1218:00Page the don [email protected] o e3 septemberrome30 ’ show t miss > 5 october > 2012 STAND
||| rocchi pavese ||| design ||| compliances around the world. The matter is more complicated because, according to Vajnlich, there are sales Taxing tax rules in each country, and rates for The TV Downloads physical (DVDs), and service goods are PR Biz different, and downloads and streaming fall in the “service” category. However, there are precedents to follow because (Continued from Cover) the interactive games industry has been (Continued from Cover) collecting sales taxes all along. Currently, when consumers buy services — to keep companies and things in a brick-and-mortar store, they In 2007, New Jersey became the people in or out of the spotlight, to pay the so-called “sales tax” (VAT in first state to tax digital downloads (the help market a product, to serve as spin Europe and GST in Canada). In the “iTunes tax”) and, currently, 25 states doctors (i.e., damage control), to take or U.S., 45 states have sales taxes ranging collect such a tax. However, thanks to a deflect blame, to create an image and, from five to 10 percent of the goods’ law stating that businesses can be taxed at times, to “babysit” temperamental and services price. In Europe, VAT only if they have a physical presence in personalities — let’s find out what can reach 27 percent in Hungary, and the state, many Incos don’t collect sales exactly the role of a PR company is for countries such as Norway and Sweden A+E’s Steve Ronson taxes. our type of media. have sales taxes in the order of 25 If the U.S. applies sales taxes to Lynette Piong of Singapore’s Red Bug percent. news for states, bad news for large online download sales systematically, it is Communications said simply that the Online stores, on the other hand, retailers (both bills offer exemptions for guaranteed that other countries will function of a PR company is “to help its small retailers and start-ups). lacking a physical presence, are not follow suit. clients generate positive communications required to collect sales tax on behalf Unsurprisingly, retailers are coming Currently, 140 countries worldwide to its public (shareholders, customers, of the state and cities. The U.S. Census out in favor of the bills, whereas the tax goods and services, whether it partners, etc.), primarily through media Bureau estimated that in 2010, online tech industry — especially eBay, is called VAT (value-added tax) or, channels.” retail sales in the U.S. reached $165.5 the Computer & Communications in Canada, GST (good and service billion, which translates to anywhere Industry Association and the Electronic “The key is effective communication from $8.3 billion to $16.5 billion in Retailing Association — are not. tax). In addition to the GST, Canada and getting a client’s brand out there has a provincial sales tax of up to in the marketplace,” said Celine Xerri- uncollected total revenue for the states. According to Steve Ronson, EVP, eight percent. According to VideoAge’s Brook, of London-based Magena According to the Digital Enterprises for the New York-based London contributor Bob Jenkins, in Media. “Functions will vary depending Entertainment Group, a Los Angeles- A+E Networks, who oversees the the U.K., VAT is only levied if the Inco on the client’s remit, but in the case of based industry association (there is International, Consumer Products and is registered in the U.K., even if the corporate TV/film PR for example, the also a London chapter), in 2010, U.S. Home Entertainment teams, “Online main function of the PR company is sales and rentals of DVDs reached $14 sales tax will help level the playing sale is made abroad. A regular Internet to first understand the client’s primary billion and digital $2.5 billion, but field between brick-and-mortar and buyer from Italy commented that for objectives — who are their target while DVD sales dropped 11.4 percent online e-tailers. That said, there are his online purchases VAT is always since 2009, digital sales increased 16 still many convenience and pricing incorporated into the sale price. audiences, how are they trying to build their brand, in which markets etc… percent. Blu-ray discs sales and rentals advantages through online shopping This aspect is better explained by then pitch a variety of stories into the increased from $1.5 billion in 2009 to that are certain to continue to benefit Meridian’s Vajnlich, who said that as relevant trade publications or online $2.3 billion in 2010. In terms of sales consumers. It is unlikely that there will far as sales tax in the European Union feeds that would increase exposure, taxes, DVDs from brick-and-mortar be a significant shift in the business (E.U.) is concerned, there are different which in turn helps them sell their stores represented for the U.S. states as a result of this legislation. As for VAT implications for companies selling product,” she said. average global revenues of $1.3 billion transactional media purchases, I don’t physical goods such as DVDs and a year, while digital produced a $200 foresee a change in buying habits and providing services (downloads and But, “PR has become more versatile,” million void, with this trend increasing volume for DTO, [Download-to-own] streaming). Products sold by a U.S. Inco Xerri-Brook added. Companies are every year. EST, and SVOD purchases because the to consumers in the E.U. are generally “offering aspects of marketing, copy- tax is insignificant on a per transaction Without proper legislation, in 1992 taxed in the country of the customer writing, translation work, and even basis. On a side note, a benefit of the the U.S. Supreme Court declared it and VAT should be incorporated into creating connections that will help their tax legislation is that it will lift the unlawful for states to require out-of- the selling price. However, according to clients’ business,” she said. burden of consumers reporting their state sellers to collect sales taxes for Vajnlich, U.S. companies are often not Blair Metcalf of Ogilvy Public them. But now the U.S. Congress wants online sales activity for personal income tax purposes,” he said. aware that there are VAT compliance Relations’ London office concurred. to get into the act with a bill that is not obligations resulting from the provision “PR companies have evolved over the considered a tax increase, but simply a Similarly, a former Starz executive of electronically supplied services. years from pure media — creating press means of collecting existing state taxes. expects that the minimal fee to Whether or not U.S. Incos register releases and events — to being partners customers won’t be an issue. The The Marketplace Equity Act is for VAT and remit the VAT to the in the success of their clients’ business. problem he sees is in terms of clearing currently pending in Congress. The respective VAT authority is another Increasingly, PR activities have a role houses. “Content providers would bill, sponsored by Reps. Jackie Speier matter entirely. to play in overall business performance like to avoid the middleman, and go (D-Calif.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and a company’s perception in the directly to the consumers,” he said. Vajnlich further explained that, in would give U.S. states the authority to marketplace.” compel online retailers to collect sales “The sales tax could add a new element respect to the sale of physical products, tax. The act “empowers states to require that could slow down the process of U.S. exporting companies may not From Los Angeles, Steve Syatt of SSA online companies that do not have a getting entertainment directly to the necessarily run into a liability to remit Public Relations added: “The economy is physical presence in the state to collect consumers.” the VAT to the respective countries, such that conducting PR for image alone and remit state sales taxes,” according Internet companies (Incos) such as as import VAT imposed on the goods is a luxury. Today, PR should be focused to its authors. The bill — which was Amazon, are equipped to deal with shipped directly from the U.S. to the on helping achieve sales, new business introduced in October 2011 — is not retail issues, while content owners have consumer in the E.U. has to be paid development — contributing to opening that different from the Main Street to get familiar with and set up complex by the customer upon arrival in the doors of opportunity,” he said. Fairness Act, an online sales tax bill structures to deal with over 7,500 taxing E.U. However, when goods from a U.S. “Many times we consult with our that was introduced last summer by jurisdictions in the U.S. alone. company are imported into the E.U. clients on issues as far ranging and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). One major Zdenek Vajnlich, the senior VAT into a distribution center and from apparently minor as the color schemes difference is that the Marketplace manager at the New York-based there distributed to customers in the for their new electronic media kits Equity Act gives states flexibility in Meridian Global Services said that E.U., VAT registration liabilities and to what kind of cocktails and hors how they craft their tax systems. there are companies such as his related VAT compliance obligations d’oeuvres to serve at their booth at What that probably means: Good that deal with sales tax/VAT/GST arise. MIP,” commented Sheila Morris of Los
(Continued on Page 34) 32 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 MIPTV, CANNES 2012 - STAND R30.03 “Increasingly, PR Formats See us at MIPTV The TV activities have Music PR Biz stand 14.02 a role to play in
(Continued from Page 32) overall business Children’s Series Beauty Pageants Angeles-based Morris Marketing. “We, of course, also consult with performance certain clients on issues of major importance such as when to launch and and a company’s what sequence to launch in. We really Action Series serve our clients best by becoming an involved business partner,” she said. perception in the Like nearly every other business in “Miss Higgins, send me in a PR person for an ego boost.” the world, public relations has seen marketplace.” major changes due to technological advances. And it’s not just about the or a competitive pitching process in value of PR more.” That was a sentiment absolute necessity for smartphones and response to a request for tender.” echoed by Piong of Red Bug. -Blair Metcalf instant responses. “Networking is key. Maintaining There are several ways for a client “In recent years, the social media relationships and engaging new ones to measure the value of PR. Media A world aspect of PR (Twitter, Facebook, will definitely open doors,” said Ink’s placement is usually a large factor, but LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.) has Wilson. it’s just one. Xerri-Brook of Magena results without the expense of full time of entertainment become very important and most firms And the challenges don’t end once Media has very specific ways of are incorporating these promotional the clients are secured. “Each area of measuring her company’s success on in-house staff. However, even for large avenues into their PR campaigns,” said the TV business has its own particular behalf of their clients. companies with senior level in-house just a touch Nicole Goesseringer Muj of Kultura pressures,” said Metcalf. “Broadcasters “Clients always get clips as soon as departments, outside PR provides an PR, also in Los Angeles. for instance have strong regulatory coverage appears, and then normally important extension of service for away “This has become a business of demands on them, whilst distributors are get a round-up compilation and report project related needs,” said Powers. digitally delivered news, tight deadlines more focused on the global marketplace at the end of a project. However I “If the company is a new start-up, and relationship by email — everything and need international solutions. The also compile Media Value Reports that moves faster. Excellent writing skills key is to know your client, know assess the equivalent value of coverage using a PR agency can simply save and the ability to get your news across the marketplace, know the relevant that would equate to advertising space,” time and money. …This frees up time quickly and concisely are essential,” influencers and plan accordingly. In she said. “for them to do other important tasks,” the end all clients have the same goal, added Mary Powers of Canada-based “Some clients need a daily measuring said Marylou Johnston and Melissa MPowers Communications. to use public relations to achieve their [of results],” said Colombo. “For that business objectives.” Chamberlain of MLJ Agency in Paris. Documentaries For Muj, “it is much more difficult we developed technologies that allow “An experienced PR agency can to give exclusive news to certain outlets Added Daniel Colombo of us to summarize the evolution and the these days, because of the rapid fire Argentina’s Colombo PR, “All clients results (e.g. media appearance; social usually get a new business off the nature of online media. I also feel that are demanding regarding the service media evolution regarding a particular ground and noticed more quickly than Extreme Video Clips accuracy and fact checking is not as hired. That is … why it is highly issue) and deliver the client the report if they hired a new in-house team important to media these days, which important to determine the strategy and in the agreed format. It allows them to because having an already established implications altogether with the client get concrete results from our intangible is a shame. Sometimes journalists are network of media contacts can usually so rushed to get their stories published in order to assign the more specific work,” he said. guarantee some coverage,” they said. and ‘live,’ the quality of their work is and suitable group of people to satisfy “The measurables applied to effective “An external PR agency can also provide compromised.” [their] needs. Particularly regarding the PR can vary from direct impact on a audiovisual industry inside a company, an outside perspective that an in-house California-based Ink Media’s company’s bottom line to a change in we report to a marketing manager and president, Pam Wilson, agreed: “In sentiment expressed within a target PR team can miss.” also to a production team, distribution, the rush to be the first to get ‘breaking group,” said Ogilvy’s Metcalf. “It can Films Telenovelas ad sales, etc., with strategies, timing, When consulting with publicists, we news’, there are some media outlets who also be just as important to assist a and different messages for each business couldn’t help but ask what the hardest unfortunately do not check facts or company in keeping things out of unit,” he said. part of working with journalists is (a sources. It is frustrating when articles the headlines. Volume of coverage, are posted that are completely untrue When asked whether U.S. or introductions to influential companies self-serving question perhaps). or quotes from an executive or actor are international clients were more difficult, and individuals as well as changing But aside from the occasional taken out of context. Once something most of the publicists we interviewed widely held perceptions are some of the personality flaws — and tight deadlines is posted on the Internet it can never said each client is very different. varied targets we can operate to.” — the publicists said they don’t have be erased so the ‘untruths’ that are “I’d say that when we started in 1990 And how to measure their fees? much to complain about. reported are always out there. And international clients were a bit more External PR companies (as opposed Teen Series that’s a problem,” she said. difficult simply because the technology to in-house PR) can charge clients “The media is not really difficult Other challenges for publicists was not accessible,” said Morris of Morris in different ways. The most common to deal with at all. The thousands revolve around acquiring new clients, Marketing. “Just think back to those is with a monthly retainer, but per- of media outlets around the world something that can be done via word of giant telex machines! Nowadays, with project fees and even hourly fees are are constantly looking for content. PR mouth, professional referrals, and more technology and 24/7 communication, also common. agencies around the world have the formal pitching. there is no difference between a U.S. Oftentimes it can be less expensive for content,” said Morris. “The trick, if “There is no hard and fast rule,” on and international client.” a company — especially a smaller, new you will, is for the PR professional how to attract new clients, Ogilvy’s But Gerry Buckland of Buckland company — to hire an outside PR firm. Metcalf said. “Acquiring a new client Consultancy UK Limited said that, overall, “For smaller companies, standalone PR to package the right content for the can be via personal recommendation, “U.S. clients tend to know more what they can be a more cost efficient way. … It correct media and present it at just the introductions from our global network, want to achieve — and appreciate the provides for experienced, executive level optimum moment in time.” www.venevisioninternational.com 34 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 Formats See us at MIPTV Music stand 14.02
Children’s Series Beauty Pageants
Action Series
A world of entertainment just a touch away
Documentaries
Extreme Video Clips
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www.venevisioninternational.com L.A. Screenings Preview
(Continued from Cover)
Life and Only Fools and Horses, NBC’s Friday Night Dinner, and many more). And 2012-2013 may very well be the year of the comedienne, with Sarah Silverman, The Office writer Mindy Kaling, and Roseanne Barr all looking to star in their own sitcoms (on Fox and NBC respectively). Ellen DeGeneres’s Roseanne Barr, seen here on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, has been cast on NBC’s Mindy Kaling, of NBC’s The Office, is pilot, The Smart One (which stars wife Downwardly Mobile. (Photo credit: NBC) behind a Fox pilot about a young, Bridget Portia de Rossi), has been commissioned Jones-style doctor. (Photo credit: NBC) by ABC. NBC is also trying its hand at a FOX, on the other hand is on the and an untitled comedy that revolves Chalk it up to the popularity of British format called Friday Night espionage track. The network has around a guy who sits a cubicle away Modern Family, Smash and Glee — Dinner, which revolves around (you ordered two pilots that revolve around from the girl who broke his heart. shows in which gay characters take guessed it!) a wacky family’s weekly female spies — one, Asset follows a On the drama front, at CBS, center stage — or a changing attitude dinners together. Plus, the peacock woman who lives a double life (her toward gay marriage in the U.S., but network has commissioned a pilot ordinary life is that of a photojournalist) detective/cop-shows are big, with it seems The New Normal, a comedy entitled Bad Girls, based on a British and the other, as yet untitled, revolves series like The Widow Detective about commissioned by NBC that revolves series that follows a group of female around a teenage spy. a decorated police detective who around a gay couple and their surrogate, prisoners and jail staffers. CW has more pilots than ever before becomes a surrogate husband, lover and wouldn’t have gotten this far just a few NBC isn’t the only net going for — a total of eight dramas — including father to the families of three partners; years ago. (CBS’ Partners, while focused the British-tested shows. ABC has two its own Beauty and the Beast spin- Applebaum, in which a former public on two straight men, revolves around comedies based on series from across off (not to be confused with ABC’s defender becomes a private investigator an almost marriage-like relationship fantastical take on the classic fairytale). the pond: Only Fools and Horses, which to keep from being bored to death between longtime male friends). The net has also ordered a futuristic follows two streetwise brothers and as a stay-at-home mom; an untitled Perhaps unsurprisingly, struggling series entitled The Selection, a doc called their grandfather as they concoct get- period piece set in the 1960s which network NBC has commissioned over Joey Dakota based on an Israeli TV rich schemes, and White Van Man centers around a cowboy-turned-sheriff 20 pilots, looking to find a slew of about a man who takes over the family format, and Arrow based on the DC in Las Vegas; Golden Boy, which tracks hits in 2012-2013. Among those more handyman business. Comics superhero Green Arrow, among likely to be picked up are Dick Wolf’s others. one cop’s meteoric rise from officer Though it’s not based on a British Chicago Fire, which brings the Law Whereas some of the other nets are to detective to police commissioner series, some could say that ABC’s and Order creator back to NBC in a focusing on wacky family comedies, and Trooper, about a mother-turned- Gilded Lillys is hoping to ride the drama revolving around the Chicago CBS is going the buddy and workplace coattails of mania. The state trooper. CBS is also bringing Fire Department, and J.J. Abrams’s Downton Abbey comedy route, with sitcoms like the drama revolves around the opening of back the world’s most famous detective Revolution, which centers on a group Louis C.K. and Spike Feresten as-yet- Gotham’s first luxury hotel in 1895, with Elementary — which sees Sherlock of characters who live in a world where untitled comedy about a group of young and goes behind the scenes with those Holmes living in modern-day New all forms of energy have ceased to people working to achieve their creative who work and stay there. exist. Both come from series creators dreams; an untitled Greg Berlanti York City. with major successes under their belts If there’s one trend amongst ABC’s comedy about a guy who realizes he’s Of course, it’s U.S. advertisers’ call (Abrams was the mastermind behind 2012-2013 season, it’s the supernatural in love with his best friend and business as to what gets picked up, but no Lost). — with 666 Park Avenue, Beauty and partner; Partners, about two lifelong matter what, it should be an interesting the Beast and Gotham in the drama friends who are more like husbands; In the comedy arena, NBC is season. LCB banking on former ABC sitcom stars sphere, as well as an untitled comedy Friend Me, about two guys who move Roseanne Barr and John Goodman from Dan Fogelman about a gated to L.A. to work for Groupon; Super Fun (Roseanne) for Downwardly Mobile, community populated by aliens. Night, about a trio of nerdy girl friends, a sitcom set in a trailer park. The network’s 1600 Penn chronicles the lives of a dysfunctional family in the White House. Interestingly, a former speechwriter for U.S. President Barack Obama is one of the producers (based on true life, perhaps?). The network is also said to be exploring an Office spin-off based on the life of Dwight Schrute, which would take place mostly on the Schrute family beet farm. (The CW is also getting in on the spin-off game with The Carrie Diaries, a prequel to Sex and the City.) NBC is bringing back a familiar Preparations are underway for the 48th annual L.A. Screenings, with the indies face — albeit a much more sinister scheduled May 15-18 and the studios May one. Hannibal is a thriller based on The 17-25. VideoAge’s official guides will be Silence of the Lambs’ famous cannibal, published May 15 (Latin America) and May 19 (Studios). Updated info at: www. and it has already received a series The success of Modern Family is bringing about lots of new pilots that revolve around videoageinternational.com/screenings.htm order. wacky family dynamics
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CONFERENCES April 14–19, 2012 EXHIBITS April 16–19 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada USA www.nabshow.com “the French-language TVA network [in Quebec] is expected to provide described video, it has no condition of license
DV and AD requiring it.” For its part, AMI-TV World Blind Union Office 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4G 3E offers a minimum of four hours per Add Video Users Telephone: 1-416-486-9698 week of French language DV programs. Fax: 1-416-486-8107 E-mail: [email protected] DV Works’ Johnson added, “We have been doing French DV for AMI and (Continued from Cover) Aboriginal Peoples Television for three World Blind Union Toolkit on providing, years. The CRTC has now mandated delivering and campaigning for audio of the population. These are people description on television and film that, starting this September, the who, if not for Audio Description (AD) French-language Province of Quebec June 26-28, 2012 and Described Video (DV) technology, has to include DV and AD in their World Blind Union would not be consuming television. programming.” Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel, Hungary But, while in Canada in 2003 the The CRTC further requires that regulatory TV agency CRTC demanded specialty channels carry at least three that certain broadcasters provide DV hours per week of DV programming, and for programming, in the U.S., the natpebudapest.com four hours for the broadcast stations. The DV and AD toolkit brochure from the FCC will not implement DV until July Diane Johnson, president and CEO WBU downloadable at www.videoage.org 2012. of DV Works Currently, in the U.S. commercial networks ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, Date of release: April 2011 fairly well. In 2009 the CRTC further required plus public network PBS, carry DV and that all broadcasters and specialty TV which five are major suppliers. In the AD services. According to the FCC, (On VideoAge’s website — www. services provide DV for programming affiliates of these four big broadcast (pay-TV on the other hand doesn’t have U.S. there is just one major service videoage.org — there’s a link to company and it is part of WGBH, networks in the top 25 markets and five download a 55-page PDF document for specific DV requirements). Currently, cable networks (USA, Disney Channel, TV stations in the U.K., Japan and the PBS Boston TV station, which DV and AD services from the World pioneered DV in 1986. TNT, TBS and Nickelodeon) must South Africa provide DV and AD provide 50 hours of DV a week. The Blind Union.) services. Australia will start testing DV According to Diane Johnson, CEO rule took effect in October 2009, but It is expected that DV and AD will in July of this year. and president of the Vancouver-based the TV outlets have until July 2012 both increase DVD sales and expand It is unfortunate that DV and AD DV Works, on average it takes about to comply. The rule extends the DV the universe of TV stations, even have not yet fully entered into the eight hours to write a one-hour show. requirement to the big four affiliates in entertainment media lexicon. We cannot DV Works is one of the leading DV the 60 largest markets in July 2015. though TV outlets will not fully benefit recall a TV trade show conference or and AD companies in the world and, In terms of costs to producers and from DV and AD since, currently, a seminar where the topic has been added Johnson, “the only company international program distributors, DV commercials do not offer the services. discussed. that has two blind people that chair our and AD represent an added expenditure, Though the services are perfectly suited research and development team.” Suppliers of DV and AD services have which, in the beginning, will certainly for pay-TV channels, these outlets are recognized that this technology lags Peter Burke, VP of Marketing and favor sales of Canadian content, since it not required to carry them. in consumer and trade consciousness, Communications at the Toronto-based already offers the largest number of hours especially compared to closed Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) said that of programs that carry such services in In any event, DV and AD obligations captioning. Plus, the lack of standards adding AD and DV to a one-hour both French and English. When these are headed on our way, and there will be and common best practices increases the program costs about C$1,500. services are extended to other languages, little chance to avoid them, though they complexity, making it a less understood President and CEO David the industry will have to find a business are still often kept on the sidetrack. — and hence a less desirable — topic Errington described AMI as a not- model that will benefit all parties: for conferences. Concluded DV Works’ Johnson, “[It for-profit multimedia organization producers, distributors and outlets. To begin with, there is confusion for all Canadians and in particular Today, only Australia, Austria, is] hard to believe, but I’ve heard more between the definitions of DV and those who are deaf or vision impaired, Canada, Germany, India, Switzerland than once the comment, ‘don’t those After 20 years of management by our friends at BASIC LEAD, Discop East is now NATPE||Budapest. AD. In most countries outside North which operates two broadcast services: (German canton), the U.K. and the people have radio? Why would they America, the term Audio Description VoicePrint (a reading service) and AIM- U.S. are required to provide DV and need TV?’” NATPE||Content First, is a non-profit trade show organization based in Los Angeles that will be is used. In Canada, the common TV, a video network. AD. In India the service is, for now, celebrating our 50th anniversary next year. terminology is Described Video, and in limited to theatrical movies, and is In Canada, responsibility for providing the U.S., it’s Described Video Services offered in Hindi and some other regional DV lies with the broadcasters. DV (DVS). However, among industry languages. Brazil and Spain are also We are proud to be the sole organizer of the BUDAPEST market and invite you to also consider Work’s Johnson commented, “Some of It is unfortunate professionals, the term most often looking to incorporate DV into their NATPE||Miami in January 2013. the broadcasters take care of the costs used is Audio Description. So far, only audiovisual services. In these cases it is that DV and AD of the DV and sometimes they pass the the CRTC seems to have established reported that Mexican Spanish could cost to the producers. It really depends formal definitions for Described Video be used — at least in the beginning to have not yet fully and Audio Description: DV is when on the broadcaster. We do most of Bell save money — in both countries since Sign Up Now! a narrator provides a description of a Media’s [owner of CTV, among other TV Brazilians tend to understand Spanish entered into the program’s key visual elements. It applies networks] work and they pay us directly.” to scripted programs, such as dramas, However, at NATPE 2012 in Miami entertainment IN BUDAPEST AT THE SOFITEL YOU WILL FIND: comedies and documentaries. Beach, Florida, during a conference on media lexicon. AD is when an announcer reads aloud television in Canada, the broadcasters • 1200+ participants from 40+ countries the textual and graphic information on the panel said producers of acquired We cannot recall that is displayed on the screen, and it is content had to provide programs with DV • 350+ professional content buyers, many who do not go to MIP best suited for live, information-based audio track, which is then broadcast on the a TV trade show programming. TV outlets’ secondary audio channel. • 250+ global content suppliers As far as standardization is concerned, The availability of DV is indicated conference or a the Canadian TV sector is taking a by a symbol as well as an audio • A transactional marketplace for TV series, telenovelas, formats & channels leadership role with the formation of announcement before the program seminar where the DV Working Group to focus on begins, and it is listed in the electronic the topic has been • Access to NATPE||Budapest database via myNATPE online scheduling technical standards and awareness of programming guides. and networking tool DV programming. AMI’s Burke explained that, in discussed. Canada is also at the forefront of the Canada, English-language stations DV-AD facility sector with over a dozen have to provide DV and AD in both © 2012 NATPE. All rights reserved David Errington, president and CEO of AMI companies providing such services, of English and French, but even though Suzanne Gutierrez Mingfen Lee Gary Mitchell Elina Nesterova USA Asia (excluding China), Europe Central & Eastern In attendance at MIP +1-310-857-1612 Africa, Middle East +44-79-6220-3037 Europe, Russia 38 [email protected] +33-1-4229-6006 [email protected] +33-1-4229-3224 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 “ [email protected] [email protected] June 26-28, 2012 Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel, Hungary natpebudapest.com
After 20 years of management by our friends at BASIC LEAD, Discop East is now NATPE||Budapest. NATPE||Content First, is a non-profit trade show organization based in Los Angeles that will be celebrating our 50th anniversary next year. We are proud to be the sole organizer of the BUDAPEST market and invite you to also consider NATPE||Miami in January 2013. Sign Up Now! IN BUDAPEST AT THE SOFITEL YOU WILL FIND:
• 1200+ participants from 40+ countries • 350+ professional content buyers, many who do not go to MIP • 250+ global content suppliers • A transactional marketplace for TV series, telenovelas, formats & channels • Access to NATPE||Budapest database via myNATPE online scheduling and networking tool
© 2012 NATPE. All rights reserved Suzanne Gutierrez Mingfen Lee Gary Mitchell Elina Nesterova USA Asia (excluding China), Europe Central & Eastern In attendance at MIP +1-310-857-1612 Africa, Middle East +44-79-6220-3037 Europe, Russia [email protected] +33-1-4229-6006 [email protected] +33-1-4229-3224 [email protected] [email protected] L.A. SCREENINGS MAY 15-25 Conferences & Events News Los Angeles, CA, U.S. TEL: (212) 288-3933 FAX: (212) 734-9033 ON TIME & ON SCHEDULE www.videoage.org If you have to choose an airline or an MIPDOC & MIP-TV HOT DOCS VideoAge bonus distribution airport based on their on-time performance, MARCH 30-APRIL 4 APRIL 26-MAY 6 BusinessTravelNews magazine (at www. businesstravelnews.com) published a list in Cannes, France Toronto, Canada THE CABLE SHOW their Jan. 23 edition. TEL: (212) 370-7470 TEL: (416) 203-2155 MAY 21-23 Topping the list as the best on-time airline is FAX: (212) 370-7471 FAX: (416) 203-0446 Boston, Mass, U.S. Hawaiian Airlines with 92 percent arriving on www.miptv.com www.hotdocs.ca schedule. It is followed by Alaska Airlines (87.8 TEL: (202) 463-7905 percent) and AirTran Airways (84.9 percent). VideoAge bonus distribution CANNES FILM FESTIVAL FAX: (202) 467-6944 At the bottom of the list are Southwest Airlines NAB (70.6 percent) and Air Canada (61.2 percent). MAY 16-27 www.thecableshow.com Among the best airports are Tokyo Narita, APRIL 14-19 Cannes, France with an 84.7 percent on-time departure rate Las Vegas, NV, U.S. TEL: (33 1) 5359 6100 MEDIA HUB MARKET and Amsterdam (81.3 percent), followed by TEL: (202) 595-2052 Atlanta (79.6 percent). At the bottom of the list FAX: (33 1) 5359 6110 MAY 29-30 FAX: (202) 775-2145 www.festival-cannes.com are Singapore (52.7 percent) and Beijing (34.6 Bangkok, Thailand percent). www.nabshow.com TEL: (6 03) 7727 2006 FAX: (6 03) 7727 8006 www.mediahubaccess.com
BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL JUNE 10-13 Banff, Canada TEL: (416) 921-3171 FAX: (416) 921-9878 At The L.A. Screenings 2012 www.banffmediafestival.com
You Have a Choice: MONTE-CARLO TV FESTIVAL JUNE 10-14 Monaco, Monte-Carlo You can reach all buyers TEL: (377) 9310 4060 FAX: (377) 9350 7014 with www.tvfestival.com or DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE JUNE 18-19 Paris, France You can reach all sellers TEL: (33) 6-16.20.03.31 E-MAIL: [email protected] with other publications. www.ubiqparis.com VideoAge bonus distribution
The choice is simple for those interested in sales. NATPE BUDAPEST No ifs, ands or buts. JUNE 26-28 publication at the L.A. VideoAge is the only buyers in their Budapest, Hungary TEL: (310) 453-4440 Screenings that is delivered to all hotel rooms. FAX: (310) 453-5258 www.natpebudapest.com VideoAge bonus distribution For more info: SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC www.videoageinternational.com/screenings.html JUNE 26-29 For inquiries: [email protected] La Rochelle, France TEL: (33 5) 4655 7979 FAX: (33 5) 4634 4652 www.sunnysideofthedoc.com
40 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 Where do you want to go next?
From an idea to the screens of the world, MIPTV has the power twnsform your business. MIPTV is where 11,500 participants & 4,000 buyers from 100 countries converge, united by their passion for TV - in all its forms. Shape and make deals, create bridges across our expanding industry and unlock new business opportunities.
Sunday April 1st to Wednesday April 4th 2012 | Cannes, France Accelerator Events | MIPDoc, MIPFormats, MIPCube | 30-31 March 2012
Speaking at MIPTV: Peter Jonathan Josh Sapan, Vesterbacka, Mildenhall, President & CMO and Mighty VP Global CEO, Eagle, Advertising AMC Rovio and Content Networks Inc. Excellence, The Coca-Cola Company
www.miptv.com
MIPTV-VideoAge_NameDrop_270x360.indd 1 13/03/12 08:34 My Two Cents MAIN OFFICES 216 EAST 75TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10021 TEL: (212) 288-3933 FAX: (212) 288-3424 VIDEO AGE WEBSITES: www.videoage.org here’s no question about it: HBO has to be commended for its innovative programming, and www.videoagelatino.com the 25 primetime Emmy Awards it has won since 1993 are a testament to that. However, www.videoage.it weighing HBO against a broadcast TV network for such awards is not only unfair, it’s P.O. BOX 25282 unreasonable. To me, those Emmy wins are like comparing apples to oranges. LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 HBO, short for Home Box Office, is a premium cable TV network owned by Time Warner that was born in the U.S. in 1972 and since 1993, has produced original VIALE ABRUZZI 30 programming. Currently, it serves 151 countries worldwide. In the U.S. it reaches 28.2 20123 MILAN, ITALY millionT subscribers, making it the second largest premium network in the U.S., after Starz’s YUKARI MEDIA Encore, which has 32.8 million subs. YMI BLDG. 3-3-4, UCHIHIRANOMACHI Besides the fact that HBO’s big-budget productions compete against broadcast movies CHUO-KU, OSAKA JAPAN and average-budget series, on-air TV content is restricted, while HBO can go to town TEL: (816) 4790-2222 with profanity, violence, nudity and sex. EDITOR Now, you tell me if a match can be called equal when one contestant is fighting with a DOM SERAFINI shorter sword and one hand tied behind his back. ASSISTANT EDITOR We have two heavyweights (pay-TV and broadcast), but one is fighting with just one glove. SARA ALESSI In that match, I’m sure there is no satisfaction on the part of pay-TV either. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS HBO and other similar pay-TV and subscription services have no obligations to advertisers and only a few to the U.S. ENZO CHIARULLO (ITALY) regulatory agency, the FCC. They respond only to the whims of consumers and have the money to produce quality and LUCY COHEN BLATTER innovative programming virtually without any creative limitations. CARLOS GUROVICH On the other hand, broadcast TV has a long list of programming rules, regulations, restrictions and guidelines. Network television LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER is vulnerable because in order to cover the country, it makes use of affiliate (local) TV stations, which are ultimately answerable to BOB JENKINS (U.K.) the FCC, and are the ones that could risk losing their broadcast licenses. Just imagine, the FCC even objects if TV stations broadcast AKIKO KOBAYACHI (JAPAN) programs “inciting lawless actions.” LORENA SANCHEZ (ARGENTINA) LEVI SHAPIRO Broadcast Television Under the same rules, pay-TV services would, if not disappear, certainly suffer greatly. Plus, DAVID SHORT (AFRICA) the FCC “urges” viewers to file complaints if ERIN SOMERS they think a program is offensive. Keep in mind MARIA ZUPPELLO (BRAZIL) that conservative Americans, though they do not CORPORATE AND object to violence, are offended by the slightest CIRCULATION OFFICE sign of cleavage. 216 EAST 75TH STREET If the Oscars differentiate between U.S. movies NEW YORK, NY 10021 and foreign movies, there should be a similar TEL: (212) 288-3933 awards logic between pay-TV and broadcast FAX: (212) 734-9033 content. One could argue that there are also PUBLISHER restrictions on movies, but those do not affect the MONICA GORGHETTO outlet (i.e., the movie theater) but only the viewers. Plus, such restrictions do not hinder creativity — BUSINESS OFFICE to the contrary, at times they enhance it. LEN FINKEL Academia, too, is noticing the disparity. LEGAL OFFICE Professor Robert Thompson of the Bleier Center ROBERT ACKERMANN for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse STEVE SCHIFFMAN University, has been quoted as saying: “Without WEB MANAGER a doubt, the business model of network television MIKE FAIVRE is suffering from competition with other channels that operate with fewer content restrictions.” It was also noted that hit shows such as The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Weeds, Sex and the City, Californication and Deadwood in the U.S. could only have DESIGN/LAYOUT been created for cable. Even China is aware that “Content Restrictions Quash Creativity,” according to the China Digital Times, CARMINE RASPAOLO which added that “the reason there are too many similar shows [on broadcast TV] is because creativity has been restricted.” ILLUSTRATIONS The point of this “My2¢” is not to rescind regulations — far from it — but to put broadcast TV on a different playing field BOB SHOCHET than cable/satellite/online TV, at least when awards are bestowed. FOUNDED IN 1981 For its part, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS), which runs the Emmys, stated: “When cable came into MEMBER OF NBCA eligibility, plausible arguments were made that it had more creative freedom, bigger budgets and more production time than (CIRCULATION) broadcast. But they couldn’t trump the counter arguments that the Emmys reward creative excellence regardless of broadcast VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 0278-5013 USPS 601-230) IS PUBLISHED SEVEN TIMES A YEAR: JANUARY, MARCH/APRIL, MAY, or cable platforms. JUNE, JULY, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER. PLUS DAILIES BY “When the [ATAS] Board of Governors approved eligibility for cable programs and individual achievements (1988), it was TV TRADE MEDIA, INC. SINGLE COPY U.S.$9.75. YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION U.S.$45 (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO); U.S.$60 (U.K. AND EUROPE). on the condition that they would be fully integrated into the competition. The Board did not want to set up separate categories © TV TRADE MEDIA INC. 2012. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF VIDEO AGE for cable (á la the NCTA’s Cable Ace Awards). INTERNATIONAL ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT IN THE U.S., U.K., AND ALL COUNTRIES SIGNATORY TO THE BERNE CONVENTIO AND THE “The Board did not want to have separate award tracks within the same genres, e.g., a drama series category for broadcast PAN-AMERICAN CONVENTION. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO VIDEO and a drama series category for cable. To do so would be to split and diminish the prestige and importance of the drama series AGE INTERNATIONAL, 216 EAST 75TH STREET, SUITE PW, NEW YORK, category. It would effectively tier the awards into two lesser sub-categories rather than keep them consolidated in one award.” NY 10021, U.S.A. PURSUANT TO THE U.S. COPYRIGHTS ACT OF 1976, THE RIGHTS OF ALL Dom Serafini CONTENT DONE ON ASSIGNMENT FOR ALL VIDEOAGE PUBLICATIONS ARE HELD BY THE PUBLISHER OF VIDEOAGE, WHICH COMMISSIONED THEM.
42 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2 My Two Cents MAIN OFFICES 216 EAST 75TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10021 TEL: (212) 288-3933 FAX: (212) 288-3424 VIDEO AGE WEBSITES: www.videoage.org here’s no question about it: HBO has to be commended for its innovative programming, and www.videoagelatino.com the 25 primetime Emmy Awards it has won since 1993 are a testament to that. However, www.videoage.it weighing HBO against a broadcast TV network for such awards is not only unfair, it’s P.O. BOX 25282 unreasonable. To me, those Emmy wins are like comparing apples to oranges. LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 HBO, short for Home Box Office, is a premium cable TV network owned by Time Warner that was born in the U.S. in 1972 and since 1993, has produced original VIALE ABRUZZI 30 programming. Currently, it serves 151 countries worldwide. In the U.S. it reaches 28.2 20123 MILAN, ITALY millionT subscribers, making it the second largest premium network in the U.S., after Starz’s YUKARI MEDIA Encore, which has 32.8 million subs. YMI BLDG. 3-3-4, UCHIHIRANOMACHI Besides the fact that HBO’s big-budget productions compete against broadcast movies CHUO-KU, OSAKA JAPAN and average-budget series, on-air TV content is restricted, while HBO can go to town TEL: (816) 4790-2222 with profanity, violence, nudity and sex. EDITOR Now, you tell me if a match can be called equal when one contestant is fighting with a DOM SERAFINI shorter sword and one hand tied behind his back. ASSISTANT EDITOR We have two heavyweights (pay-TV and broadcast), but one is fighting with just one glove. SARA ALESSI In that match, I’m sure there is no satisfaction on the part of pay-TV either. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS HBO and other similar pay-TV and subscription services have no obligations to advertisers and only a few to the U.S. ENZO CHIARULLO (ITALY) regulatory agency, the FCC. They respond only to the whims of consumers and have the money to produce quality and LUCY COHEN BLATTER innovative programming virtually without any creative limitations. CARLOS GUROVICH On the other hand, broadcast TV has a long list of programming rules, regulations, restrictions and guidelines. Network television LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER is vulnerable because in order to cover the country, it makes use of affiliate (local) TV stations, which are ultimately answerable to BOB JENKINS (U.K.) the FCC, and are the ones that could risk losing their broadcast licenses. Just imagine, the FCC even objects if TV stations broadcast AKIKO KOBAYACHI (JAPAN) programs “inciting lawless actions.” LORENA SANCHEZ (ARGENTINA) LEVI SHAPIRO Broadcast Television Under the same rules, pay-TV services would, if not disappear, certainly suffer greatly. Plus, DAVID SHORT (AFRICA) the FCC “urges” viewers to file complaints if ERIN SOMERS they think a program is offensive. Keep in mind MARIA ZUPPELLO (BRAZIL) that conservative Americans, though they do not CORPORATE AND object to violence, are offended by the slightest CIRCULATION OFFICE sign of cleavage. 216 EAST 75TH STREET If the Oscars differentiate between U.S. movies NEW YORK, NY 10021 and foreign movies, there should be a similar TEL: (212) 288-3933 awards logic between pay-TV and broadcast FAX: (212) 734-9033 content. One could argue that there are also PUBLISHER restrictions on movies, but those do not affect the MONICA GORGHETTO outlet (i.e., the movie theater) but only the viewers. Plus, such restrictions do not hinder creativity — BUSINESS OFFICE to the contrary, at times they enhance it. LEN FINKEL Academia, too, is noticing the disparity. LEGAL OFFICE Professor Robert Thompson of the Bleier Center ROBERT ACKERMANN for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse STEVE SCHIFFMAN University, has been quoted as saying: “Without WEB MANAGER a doubt, the business model of network television MIKE FAIVRE is suffering from competition with other channels that operate with fewer content restrictions.” It was also noted that hit shows such as The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Weeds, Sex and the City, Californication and Deadwood in the U.S. could only have DESIGN/LAYOUT been created for cable. Even China is aware that “Content Restrictions Quash Creativity,” according to the China Digital Times, CARMINE RASPAOLO which added that “the reason there are too many similar shows [on broadcast TV] is because creativity has been restricted.” ILLUSTRATIONS The point of this “My2¢” is not to rescind regulations — far from it — but to put broadcast TV on a different playing field BOB SHOCHET than cable/satellite/online TV, at least when awards are bestowed. FOUNDED IN 1981 For its part, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS), which runs the Emmys, stated: “When cable came into MEMBER OF NBCA eligibility, plausible arguments were made that it had more creative freedom, bigger budgets and more production time than (CIRCULATION) broadcast. But they couldn’t trump the counter arguments that the Emmys reward creative excellence regardless of broadcast VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 0278-5013 USPS 601-230) IS PUBLISHED SEVEN TIMES A YEAR: JANUARY, MARCH/APRIL, MAY, or cable platforms. JUNE, JULY, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER. PLUS DAILIES BY “When the [ATAS] Board of Governors approved eligibility for cable programs and individual achievements (1988), it was TV TRADE MEDIA, INC. SINGLE COPY U.S.$9.75. YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION U.S.$45 (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO); U.S.$60 (U.K. AND EUROPE). on the condition that they would be fully integrated into the competition. The Board did not want to set up separate categories © TV TRADE MEDIA INC. 2012. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF VIDEO AGE for cable (á la the NCTA’s Cable Ace Awards). INTERNATIONAL ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT IN THE U.S., U.K., AND ALL COUNTRIES SIGNATORY TO THE BERNE CONVENTIO AND THE “The Board did not want to have separate award tracks within the same genres, e.g., a drama series category for broadcast PAN-AMERICAN CONVENTION. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO VIDEO and a drama series category for cable. To do so would be to split and diminish the prestige and importance of the drama series AGE INTERNATIONAL, 216 EAST 75TH STREET, SUITE PW, NEW YORK, category. It would effectively tier the awards into two lesser sub-categories rather than keep them consolidated in one award.” NY 10021, U.S.A. PURSUANT TO THE U.S. COPYRIGHTS ACT OF 1976, THE RIGHTS OF ALL Dom Serafini CONTENT DONE ON ASSIGNMENT FOR ALL VIDEOAGE PUBLICATIONS ARE HELD BY THE PUBLISHER OF VIDEOAGE, WHICH COMMISSIONED THEM. At MIP-TV
42 Stand No. 14.17 VIDEO • AGE M ARCH /A PRIL 2 0 1 2