Prensario Prensario International International Prensario Prensario International International SpecialCOMMEN TARepoRY rt | Markets

A good Istanbul guide

This is the second time we attend Discop Istanbul with a special edition, fully devoted on the market. Last year we were extremely pleased with the results —both advertisement and market feedback— and we are going deeper this year. Undoubtedly, West Asia is a good place to focus on. What will you find at this issue? A full local content edition, focused on West Asia content buyers and producers. These are the pillars of Prensario Prensario worldwide: specific issues, regional buyers on top. So, here we provide mainly West International Asia top broadcaster interviews and locally produced concept that it is the fastest growing show within the ©2013 Editorial Prensario SRL Payments to the order of reports, with figures and trends. content business, the fact that the event is evolving Editorial Prensario SRL What is important to say about the market, to a pole of emergent territories. It receives not only or by credit card. Registro Nacional de Derecho at this first page? Apart from the well known West Asia and Middle East buyers, but also people de Autor Nº 10878 from Africa, Central & Eastern Europe, the CIS territories and East Asia. With this condition, a new sort of market can take place, different from the others in the international calendar. Emergent territories need Published by Editorial Prensario SRL different strategies from developed markets, and Lavalle 1569, Of. 405 if all the attendees are the same, new business C1048 AAK practices created. The evolution of Discop Istanbul Buenos Aires, Argentina Phone: (+54-11) 4924-7908 will be very interesting to check, in 2014 and the Fax: (+54-11) 4925-2507 upcoming years. Nicolás Smirnoff In the U.S.: 12307 SW 133 Court - Discop Istanbul 2014: main scheduled events Suite #1432 Miami, Florida 33186-USA Event Date & time Place Phone: (305) 890-1813 Dramas with Passports March 4, 10am Conference Room New Trends in Turkish Drama March 4, 4pm Conference Room Email: [email protected] Website: www.prensario.tv Welcome Cocktail Party March 4, 7pm TBA (*) Public Broadcaster in the Digital Era March 5, 10am Conference Room Representatives: • Mexico: Angeles Pérez Aguirre: The state of digital in Turkey and Central Asia March 5, 11am Conference Room [email protected] Focus on Iraq March 5, 4pm Conference Room • Chile: Karina Cortés: Global Agency Party “Work Hard, Play Hard” March 5, 10pm Conrad Hotel Ballroom [email protected] How branded entertainment influences creativity and budgets March 6, 11am Conference Room • Peru: Miguel Angel Hurtado Launch of Branded Entertainment Europe MENA Asia) March 6, 3pm Conference Room [email protected] Character animation and the growth of licensing in Turkey March 6, 4pm Conference Room • Colombia: Wilson Perez Velez Turkey: a world-class drama coproduction hub March 6, 5pm Conference Room [email protected]

(*) To be announced • Ecuador: Juan Carlos Arias Rendon [email protected]

Editor: Nicolás Smirnoff Print & Online Editorial Director: Alejo Smirnoff News Director: Domingo Vassellati Apart from this Prensario print issue, you can follow Discop Istanbul through International Business Director: our online daily reports, day by day at our website www.prensario.net or Fabricio Ferrara

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Prensario < 4 > < 3 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

By Fabricio Ferrara

What’s next in the Turkish TV market?

For the second year in a row, Prensario attends Discop Istanbul, one of the most dynamic events of the calendar, which this year changes the venue to a convention center format. Even Discop is attended by players from Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia, the eyes are placed on the Turkish TV market, as dynamic as the tradeshow.

With almost 18 million TV households the Turkish TV market is one of the largest and fastest growing in Europe. The main broadcasters and protagonist of the industry were interviewed for this special report, to have a closer point of view of the market changes and evolution. From Pelin Distas Yasaroglu, Adem Gürses, Hasan Bozaslan, international Shebnem Askin, Ibrahim Eren, the leading commercial broadcasters Kanal D, editor in chief, Kanal D General Manager, ATV director, Samanyolu EVP of Programming, Fox TV Deputy Director General, TRT ATV and Samanyolu TV to the state-owned TV group Turkish Radio & Television (TRT). Other networks were invited to participate, but ‘Turkish TV market is mostly fragmented. ‘Turkish ad market still have a lot of poten- ‘Traditional media is still popular. Although ‘Fox Turkey has some fantastic projects in ‘We plan to produce mini TV series in the up to Discop closing date, the information have Sport games, predominantly football tial for growth and it can develop at least the digital media is gaining ground with great development for this 2014 TV season. We honor of the 50th anniversary. As an al- not arrived. matches, still preserve their place up. 2 times of what is it today. As the growth speed, the audience still prefers traditional me- will continue to invest in the very best com- ternative to the ’90-episode marathon series Audience is a bit tired of complicated story of ad industry is parallel to economic dia. There is no special study for this. Produc- missioned and acquired content for viewers’. which became the norm in Turkey as of late, 2013-2014 TV Season On January 2014 prime time slot was lead by plots and showing loyalty more rapidly to developments, we expect a 100 % increase tions that are made for TV’s are broadcasted we plan to come up with historical series Star TV (15%), which main hits on screen were content perceivable with ease’. in 5 years’. in the digital media at the same time’ with shorter 4-5 episodes maximum’. the fourth season of Magnificent Century —the most sold Turkish series of the history— and with high-budget drama series such us The Hill, Samanyolu TV will premiere 7 new series and Magnificent Century ranked second with 9.97% of TV movies. Other networks of the same group Tide, the local adaptation of Warner Bros. series The Great Revenge and The Others. TRT1, 8. Star TV will offer only 6 new projects. (total viewers); Karadayi (ATV) grabbed third that did well in 2013 were Samanyolu Haber, The O.C., as well as the entertainment show The According to an article from CEETV.NET, Kanal D plans to air 20 series per week. spot with 9.78 rating. Top 10 includes The Little Yumurcak TV and Mehtap TV. The company Voice and the local version of Got Talent, and the Turkey’s leading TV channels will premiere a Same source indicated that ATV completed Bride (Samanyolu), Black Rose (FOX), Tide also owns Hazar TV in Azerbaijan and Ebru TV in UEFA Euroleague and Champions League. total of 60 new series during 2014. Kanal D leads 2013 being the network with the most watched (Star TV), Backstreets (Kanal D), Fugitive (ATV), the US, as well as the international net Dunya TV. The second position, same slot, was alternated the chart with 12 new titles, followed by ATV, series: Valley of the Wolves won 32 out of 34 Don’t Worry About Me (ATV) and Sefkat Tepe ‘50 years is no mean feet in this sector’, remarks by ATV and Kanal D, who was the #1 broadcaster FOX Turkey and Show TV with 9 new projects. nights (average share of 13.2%); Star TV’s (Samanyolu). Ibrahim Eren, deputy Director general at Turkish on “Total Viewers, All Day” (10.77%); both Following with ATV, it had an excellent start Radio and Television (TRT), the state-owned channels offered a mix of entertainment shows of 2014: one of the most popular series, Fugitive broadcasters that is celebrating in 2014 half a and drama series, the core genre on the Turkish Turkey: audience share, per channels – Prime Time became the star of Tuesday in Turkey, by achieving century of life. ‘TRT made the best of this time: TV market. Its important to highlight the growth & All Day (Jan. 2014) 7.8% rating and 17.5% share in time slot of 9pm- a corporation that performed its duty to its of Samanyolu TV, which on season 2013/2014 Prime Time All Day 11pm during January (TNS Gallup). The most fullest as far as public broadcasting goes, become some nights the #1 station in the country important programming strategy at Samanyolu and with the help of ever advancing technologies, ATV’s one of the most popular series, Fugitive became 15% 10,77% TV was to broadcast TV serials, instead becoming 15 channels strong from the humble the star on Tuesdays by achieving 7.8% rating and 12,9% 17.5% share in time slot 10,47% beginnings of only 1’. 10,4% th 10,43% TRT’s 50 year also coincides with a very 90 minutes an episode marathon series 10,1% important benchmark, the 100th year of Turkish which became the norm in Turkey as of late, we 8,3% 8,2% Cinema. Continues the executive: ‘As TRT, we plan to come up with historical series with shorter 7,1% 6,6% will participate in a lot of activities this year. To 4-5 episodes maximum’, completes. 5,2% 6,3% underline the importance of this year further 3,2% and in the name of using our resources more New channels 3,7% 2,1% efficiently and creating value for the industry, During 2013, local and international we plan to commission 30 new television 1,2% 3,5% companies launch new channels in Turkey. Firstly, feature films’. 0 3 6 9 12 15 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Samanyolu Broadcasting Group released a new ‘For the new talents out there, there will be channel targeting the female audience, MC TV, Star TV Kanal D ATV Show TV Fox TV chances not to be missed. That is why we value which will be distributed by Türksat. Elif İpek Samanyolu TRT 1 Kanal 7 Kanalturk TV8 this project immensely. In addition, we plan to has been appointed GM of the network described The fourth season of Magnificent Century on Star TV The comedy show Arkadaşım Hoşgeldin on Kanal D started produce mini television series in the honor of as Turkey’s first ‘female-friendly’ TV net, and will Source: TNS Gallup th is the #1 drama series on Turkish prime time getting positive response during the first months of 2014 the 50 anniversary. As an alternative to the offer numerous female topics about life in the Prensario < 6 > < 7 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

What’s next in the Turkish TV market?

‘We also get started a comedy series Turkey: audience share evolution, per channels with a kid protagonist called Küçük Ağa. Soon there will be a new high – Prime Time/Total Viewers (2011-Jan.2014) school comedy Boynu Bükükler. Our in the house production company is 20 Star TV Kanal D ATV Show TV working on two comedy projects. On FOX TV Samanyolu June 2014, we will be launching new 15 sitcoms as well’. She completes: ‘Turkish TV market is mostly fragmented. Sport games, 10 predominantly football matches and programs still preserve their place up among our audience. Besides on- 5 going series from previous seasons, audience is a bit tired of complicated The Little Bride, drama series from Samanyolu TV, is story plots and showing loyalty more 0 among the top 10 programs on Turkey’s prime time 2011 (*) 2012 2013 Jan. 14 rapidly to content perceivable with family. The channel’s first original production ease. Thus, entertainment trend (*) ABG Nielsen is the daily talk show About Life. is still serving to what audience is Source: TNS Gallup Secondly, Modern Times Group (MTG) looking for’. launched its factual pay-TV channels Viasat Adem Gürses, general manager, History HD, Viasat Nature HD, Viasat Explorer, ATV, comments: ‘ATV is the second TV channel Regarding international sales, the executive which broadcast since January 1 with Turkish overall. In drama television series we are definitely comments: ‘I believe that especially the number voice-over on Türksat’s digital cable TV service number one. Our channel produced the most one serial The Little Bride will take the first place Teledünya, as part of the company premium tier popular and unforgettable series. The next season on the sales list. Our priority is given to the Middle package. The channel programming is also be will be highly competitive due to changes in the East, because the profit of this region is much available on the platform’s catch-up TV services. market, but we are planning new projects to higher than the other regions. Our goal is expand cope with this’. to Europe and Far East. Most of our shows were The protagonists ‘We are mostly concentrated on drama as its sold countries in Middle Asia, Middle East, the Pelin Distas Yasaroglu, editor in chief, Kanal slogan is Drama is best watched in ATV. There is Balkan states, Afghanistan, Pakistan and some D, explains: ‘We keep our leadership position a general trend in the industry to screen formats African and Far East countries and the sales are in the local market as previous years. In 2013, towards the summer period and we will mostly continuing’. Kanal D maintained its standing as most viewed likely to follow this trend as well’, Gürses adds. One of FOX TV top news was the designation of TV channel of Turkey with 114 total day among Hasan Bozaslan, international director, former Fox International Production executive total individuals and 150 total day among AB Samanyolu TV, says: ‘We made a serious shift Shebnem Askin as EVP of Programming at demographic group’. in balance during the 2013- 2014 season and the TV channel, which is among the top five Apart from drama series, it will be producing began to broadcast serials instead of TV films. stations in the country’s booming TV market. comedy and entertainment genres. Explains With this change, serious ratings were gained. She reports to Pietro Vicari, general manager at Distas: ‘We have already launched a comedy show Serials usually start in September and October. FOX TV. Askin, who was SVP of International called Arkadaşım Hoşgeldin, which is getting quite Samanyolu TV began to broadcast three new Acquisitions and Sales at FIP, is now in charge of positive response. Soon, some game shows will be serials in this period: The little Bride, The Great boosting network’s entertainment offering and on air such as the local adaptations of Money Drop Revenge and The others’. is responsible for commissioning, acquiring and and The Chase. X Factor is on air since February’. ‘2013-2014 season was really great year for scheduling film, drama, factual, kids and event us. Both new and ongoing entertainment programming, as well as working Turkey: TV household’s evolution, per platforms productions with various with channel’s partners. (2008-2017). In million stories had gained high ratings. ‘Fox Turkey has some fantastic projects in With the stories carefully development, and while it is sad to leave FIP after 20 IPTV chosen, and rich contents, a four thoroughly enjoyable years I look forward Subscription TV serious number of audiences to returning to Turkey and joining Pietro and his 15 Satellite are reached. Other serials that team as they continue to invest in the very best Cable were produces with great costs commissioned and acquired content for viewers’,

10 by the competitors could not remarks Askin. conform the expectations Eren from TRT: ‘We have produced a lot of because of their poor stories material in 2013 and we are very proud of each 5 and were ceased before the end of these programs. As we carry no financial woes of the season. In short, many as a public broadcaster and always operate with 0 pretentious serials could not the conscience of the responsibility we shoulder 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 reach the end of the season’, in mind, we strive to produce content that carries Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers/Informa Telecom & Media highlights Bozaslan. attributes like quality, respect for social values,

Prensario < 8 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

What’s next in the Turkish TV market?

Internet is substantially high, even compared to evolution. Format production has multiplied in major developed countries. So Internet became numbers over the past years’. another way to reach audiences, like cable, DTH, ‘As in the international market, Turkey also analogue terrestrial. In this perspective, with an has raised interests towards formats. With the ultimate goal to reach our viewers, we adapted cultural diversity that we have, it’s difficult to value OTT services for our content long time ago and Turkish viewers through certain stereotypes. But we are improving these services every year. in general, it’s important to mention that respect Right now, we are forecasting that over 600 for family values and cultural riches lie right in million online videos will be watched at Kanal D the core of this wealth’. OTT services in 2014. This is creating additional ‘We have two very important matters in The Golden Apple will be one of the new drama revenue streams for us and availability of such our future plans. One of them is local and series of the 2014 TV season on TRT1 services are increasing the loyalty of our viewers international co-production, and the other one variety and balance, educational and in such a competitive market. On the other hand, is to become more efficient in the digital world: entertaining. If we look from the angle of always these changes are pushing us to be more creative we have a new establishment just for this purpose reaching out to the maximum viewers as possible, on the content development side, i.e. we are not named New Media Channel Coordinationship. we will always be “The Leader” in Turkey’. only thinking TV, but second screen, VOD and With this unit we try to participate in all the Today, TRT operates one mainstream channel, other engagement tools at the development stage. platforms that has a viewer’. TRT1, and 14 thematic networks that allow the ‘In the local market, Kanal D’s main goal is ‘The advancements in technology in recent public corporation to reach out to all segments of to keep its leading position in the sector. In the years have underlined the importance of digital society and is no match to any other channel with future, we believe that creating content with high media. With the anticipation of digital channels its vast program variety. ‘TRT Kids is an example brand value will remain crucial regardless of the getting more and more popular each day, we that is very rare in the sector. Turkey’s first and distribution ways. Our aim will be improving plan to devise new products for these outputs. only free to air children’s channel, it regularly the brand value of the content sustainably’, Trans media studies, projects geared towards tops other channels in daytime ratings. Even if we concludes Distas. the worldwide web and an Internet TV that has group our content under 3 main groups, drama, Gürses, from ATV: ‘Turkish ad market still have a specific broadcasting stream are among our documentaries and kids, with the additions of a lot of potential for growth and it can develop at new projects’, he concludes. sub-groups we are able to offer a rich amount least 2 times of what is it today. As the growth of of content at the markets’, he says. ad industry is parallel to economic developments, For the 2014 TV season, TRT1 will have two we expect a 100 % increase in 5 years. In Turkey, brand new drama series: The Golden Apple and the ad market is always higher than Turkey’s GDP’. Turkish content A Tale of Yusuf. ‘Of course we have successful And he completes: ‘There is no definite answer children’s programming and documentaries to which finds out the audience’s preferences. But for export the most important is the good combination of choose from’, underlines Eren. According to local sources, during 2013 different factors such as strong storyline, good Turkey has become the second largest producer cast, setting and quality work. We can’t say that Digital & Future of drama of the world, behind the US and the historic productions are trending, because Distas, from Kanal D: ‘Internet has become surpassing Latin America. It exported Turkish only one and the first one was very popular. Other a major advertising medium in Turkey, close to drama for USD 200 million, a growth of 100% dramas, which tried to copy, a popular idea failed. 15-16% of total advertising expenditure. Internet in comparison with 2012. The real trend is: improving quality of drama penetration of Turkey is rapidly increasing Local players estimate that the figure will series and improving story lines’. and engagement of young population over the reach 1 billion in a couple of years. For example, Bozaslan, from Samanyolu: ‘Traditional media Magnificent Century—probably the most sold is still popular. Although the digital media is urkey obile broadband Turkish series ever— was premiered in China, T : M & gaining ground with great speed, the audience still being the first Turkish product in that market Internet subscriber’s evolution prefers traditional media. There is no special study with great success. (2008-2014e). for this. Productions that are made for TV’s are 30 In million 28 broadcasted in the digital media at the same time. Regarding future, he finishes: ‘The developments Mobile Internet subscribers Turkey: content exportation 25 for the future seasons are determined by the Broadband Internet subscribers evolution (2011-2013) previous season. The content of the future season 20 finds direction according to the previous data. 100% USD 200 200 15 14 Shows that have higher ratings surely continue for another season. We will continue watch serial 150 9,9 10 8,3 and some entertainment shows unless a brand USD 100 7,2 100 5,9 5 new trend is discovered. 5 USD 60 2 Eren, from TRT continues: ‘With the 50 0 advancements in the world creating changes 0 2008 2010 2012 2014e in peoples psychological and social structures, 2011 2012 2013 new trends are created in TV. People’s interests Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers/ Source: local sources Informa Telecom & Media change parallel to the changes in society. We can call this an involuntary adaptation to change and Prensario < 10 > Prensario International International Prensario Prensario International International MAIN STORY

Nicolás Smirnoff and Fabricio Ferrara

Discop Istanbul: the growth is here

While the central markets (United States, Europe) are flat or still suffering the waves of Discop Istanbul - Key 2009 global crisis —five years and going— the Emerging territories Prof. Bekir Karliga, territories joined in Discop Istanbul are steadily CSC director, and Prof. Senoy Yalcin, growing, both in TV channel and production rector of the Be- NTK, broadcaster UAE developments. They are not the paradise, of hceshir University of Kazakhstan: (borders); Patrick course, but there are lots of things to do around. Elina Fu-Chai-Chi, Jucaud-Zuchowic- marketing director; Kazakhstan It is always interesting to talk with Patrick ki, CEO of Basic Saida Igenbek, Lead; Abdurrah- general director; Jucaud-Zuchowicki, CEO at Basic Lead and man Arici, deputy Talgat Dairbenko, minister of culture Pakistan organizer of Discop Istanbul. He always says advisor to GM; and and Tourism of Gulnara Sazanbaye- Turkey trendy concepts as ‘Content business axe has va, program director Afghanistan moved to East. Middle East, West Asia and Africa take only 2% of worldwide content Discop Istanbul has changed from a suite-format market to a convention Emerging territories are a key factor in Istanbul. Former Soviet nations are Lebanon market incomes, about 250 billons of euros. center of 5,000sq, and expects 1,000 participants (25% of growth vs. 2013) evolving fast and some of them are very big markets But these regions are growing 100% per year, Jordan and they have 60% of the world population’. Also: ‘A region is getting strong when you see in their presence every year… the market is a Oman, Bahrein, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan, production centers in MENA: Egypt, Syria, among others’, said Jucaud-Zuchowicki. Lebanon, Jordan, Gulf Stats and Iraq. local players not only buying, but also dealing new pole of emerging territories now. Syria This year the event has moved from the Turkey plays a strategic role with almost Nabil Kazan, president and CEO of K & Istanbul Attractions to each other, moving from its first country to all of the local industry attending the market, Partners: ‘The new trend of dubbing almost others. When you see evolution from canned Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel, to the Istanbul Egypt • Turkish production power business to formats and co-productions. From Convention Center, staying all together at a and with new players like Turkish Airlines, any program into Arabic has motivated channel which assists to Discop to acquire content for owners to acquire relevant programs from 2-3 years ago, we are checking all of these in West traditional floor (5,000sq). From about 750 Iraq • The pan-regional pay Asia. We have now the international titans and participants in 2013 (250 buyers) the event its VOD system for their passangers. ‘Is a show around the world’. The MBC Group, main TV channels many regional players developing themselves. expects to receive about 1,000 attendees this of the diversity we have this edition’, completes media group in Middle East, last year made There are solid business opportunities in the year, with more than 300 buyers. the organizer. a super production with Qatar, Omar, and • Emerging local broadcasters production and co-production sides’. Another two big news are the seven national Regarding the conferences, Basic Lead there are more original/local projects in 2014’. Anyway, the executive stressed that Turkish In fact, at Discop Istanbul there are buyers pavilions, such us Iraq (its here for the first divided them in three days: Tuesday 4 its about Egypt is one of the most experienced series are a high-end product for prime time, • Production and co-production mainly from Turkey, Central Asia and Middle time), South Africa, UK, France, Ukraine, Drama/Formats; Wednesday 5 Digital Content; drama producers. Ahmad Rahman, head which obtains huge ratings. The cost goes from proyects East, but also many from Central & Eastern Malaysia and China, and the designation of and Thursday 6, Branded Entertainment and of acquisitions and drama at Al-Nahar TV USD 15,000 to 100,000 per episode. India as “Country of Honor” with several Product Placement. ‘At Discop, it is being Network has produced the TV series Roots Abdul Raouf Oria, deputy channel manager • Entertainment + fiction Europe, CIS nations, North Africa and even East Asia. Countries such us UAE, Kazakhstan, activities related to. ‘We are receiving new launched The European Product Placement with a Lebanese partner and Endemol. ‘Foreign at 1TV, Afghanistan: ‘Local TV industry is Association (EPPA)’, highlights Jucaud- series (from U.S. to Turkish ones) do not moving fast. Right now, 50% of our grid is • New media: VOD, IPTV, DTT, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan, companies, sellers and buyers, from Pakistan, own production and it will keep growing as mobile Syria and the Gulf States, Egypt, Morocco, grow Zuchowicki, who also remarks the social events reflect Egyptian culture, so our strategy is to West Asia/Middle East vs. organized by leading Turkish distributors, such go further on the production of local stories’. we are buying more and more entertainment other emergent regions us the Global Agency “Work Hard, Play Hard” The Power of Drama party on Wednesday, March 5 at 10pm at the in Muslim Countries, Advantages last year in Istanbul: Conrad Hotel Ballroom. Africa and West Jamal Douba, gene- Asia: Joseph ral manager of Media • Shorter distances Hussini, operation Link International Figures & testimonies manager, Bright (Lebanon), Fadi Is- I, Lebanon; Tony mail, director of dra- • Local players turning regional The Arab Spring, for instance, trigged Kassouf, Cable Arab ma at MBC Group, positive changes in the broadcasting industry. Network, Lebanon; Mehmet Demirhan, Marwan Helayel, head of acquisitions • Strong financial support in There are 80 million Arab households with acquisitions, and Kanal 7 (Turkey), and key nations 95% receiving satellite TV and more than 700 Lyes Belaribi, direc- Farid Ahmad, co- tor of production of founder of Worldwide Arab channels. Drama is the most important programs, both at Right Corporation • Complete business pipeline: Television Algerien- (Malaysia) genre among Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE ne, Algeria canned + production viewers (90% against 50% on entertainment and sports). Social drama beat other genres Egypt and other North African nations are good protagonists at Discop Turkish broadcasters and Middle East pan regional media groups, are the top • Quite virgin territories to like comedy or Bedouin stories. There are new Istanbul, both for canned and productions buyers of fast growing West Asia market develop from basement

Prensario < 14 > < 15 > Prensario International International MAIN STORY

Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi, Chairman of the MCMC (Malaysia); difficult to do business, like Pakistan and Zakiah Halim, SVP, Malay Broadcast Uzbekistan, whose TV industries are also better Division of MediaCorp (Singapore), Edmund organized (fighting the piracy, for example). TV Chan, MD, and Raye channels and producers from the former Soviet Lee, director, at Animasia Studio (Ma- countries are demanding more formats, both laysia); Hazlin Hashim, Executive, Industry entertainment and fiction. ‘In comparison with Operations Officer two-three years ago, now they are not asking of MDA; and Kamil Othman, VP, Creative and researching about the product, ratings, MDeC (Malaysia) etc.… they are buying directly’, said one seller last year in Istanbul. East Asia is betting strongly on West Asia: from Government entities promoting Local buyers turning to distributors production hubs, to main broadcasters buying and selling across the region? For instance, Outlook Entertainment (UAE) is providing Critical formats. Local productions are the best was in Istanbul last year pushing this. The same moments, a medical drama series shot in Egypt. rated programs. About acquisitions, we need happens with Lebanon, whose TV industry is Adham Nasrrallah, marketing and sales: ‘It’s daily shows, telenovelas, as well as drama & becoming bigger, especially on the drama side, considered the biggest Arab production done action series’. and is looking for partnerships. under American TV production-standards and One very active territory is Azerbaijan. East Asian community is numerous, too. probably the only one sold abroad: West Asia, Companies from this country are looking for The Filipino broadcasters GMA and ABS- Africa and Asia’. readymade drama series and entertainment CBN, and Trans TV from Indonesia, buy What do the buyers look for this Discop formats, and they are interested in doing co- and sell in Istanbul. Malaysia, through the West Asia? Consider these testimonies we have production deals. Azerbaijan Producers Guild state agencies FINAS, CCMA and MDeC, is collected last year in Istanbul: Neudachnaya again at Discop with over 20 companies. CEE Inna, 9TV (Russia): ‘Turkish drama series’. Assel countries as Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia Nukisheva, Channel 7 (Kazakhstan): ‘Dating/ The Arab Spring and Bosnia Herzegovina, are keen on Turkish dancing shows’. Gaye Arman Bicakcioglu, • 80 million Arab households series. Margareta Iancu, head of acquisitions Kanalturk (Turkey): ‘Entertainment formats, at Look TV (Romania): ‘We attend Istanbul news and documentary programs’. Safwat • 95% receiving satellite TV a to buy content quickly, to refresh the screen Ghattas, Spot 2000 (Egypt): ‘Fiction formats’. all the time, and to be competitive among big About digital platforms, Turkey is the main • +700 Arab channels local broadcasters’. country in West Asia. On one side, leading Latin America has a strong presence of its Turkish pay TV player D-Smart (about 1 • Drama is the top genre traditional telenovela distributors, providing million subscribers) launched last year its both canned and formats and studying co- OTT service called D-Smart Blu, offering • Dubbing power production opportunities. They agree: ‘Our movies, series and kids contents, while leading advantages are the broadcaster Kanal D is developing a new SVOD quality/quantity services for web and mobile, with international of TV executives content (HBO, etc.). (writers, directors) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip that guarantees Erdogan confirmed that the Türksat 4A high production satellite was launched with a proton rocket from levels; a variety Kazakhstan on February 15, and there are also of locations; and now plans to launch Türksat 4B in the second production costs quarter after a test period. Both satellites have (cheap and fast)’. been produced at the Mitsubishi Electronic Other trends: Company’s satellite production centre in the the more stable Japanese capital: 4A will allow Türksat to political and offer telco and TV services in Turkey, Europe, Surprising many industry members, coun- 1TV Media, Afghanis- Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. 4B tan: Abdulah Khengeni, economical tries such us Afghanistan have very good chief editor, and Hayat situation is helping will meanwhile cover Africa. TV developments with a media sector worth Yaghubi, channel manager. content sellers in Undoubtedly, content business is everywhere, in USD 75/USD 100 million per year territories usually and is growing particularly fast in West Asia. Prensario < 16 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets | Central Asia

Mongolia,Kazakhstan and Pakistan: figures & trends By Julia Espérance Television in Central Asia seems to hold The latter has undertaken Latin American telenovelas are rather well according to the viewing time results significant changes over the past also appreciated in the country, recorded in 2013. While Mongolia, which started two years as it has embarked in a three- having been encouraged by a three- TV audience measurement in November 2012, year multimillion-dollar plan aiming year deal sealed in 2010 between Globo registered an average daily viewing time of 3 hours to revitalize the country’s programming and TV International and Mongol TV that and 42 minutes in 2013 (+57 minutes up on the viewing habits as well as allowing it to rank as commissioned 150 hours of Globo content per 2012 worldwide score), Pakistan and Kazakhstan number one in the market. year. The Brazilian group has extended its reach gained an increase of 2 minutes and 6 minutes The channel unveiled last year a new schedule to two other channels in 2013 with its latest hit respectively reaching 2 hours and 4 minutes and driven by local productions, format adaptations Brazil Avenue recently acquired and broadcast on 3 hours and 17 minutes a day. and, most importantly, new imported fictions cable channels Edutainment TV and Movie Box. for primetime. The Contrary to Mongolia, Pakistan and Average Daily Viewing Time (2013) goal is to create a Kazakhstan would rather federate viewers around specific timeslot for homegrown productions. While Pakistan meets foreign blockbuster success with national series (the top ten being series, mainly from broadcast on public channel PTV), Kazakhstan the US or the UK is fueled with locally adapted entertainment such as Homeland or formats. The local version of X Factor, on the air Source: Eurodata TV Worldwide / One TV Year in the World / Relevant Partners – All rights reserved Downton Abbey. in 2013 for a fourth season, ranked once again Beyond Western among the yearly best performing programs, Despite certain monopolistic television acquisitions, Mongol TV continues, as are the achieving a 51.9% share among all individuals markets being dominated by state-run groups, other channels, to count on South Korean drama for its peak episode (First Channel Eurasia). Central Asia is marked by a strong presence that remains a local favorite. Over the year 2013, Other formats will follow such as the of privately owned local TV channels, mainly seven out of the ten best performing shows were Mongolian version of Family Harmony (Kahbar) broadcast by satellite and cable. Korean series, the best performing, Yellow Boot, or a multi-national version of the game show In Pakistan, the government-run group PTV, reached a 60.2% share among all individuals for Wipeout featuring contestants from Kazakhstan, which cumulate more than 50% market share its best episode broadcast on TV5. Ukraine, Russia and Finland. The show was thanks to its flagship generalist channel PTV, acquired by TV7, which signed a management coexists with hundreds of private channels. consultancy deal with Endemol allowing the They are however, only permitted to air on international production and distribution cable and satellite. company to run the channel’s schedule. This is very much the same in Mongolia, where private channels mainly broadcast via cable & Want to know more about ratings and program- satellite are gaining in importance, contributing ming trends in more than 100 territories worldwide? to fragmentation of the market. For instance, Order Eurodata TV’s “One TV Year in the World” the leading channel, the state funded television and “International TV Trends” reports. MNB, registers only a 9.9% market share and is Kazakh version of X Factor, on the air in To find out more about these reports please con- 2013 for a fourth season, ranked again among the yearly best tact Laure Bianchini: [email protected] closely followed by private stations TV5, TV9 performing programs, achieving a 51.9% share among all and Mongol TV. individuals for its peak episode on First Channel Eurasia Program Rank in Kazakhstan and Mongolia

Over 2013, seven out of the ten best performing shows in Mongolia were Korean series: the best performing, Yellow Boots, reached a 60.2% share among all indivi- duals for its best episode broadcast on TV5 Source: Eurodata TV Worldwide / One TV Year in the World / Relevant Partners – All rights reserved

Prensario < 18 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

Prensario Prensario International International SpecialPREMIUM Repo INTErRVt |IE MaW r| ketBROAs DCASTERS | MIDDLE EAST

MBC, Middle East: new to channels, more originals productions

Prensario is pleased to publish a new talent formats such as Arab Idol, Arabs Got interview with one of the main referent of Talent and The Voice (currently on air) have the TV market in Middle East, Fadi Ismail, been a phenomenal success. There will be more Group Director of Drama Production, Middle announcements about new entertainment East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). formats, to be released this season’, resumes The company had a great 2013 with new Ismail. channels, as well as groundbreaking original MBC continues to offer its viewers the best productions that will be released in 2014. of Arabic content and mix of drama genres. ‘In addition, we were one of the few stations Cactus Alliance is a high end Dubai based thriller of 15 episodes ‘We have moved from strong to stronger which continued airing Turkish dubbed dramas in 2013. It was another year of growth and while other channels boycotted that genre. We achievement on all levels. A new channel was also introduced Korean dubbed series and the born: MBC Bollywood, and international response was very encouraging. In general, 2013 was a positive year’. Regarding original/ local productions, and following the mega success of the series Omar (coproduced with Qatar TV), there will be more this year. ‘New Arab drama productions will be released, such us Cactus Alliance, a high end Dubai based thriller of 15 episodes. And Saraya Abideen (The Palace), a period drama On drama, there will be more original taking place in 19th Century Egypt in the production in both, local and Latin titles Palace of the ruler. It is sort of Downton Abbey with Saraya Abideen and the adaptation of meets the Magnificent Century, and will be the Matrimonio/Second Chance biggest period drama ever done in the region’, says Ismail. The company is also well known for having adapted Latin titles from Brazil, México (Ruby) and Argentina (Montecristo). In 2014 it will produce and broadcast Matrimonio/Second Chance, an adapted telenovela of 120 episodes. ‘Latin America is the home of the genre and, therefore, it is a logical place to look for scripted formats and even co-production opportunities on have even picked up a short-33 episode prime content that makes sense in MENA time series and adapted it: we hope to have as well as in Latin American an Arab version of The Chairwoman (Telefe/ markets’. Endemol) on screen by next year’. Ismail continues: ‘We Future The executive concludes about the future plans: ‘For the future, there will me more quality content and better production values with stronger storytelling. We are open to adapt international scripted formats but also looking forward and working towards the day when Fadi Ismail, Group Director of Drama Production, MBC Group/ O3 Prouction our productions can travel worldwide and be adapted elsewhere’.

Prensario < 22 > Prensario International International Premium Interview | Broadcasters | Central Asia

Channel Seven, Kazahkstan: ‘Quality programs for the family’

Channel Seven was established on the base Shuzheyeva, general director, who adds that of capital TV channel ERA and has started by the end of 2012 the channel reached 86% republic broadcasting in September 9, 2009. for the population in Kazakhstan. Today, it is a rapidly fast developing channel About the the content strategy, she adds: with its own production projects and premier ‘Annually, in addition to the new TV season, content, which has a clear positioning and which traditionally starts in the fall and spring, strategy of broadcasting, and confidently we launch bright and loud premiere for a wide conquer Kazakhstan’s media market. It is audience’. considered among the top 5 strongest players For example, on Dance! Dance! men and in the media market. women lose weight by dancing for the grand One of the top rated locally produced reality show Dance! Dance! There are nine main Kazakh TV channels, prize of 2 million tenge, and the reality show three of which are public: Kazakhstan, The perfect bride, where eligible bachelor of the media market. In order to show the world’s Khabar and El Arna broadcast primarily for Kazakhstan Anuar Nurpeissov in the team with best formats, adapting under Kazakh viewer, we Kazakh audience. Commercial channels, which his parents, grandmother and friends, choose decided to work with companies such us BBC, appeared after 1991 (KTK, Channel 31, NTK) the most worthy bride of 15 beauties. Endemol, NBCUniversal. By acquiring global have their own loyal audience. Commercial ‘We continue with the third season of Aina on- formats, we realized the extent of responsibility channels are trying to share content in the line with a selection of unusual videos Kaznet, to our viewers’. Kazakh and Russian languages in the proportion and mystical program Signs. Steppe Legends ‘However, Kazakhstan appreciated of 50/50 according to the law of the state for viewers who like paranormal events’, adds adaptation of world formats like Strictly come language. Shuzheyeva. Also, the third season of Escape Dance, Wipeout, Dance you ass off, Operation Channel Seven has became one of the from the village, which took place in Paris, the Triumph, Comedy club, The Money Drop, Rivals key players of the local market in less then 2 sharp social talk show Way out ! and The Show in law and many others. We are positioned as years after being launched. ‘Qualitative and Forty million tenge’. a channel for family viewing. Net broadcast quantitative indicators of the ‘Own production projects are especially is focused on multi-population, that is why network are the growth important, as they show an increase in the there are programs for children, for youth, and from year to year: professionality and experience of the employees. fans of extreme sports, entertainment, Russian from 5.3% of share We contribute to the development of local TV and Ukrainian serials, concerts, movies and in 2011 to 8.4% in in general. The share of own production is 45%, documental films’. 2013, increasing and acquired content is 55%. Every year we move The channel main program providers close to 60% in the bar upwards and increase the coverage of are Central Partnership, PBC Weitmedia, audience, according interest viewers’, remarks the executive. Sovtteleeksport, Film UA, Starmedia and to TNS data’, explains ‘Our goal is to deliver a quality product to others. ‘But we plan to expand the market, so to Prensario Aziza Kazakh viewers designed for all family members. we currently have started to work with Turkish, In 2014 we plan to increase the share of own Arab and Indian companies’, concludes the production, focusing on original products, as executive. well as to continue to adapt the world formats. All programs will Kazahkstan: market share evolution, be produced in both Kazakh and per channels (2009-2013) Russian languages’. 35 Nowadays, there are several major trends in the market Kazakh 30 TV: ‘Production of own content 25 based on international format (The 20 Voice, One to one, Star Factory, etc.); 15 rebroadcast or purchase of the 10 Russian content; and translation 5 of the art programs with Eastern 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 accent - Turkish, Indian serials and First Channel Eurasia KTK Channel 31 NTK films’, says Shuzheyeva. Kazahkstan National TV Channel Seven (+60% in 3 years) ‘Channel Seven is characterized Aziza Shuzheyeva, general director, Channel Seven by its brightness and boldness in Source: TNS CA, 7:00-25:00, All 6-54, 100+ Prensario < 24 > Prensario International International Premium Interview | Production | MENA

Sony: ‘There’s a real hunger for local productions in MENA’

Sony Pictures Television Arabia produces local programming for broadcasters across the Middle East. This covers both scripted and non-scripted content, developing original shows as well adapting international formats for local audiences. Its business serves 22 countries across the Middle East Hebal Regal El Ghorab is the local adaptation of and North Africa, and we operate with bases classic Latin American telenovela Betty La Fea in Dubai, Cairo and Beirut. appeal greatly to our audience’. Ziad Kebbi, president, Sony Pictures Regarding the future, Kebbi says: Television Productions Arabia, explains to ‘We are now the leading international Prensario the most recent new regarding El Bab x El Bab is the Arabic adaptation of Everybody Loves Raymond, which was a studio in the region and will keep original production and alliances with top success on the panregional broadcaster OSN building on this scale and success. We broadcasters of the region: ‘Our recent MBC. The show, which features contestants have brought some of the world’s biggest format productions include a local adaptation of the from more than a dozen countries, is a huge franchises to the Middle East and have a great Latin American telenovela Betty La Fea called draw with more than 100 million viewers tuning deal of local programming in development for Hebal Regal El Ghorab (Crow’s Foot). We are in each week’, continues Kebbi. the year ahead’. also in the third season of ‘We are also developing more original And he concludes: ‘Developing local El Bab x El Bab, our shows for Arab audiences’, he highlights, and telenovelas, for example, is a key priority for Arabic adaptation adds: ‘We had major success last year with us. The most important thing is to ensure that of Everybody our celebrity talk show Ana Wel Assal that ran there is a strong local theme in everything we Loves Raymond. during Ramadan. In addition, our homegrown produce, so that our viewers can associate and Both series are Egyptian sitcom Lessa Badry continues to play connect with the characters’. licensed by on Al Hayat’s schedules’. pan-regional broadcaster Trends & Future OSN’. ‘Much like we are seeing around the ‘On the non- world, there’s a real hunger for local scripted side, productions across the MENA market. we are currently Audiences here want to connect with midway through the story and look for characters that our second season reflect them. Having one of the largest of The Voice: Ahla format libraries in the world, we are Sawt, which we produce able to leverage our catalog of hit series for pan-regional network to create original series that are in tune The Voice: Ahla Sawt is on the second season on MBC with the tastes of Arabic viewers’. ‘At first glance, shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Betty La Fea might seem to have very little in common with the Arabic world, but when we look at them closely we see that the characters, the family unit, and Ziad Kebbi, president, Sony Pictures Television even the overall themes Homegrown Egyptian sitcom Lessa Badry continues to play on Al Hayat Productions Arabia (© 2014 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved) Prensario < 26 > Prensario International International special Report | Markets | MENA

By Nabil Kazan, K&Partners TV services (*) 2013-2014: deep changes in the Arab Favorite genre of programs (2013) broadcasting industry 98 92 89 The 2013-2014 Arab TV scenario will graphic designs and acquiring more slots on Saudi ArabiaUAE Kuwait and the World Football Championship Brazil show drastic changes. The Arab Spring satellites for a wider coverage. 57 52 53 55 2014. It would be a halt in the broadcasting (revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt & Libya; 47 47 46 45 of Turkish and Arab dramas. political unrest & riot in Syria, Iraq Viewership 27 30 30 31 and Yemen; heat in Bahrain, Palestine, Free-to-air viewership prevails in the 24 21 18 (*) Born in Beirut in the forties and with Sudan & Lebanon) is still generating Arab world. Niche satellite channels have dual nationalities Lebanese & French, Nabil transformations in the local TV and content strongly emerged in the last 3 years (thematic Movies-Drama Kazan is considered the pioneer of the Pan-Arab industry. networks about drama series, movies, news Entertainment Sports News & Current Travel & Tourism Games & Quizzes Series & Music Aairs Docs advertising industry. It has a solid knowledge and current affairs, sports, children, cultural of advertising, sponsorship, tele-events & This political situation within the region and religious, tele-marketing, music), making Source: PARC – Omnibus Survey satellite TV communication acquired during allowed the birth of 150 new Arabic satellite a total of over 700 free to air TV channels four decades by on-site working experience in channels and, consequently, a strong increase (broadcast mainly via three satellites: Nile- series. Egyptian studios and TV channels are Jordan specializes in Arab historical & the Middle East & Europe. of viewers on Arab TV networks. A ban was Sat/AB7, Badr and Hotbird). dubbing foreign drama, animation, cartoons Bedouin programs, and it has several studios and soap operas in the local accent. for dubbing foreign programs and applied in 2013 on Turkish drama in major Local terrestrial channels are highly Main production and dubbing centers Historical, epic and Bedouin stories are series into Arabic. With several Arab government related TV channels due dependent on Government support, while in the Arab World to a stand by the Turkish authorities against the Pan-Arab TV networks has greater mainly produced in Syria, along with Arab major Iraqi channels competing in the new Egyptian leadership favoring Moslem importance than terrestrial viewing hence Nabil Kazan, owner, K&Partners TV Services: and modern drama. Since 2010, the country this rich and fast growing market, Country specializes in… has become the center of dubbing into Syrian the country has produced in Egypt melodrama, comedy, sitcom, animation. Dubbing houses Brotherhood. received 60% of advertising. Regarding cable ‘The Arab Spring allowed between 2010-2013 accent for Turkish drama. 2012/2013 more than 30 dramas The advertising spent from 2010 up to TV, it exists only in the Gulf Cooperation the birth of 150 new Arabic satellite channels Syria historical, epic and Bedouin; Arab and modern drama and, consequently, a strong increase of viewers Lebanon is the main Arab center for the & comedy series with the Iraqi date increased by 40%, passing from USD Council (GCC) and Lebanon. Pay TV via Lebanon ad commercials, game formats, music clips. Dubbing houses on Arab TV networks’ production of advertising commercials, accent. GCC is the best in Gulf style 6,3 billion in 2010 to USD 10 billion in 2013. encrypted cable or satellite TV viewership Jordan arab historical & Bedouin programs. Dubbing houses spectacular shows, game formats & music drama and dubbing in colloquial In 2000, the expenditure reached only 573 does not exceed 10% of all Arab TV viewers. results of viewer’s preference: 90% choose Iraq drama and comedy series clips. The country is still considered the Gulf accent. million. In total, there are 75 state-run TV networks, drama series, movies & soap operas; 50% gcc gulf style drama and dubbing in colloquial Gulf accent birthplace for dubbing Mexican soap operas, June 2014 will be a good date, as Pan-Arab & generalist TVs are spending while over 225 generalist movies & drama and entertainment, news & sports; and 25% other documentaries and cartoons into classic there will be two big events: Holy Ramadan more money on high-rated programs, 175 Islamic/cultural channels. Also, 65 news genres (source: PARC – Omnibus Survey). MENA: TV Households (2013-2015) mainly locally produced drama, formats & & current affairs, 60 music & entertainment, Arabic. Nowadays, many studios in Beirut are using Syrian actors to dub Turkish series. In Thousands US movies. Major channels are improving 40 sports & youth, 35 games & others, 14 Production & dubbing centers their image with HD contents, new logos children and 11 tele-shopping stations. The main hubs for content productions 22,739 Egypt 23,978 (rebranding), sophisticated Surveys in Saudi and dubbing services are in Egypt, Syria, Sudan 6,965 Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and the GCC. The first 7,341 5,325 United Arab Emirates one specializes mostly in the production of Morocco 5,373 (UAE) shows similar 4,976 melodrama, comedy, sitcoms and animation Saudi Arabia 5,227 4,501 Iraq 4,776 hematic channels available in the rab orld T A W (2013) 3,863 Yemen 4,152 Aski Memnu Araf Zamani 3,898 Movies & Drama 225+ Syria 4,147 Tunisia 2,082 Islamic/Cultiral 175+ Pan Arab TV expenditure evolution (2000-2013) 2,125 Libya 1,500 State-run 75 1,599 Magnificent Century 10000 1,259 Jordan 1,328 News & Current Affairs 65 2013 8000 1,109 Lebanon 1,147 2015 (estimated) Music & Entertainment 60 6000 942 UAE 956 Sports & Youth 40 548 4000 Oman 591 Game & Others 35 345 2000 Kuwait 348 Children 141 14 Qatar 145 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 123 Tele-shopping 11 Bahrain 126

Omar Source: PARC – Omnibus Survey Source: Informa Prensario < 28 > < 29 > Prensario International International SPECIAL REPORT | REGULATION | MENA

ACT: ‘Media convergence is a fact of life’

but it is still a se- business practice of many market participants. ductive argument So, my daily work in Brussels is as relevant to a and one we have Turkish or Kazakh company as it is to a French to rebut wherever or German one’. we can’, he adds. ‘So, to sum up, my team and our member Future companies have spent much of the past year ‘Media convergence is a fact of life’, remarks putting the case to the EU decision-makers that Biggam, and continues: ‘Consumers want more copyright works well, and that anyone who on-demand or OTT delivery of content and wants to buy content should be in Istanbul more personalization of content. In addition doing deals instead of in Brussels complaining of course to linear TV, which stubbornly re- to regulators. However, EU regulators can help fuses to decline despite the best efforts of the - and the most fruitful area for the EU to help is Internet gurus’. in addressing piracy and online theft of content’. ‘The best, maybe the only thing broadcasters Ross Biggam, managing director, ACT can do is to stay ahead of the curve – so get your Discop own OTT offer out there before a big US player ‘One of the roles I have at the ACT is to com- gets in ahead of you, make sure you have the Prensario interviews Ross Biggam, mana- municate to the EU institutions what is going rights you need to offer your customers a real ging director at Association of Commercial on in the marketplace. It’s too easy for people multi-platform experience. If viewers want to Television (ACT), who describes the European living in Brussels (whether an EU regulator watch content on laptops, tablets they will do media landscape, the plans of the organiza- or someone like myself who represents the so, which means it is up to our companies to tion and how is the media convergence impac- industry) to view media as an abstract idea, make sure they’re watching it on our screens and ting in the television industry. It represents a or as a business sector that needs to be strictly not those of a competitor, legal or otherwise’. very diverse group of commercial businesses regulated to produce certain (usually vague) ‘Specifically, many of our companies are present in 37 European markets. outcomes’, says Biggam. doing some or all of this list: diversifying Why specifically Discop Istanbul?, wanted to revenue, growing beyond national borders, ‘The role of the Association of Commercial know Prensario. He answers: ‘Two reasons. exploring co-productions, dealing with digital Television (ACT) in Europe is to represent First, the dynamism and innovation in program switchover, launching OTT services, fighting the European broadcasting and content sector making from this part of the world is not nearly piracy, moving to cross-platform/cross-device at the EU institutions. So whatever is on the well known enough to the EU institutions. distribution, looking at on-demand windows, political agenda has to also be our priority. In Sometimes we in Brussels are scared that US moving towards day and date deals for appro- 2013 there was – almost – only one topic on content might come to take over “our” screens, priate content. But in as far as I can summarize the EU agenda: rights to content. In Europe, or that somehow regulators can decide what is the experience of our member companies: if it we have a set of copyright laws, which date best for people to watch’. works for the consumer, we’ll do it’. from the 1990s or the early 2000s. In reality, ‘Rather than engage in an academic argu- these rules work fine –if they didn’t, it would ment about this, it’s much better to point to be impossible for people to come to markets some of the great examples we have, whether What are the EU broadcasters like Discop and do deals’. it is Danish cop shows or Turkish costume doing in the era of convergence ‘Certainly, European producers and broad- dramas, of genres of content which have taken casters find that new rights for new uses and our sector by storm in recent years, because · Diversifying revenue new platforms can be negotiated. The problem viewers like them, not because of any quota · Growing beyond national borders is that not everyone agrees and there are plenty or regulation’. · Exploring co-productions of people in Brussels who will tell that rights ‘The other reason is simple. What is decided · Dealing with digital switchover deals are somehow a problem for their (usually in Brussels today will be applied in Istanbul, · Launching OTT services not yet launched) platform’. Kiev, Tirana, Baku and Tbilisi tomorrow. · Fighting piracy ‘What these groups (usually from the tech I can spare the details but whether it’s via · Moving to cross-platform/cross-device sector) are driving at is that they want to see negotiations to join the EU, via the Council distribution copyright law “revised” – which means loosened of Europe, or just regulators seeing what has · Looking at on-demand windows (and the value of content thereby reduced). The worked elsewhere and applying it domestically · Moving towards day and date deals danger here is that this helps global tech com- (see, regulation can work rather like a program for appropriate content panies rather than European content players, format…) EU rules will impact on the daily

Prensario < 30 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

2013-2014: drastic changes in the Arab broadcasting industry

MENA: online ad spend to hit Pay TV USD1 billion in 2017 Pay TV revenues in the Middle East and North Africa will Online advertising spending summed up USD 300 million in the Mena grow by more than 83% between 2010 and 2020 to $5.60 region in 2013, and is increasing at a 37% growth rate a year to reach USD1 billion, according to a new report from Digital TV Research. billion in 2017, according to local sources. The Digital TV Middle East & North Africa Forecasts report states that ArabNet CEO and founder Omar Christidis, said: ‘Online advertising Turkey and Israel are expected to contribute 52% of the region’s pay TV is an essential driver for the growth of Arab web and mobile businesses. revenues in 2020 total. From the USD 1,490 million pay TV revenues to be With the increase of ad budgets, the entire digital sector will flourish’, while added between 2013 and 2020, Turkey will supply USD 359 million, Egypt Michel Malkoun, managing director at Digital Media Services, stated: USD 362 million and Saudi Arabia USD 257 million. Revenues in Israel ‘Social media reigned supreme a couple of years ago because it provided a will fall by USD 56 million over this period due to greater competition. very practical and efficient tool for small agencies to make money and reach Satellite TV will continue to dominate pay TV revenues, taking two-thirds a wide spectrum of audiences’. of the 2020 total (similar to the 2013 proportion). Satellite TV revenues Today, Lebanon leads advertising spend in the Levant —the region known will reach $3.74 billion in 2020, up by $1 billion on 2013 and nearly as the Eastern Mediterranean—, with USD 463 million, followed by Jordan double the 2010 total. with an ad spend of MENA & Turkey: TV and advertising USD140 million Middle East and North Africa Pay TV revenues (USD mil.) expenditure evolution (2008-2017) (almost three times less 6000 than its leader). While traditional advertising 5000 is growing, investment 4000 in digital advertising is

3000 increasing much more rapidly. 2000 To compare, TV 1000 advertising grew by 8%, and print advertising 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 by 5%, whereas digital TV Ad (MENA) Internet Ad (MENA) advertising increased Internet Ad (Turkey) TV Ad (Turkey) by a whopping 29% Source: Digital TV Research Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers & Informa Telecom during the past year.

MENA: the recession is still lingering for 75%

Consumer confidence in the Middle East/Africa (MENA) region declined categories measured in the Consumer confidence index 2 index points in the fourth quarter of 2013, reporting a score of 90, according fourth quarter. Spending on in MENA (Q4 2013) to Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence. Egypt reported new clothes (23%), out-of- the most drastic decline in the region of 7 index points to 76, a shift that home entertainment (18%) reversed a 6-point index gain in Q3. and holidays/vacations Oil-rich nations like United Arab Emirates (110) and Saudi Arabia (101) (13%) declined 4% each. were the most confident in the region. Confidence in South Africa posted a Declining 2% each from Q3 two-point quarterly increase to 86 and Pakistan held steady at 97. were spending intentions Three-fourths of regional respondents believed they were in a recession for new technology (17%) in the fourth quarter, a figure that topped the level reported in any other and home improvement region. The pessimistic sentiment was up 1% point from Q3 and 2 points projects (14%). Sentiment from the same time period the previous year (Q4 2012). Respondents in regarding investing in shares Egypt (86%) and Pakistan (82%) reported the highest levels of recessionary of stocks (8%) and saving for sentiment. Conversely, respondents in UAE (44%) and Saudi Arabia (51%) retirement (4%) also declined reported the lowest recessionary sentiment in the region. South Africa by 2% each, while one-fourth posted a double-digit recessionary-sentiment improvement of 67%, down of respondents said they had no spare cash, an increase of from 77% in Q3. Source: Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Discretionary spending intentions decreased across the region for all 3% from Q3. Confidence & Spending Intentions

Prensario < 30 > Prensario International International Special Interview | Broadcasters | Middle East

Text provided by Disbook editor, Francoice Lazard

Al-Ghadeer TV, Iraq: ‘Diversity is part of our DNA’

live programs and quality animation and D: How would you describe documentary programs —as well as imported Al-Ghadeer’s position in the content from Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraqi TV landscape? Egypt, Jordan and other Iraqi MAB: Following 2003 and companies— is part and parcel the dawn of Hussein’s regime, to the station’s journalistic we witnessed fantastic future. changes, not only politically but also on the television D: What’s the next step front. Openness progressed, for the channel? obviously, but the majority of MAB: For me, finance and channels are either politically investments remain the most or religiously [focused], so it’s crucial issues. My objective is to mainly political parties backing them, attract the largest audience share. We Muthar Al Bakaa, CEO, Al-Ghadeer, celebrates nearly a quarter century of resisting the media’s status quo each with their one-sided political angle. have developed a coproduction/cooperation They ignore many issues that the audience is strategy with other Arabic radio and TV Muthar Al Bakaa, 49, began his professional curious about, such as development. What I stations, and produced our first-ever life in 1991 as part of the opposition media for have struggled to achieve since the early days animated TV movie with Karmala Channel the anti-Saddam Hussein movement. Today, of Al-Ghadeer is to move gradually from a in Iraq and Roya from Iran. Today, we are he is the owner and CEO of Iraq’s Al-Ghadeer terrestrial and local-provincial broadcaster, open to coproduction. TV, which he founded in 2003. The news and to a diverse satellite channel covering politics-heavy station broadcasts 24 hours entertainment and news as well as politics D: How do trends in the Iraqi TV a day with a staff of 300 from its Baghdad and culture. That diversity is part of our market differ from other markets? headquarters, and the station has offices in DNA; this is Al-Ghadeer’s position in the Iraqi MAB: Ironically, even after such a long more than 10 Arab Muslim countries. television landscape. We also share with the period of tyranny and oppression, the In addition, Al-Ghadeer broadcasts local audience many important issues regarding Iraqi people have the same demand as radio in the Baghdad district of Furat and society, national unity and reconstruction anywhere else on earth – for entertainment hosts the annual Al-Ghadeer Festival in the following Saddam’s regime of fear. We are and dramas. In addition, the specificity of city of Najaf. Al Bakaa spoke with Disbook far from being international, though, which Iraqi people is their high expectation for about the station’s special security risks, their is my ultimate goal. political programs. first animated TV movie and his desire for diverse programming. D: What sort of challenges does a D: What gets you out of bed journalistic endeavor face in Iraq? every morning? DISBOOK: Do you consider yourself MAB: One of the main concerns for MAB: I have a sense of responsibility toward a creator first or a producer? the channel is the lack of protection and my community and my people. This is what Muthar Al Bakaa: I’m struggling to be official support for its journalists, especially gets me out of bed every morning, to enrich a creative producer as well as a successful in light of the security issues the country the media landscape, keeping in mind that businessman. The producer faces. The station’s ability to produce news, humanity and ethics should always prevail. is the one who masters the ideas and the content. He’s the one who sets the compass according to his own perspective. The message we bring to our audience is a noble one, but everything must be under control along the way. The process of being able to produce is a top priority.

Prensario < 34 > Prensario International International Special Report | Markets

Inside the electronic media market in Pakistan By Mohammad Hanif Ravda (*)

Prensario publishes below a special news, drama and Pakistan: broadband subscribers Pakistan: advertising spent (2013) report about the electronic media market in talk shows to the forecast (2012-2020) Pakistan, a strategic market in Central Asia millions of viewers. of 190 million people, where 67.1% are below Radio Digital - 2% The private channels have been issued licenses 19.5 the age of 30. In 2002 ended the state-owned 4% for cable or satellite only, which means that In million broadcaster Pakistan Television Corporation Outdoor PTV is the only channel that provides terrestrial (PTV) monopoly and nowadays there are in 13% services to the population 12 usage. There are 50 operational as a media boom, concerns about the diversity country more than 80 TV channels, out of After the de-regulation of electronic media Internet service providers (ISPs) and of news sources persist. Approximately half which 15 are major news channel and the industry, TV sector remains vibrant. By now in 29 million Internet users, more than the population of Pakistan continues to have remaining caters for entertainment, music 51% Pakistan there are more than 80 TV channels 2.25 16% of the total population limited news access, as terrestrial broadcasts by and religion 30% out of which 15 are major news channel and The most rapid growth in the the state-owned PTV are the principal source of information in most rural, underdeveloped The country is divided into four provinces: the remaining caters for entertainment, music 2012 2015 2020 number of Internet users occurred Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan, and Khyber between 2006 and 2008, after which areas. That said the rapid growth of cable and Television and religion. Pakhtunkhwa each with a unique ethno- Print Pakistani media consumers currently have Source: PTA In Millions the pace slowed significantly. There satellite television channels has made a wide linguistic identity, together with the Islamabad low capacity to consume digital media offerings, has, however, been a surge in the range of news sources, both local and foreign, Capital Territory, the north-western Federally which have significantly expanded over the Platforms number of broadband connections: Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the northern suffers multiple deprivations as identified past decade. Digital consumption of television As a result of media reforms introduced the Pakistan Telecommunications Pakistan: broadband subscribers, per type semi-autonomous Gilgit-Baltistan region, by the Multidimensional Poverty Index. remains low owing to the lack of infrastructure by the Government, TV market was bisected Authority (PTA), a government of connection (2010-2011) and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (known Official unemployment in 2011 was 5.6% of for transmission and consumption. According between state-owned terrestrial broadcasters agency charged with the locally as Azad Jammu and Kashmir). Pakistan the population; this figure was an estimate, to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory and privately owned satellite and cable establishment, maintenance, and is urbanizing at the fastest rate in South Asia: however, which did not account for the large Authority (PEMRA), there are only 12 million television channels. In the past decade, regulation of all telecoms, reports half the population will live in cities by 2025, informal economy or the fact that under- television sets in the country, approximately Pakistan has shifted from predominantly broadband customer growth of over 2010 59% 41% up from one-third at present. employment levels remain extremely high. one every 14 people while private surveys put terrestrial broadcasting (69.6% of TV 150% for the four years 2008–2011; Owing to the worsening security situation That said, Pakistan’s middle class has doubled the number at about 18 million. households in 2005) to a roughly even split in October 2012, the total number and poor foreign investment, economic to 70 million people in the past decade, and Given that there are 86 million television between terrestrial and cable television by of registered broadband users growth in Pakistan averaged only 3% per 2010. According to one national survey, stood at 2.25 million. The PTA consumer spending increased at an average rate viewers in Pakistan, this low number indicates 2011 year from 2008 to 2012. High inflation, led of 26% between 2010 and 2012, compared with that communal television watching is popular. satellite and cable television access varies has also forecast a rapid growth of 49.5% 50.5% by soaring food prices, has increased poverty 7.7% for Asia as a whole. Between 2006 and More than half of these viewers are only able to considerably by region; while 93% of television broadband subscribers to 12 million levels. According to the UN’s 2011 Human 2011, household incomes in the urban areas access state-run, analog terrestrial broadcasts viewers in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, by 2015 and 19.5 million by 2020. Development Report, 49.4% of the population rose faster than inflation by an average of 1.5% while 38 million viewers can access digital have access to satellite channels via cable. A Fixed broadband dominated the Wireless Fixed per year, and the retail sector grew at 5.3% per BBC survey further revealed that 69% of the market in 2010 with 59% of overall satellite channels that are primarily distributed Source: PTA Pakistan: TV viewership, per year. This growth explains high levels of media via analog cables owing to the high cost of urban population had access to satellite and subscribers compared with wireless media (2005-2010) consumption and the exponential growth of purchasing satellite dishes. In 2010, PEMRA cable television compared with 11% of rural broadband (41%). However, according to the available in the major cities and towns. As the telecommunications sector. introduced a fee structure and rules governing respondents. PTA, wireless Internet subscribers overtook of 2011, more than 20, Urdu- and regional- digital cable television transmission, and has Satellite service consumption dropped from fixed broadband subscribers in 2011, claiming language private news channels dominated 23.9% History called for a complete switchover to digital 6.5% in 2005 to less than 4% of television- 50.5% of the market. local content viewership. owning households by 2010, due to the The most explosive growth and potential can While newspapers and other print 46% The history of electronic media in Pakistan cable by 2015. However, digital cable television 6.5% is as old as the country itself as Radio Pakistan still has an extremely limited reach due to the success of low-cost, accessible cable television be seen in the mobile phone sector. With over publications have seen a decline in recent began operating the day independence was high cost of set-top boxes and slow adoption connections. Multi-channel Multi-point 123 million subscribers, more than 69% of the years, the online space has provided both 4% achieved after the Pakistan Broadcasting of digital infrastructure by cable companies. Distribution Service (MMDS), a form of country’s population owns a mobile phone, mainstream and niche publications with Corporation (PBC) was formed. TV was The total number of PCs in Pakistan is also wireless cable via broadband networking, is creating massive potential for Internet usage an avenue for growth and new audiences. relatively slow to grow as it wasn’t until 1964 unrecorded, but can be estimated at a few available to a limited extent, providing access and radio consumption in the coming years. According to the Internet Service Providers 69.6% that Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) million given that there are 29 million Internet to over 80 channels for 330,500 subscribers. Despite these advances, the high number of Association of Pakistan (ISPAK), there were 50% was launched. However the resident of Karachi users in the country. The greatest potential for Pakistan Telecommunications Company private news channels has not directly translated approximately 30,000 websites registered had already gotten a taste of this new invention access to digital content currently rests with Limited (PTCL), the largely state-owned into a greater diversity of news content, owing under the “.pk” domain in 2012. when a television was displayed at an exhibition mobile phones: mobile teledensity is high at telecoms corporation, is the only company to rampant cross-media ownership. currently holding an operational IPTV license. 2005 2010 arranged by the American Embassy in 1955. 69.8% of the total population. As such, mobile (*) The writer is a consultant to electronic PTV’s state monopoly ended in 2002 phone companies are seeking to exploit current Additionally, three private companies have Media preferences media industry and presently associated with Terrestrial Cable when the market for the electronic media Internet access gaps. However, Pakistan does not obtained mobile television licenses, and are Although the 2002 liberalization of Indus TV Network in Pakistan, and can be Satellite was liberalized. This led to the boom in new have a 3G network, which restricts the spread also providing this service. Since 2005, there Pakistan’s broadcast media market led to an contacted at [email protected] and private TV Channels that today transmit soaps, of mobile Internet access. has also been a significant increase in Internet unprecedented growth that is often described (92) 300-820-8110 Prensario < 36 > < 37 > Prensario International International Special INTERVIEW | BROADCASTERS | MIDDLE EAST

LBCI, Lebanon: ‘Innovative product offering and well-defined brand equity’ Lebanon: market share, per channels (Jan. 2014) For this Discop Istanbul edition, Prensario The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation publishes below a special interview done International (LBCI) is the number 1 private with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation TV channel in Lebanon since its launch. Over International – LBCI. Currently, LBCI ranks the years, LBCI has proven itself as a market Others number one in Lebanon holding the highest leader and has maintained its position in the 43% viewership rates. Lebanese market with an approximate 57% 57% market share. LBCI stands as a pioneer in the broadcast industry aiming continuously to set new standards. Is a general entertainment channel always LBCI thriving to offer its viewers highly entertaining top quality programs. The Voice, Got Talent, Celebrity Splash, Celebrity Duets, and Locally produced social & variety shows as well Star Academy are some of the top as Lebanese drama series are the trends in our international entertainment programs market’. aired on LBCI during the past years. About LBCI’s future plans, the source explains: Ashrakat, el shams is a local ‘Our grid consists of a variety of ‘In addition to continuously offering our viewers drama series produced by LBCI shows targeting all family members with premium content, LBCI expands its services such as adapted international to include premium production know-how & formats, in-house formats, Lebanese, facilities. In terms of digital media, it currently Pan Arab & Turkish series in addition to ranks as the number one entertainment website current affairs & news programs’, a source in Lebanon and LBCI News is the leading mobile from the channel explains to Prensario. application in terms of downloads’. ‘The local TV market is competitive and ‘LBCI will continue to bring to its users a constantly evolving and our mission remains unique cross-platform experience, integrating to deliver unprecedented content with high more & more digital initiatives into the screen production values. The challenge is to maintain ecosystem. LBCI’s future plans include focusing the # 1 positioning achieved by innovative on our newborn VOD platform, launching new Celebrity Splash is one of the top enter- tainment formats produced in Lebanon product offering & well-defined brand equity. mobile apps & sites’. Azerbaijan: ANS joins Enex OSN: more Filipino channels Under a new partnership agreement between Enex, Leading pay-TV network in the MENA region the international news provider, and the Azeri news OSN has launched two new ABS-CBN channels: channel ANS, ANS will share content and resources in addition to TFC, Bro, Cinema One Global and with the 41 broadcast partners that belong to Enex ANC (launched in April 2013), the operator now worldwide. The broadcaster becomes Enex’s special carries the TV-radio channel, DZMM TeleRadyo, affiliate in the region, gaining exclusive access to the and music radio channel, DWRR 101.9, both of video, live transmission and production facilities of which are included in OSN Pinoy packages at no the network across the globe, while the agency gains additional cost. David Butorac access to ANS’ own reporting from Azerbaijan. David Butorac, CEO, OSN, said: ‘Since the Vahid Mustafayev, president of the ANS Group, launch of the ABS-CBN channels last April, we have recorded nearly 40% comments: ‘We look forward to bringing this growth in our Pinoy sales’. And Edgardo Garcia, ABS-CBN’s MD for Middle material to our viewers, making our international East and Europe, added: ‘We have found a committed partner in OSN to assist news coverage more unique’. Henning Tewes, Enex managing in our aim to pursuing our serve the Filipino community better, so expect us director, adds: ‘The positive momentum in our partnership to be even more actively present in Filipino events and activities next year’. agreements testifies to the value Enex brings to its partner OSN currently offers a choice of three Pinoy packages with more than 50 channels across the globe’. channels to choose from including six ABS-CBN channels.

Prensario < 38 > Prensario International International ESPECIAL INTERVIEW | PRODUCERS | EUROPE

By Georgi R. Chakarov

RWS: a key player on Russian TV market

YS: Talianka (The Italian), which is set after World War II with the story of a pilot who, believing his family has been killed, falls in love with a girl and have a little baby. Soon, he realizes his family was alive and now he is torn between two families with secret police agents behind his The new series Talianka is set after World War II back. We are negotiating the rights in Poland. Set in 1987 just before the Soviet collapse, Phantom is based on true events after the treason of Oleg Gordievsky. Based on a Korean format, Ob/ Gyn is a very touching and Yuri Sapronov, CEO, Russian World Studios dramatic story of young woman Natasha who works in a Moscow Yuri Sapronov, CEO at Russian hospital and has been in love with World Studios, is one of the country’s her mentor for a long time. top TV execs (ranked among the Top 20 most influential media managers in the CIS). ceetv: How do you choose the proj- Based on a Korean format, Ob/ In this first interview —second part will be ects that you want to produce and Gyn is a very touching and dramatic love story published at MIPTV edition—, he speaks about then how do you negotiate your ideas the company’s recent projects and the ever- with the channels? to negotiate it, or sometimes it is not possible to increasing competition on the Russian market. YS: Firstly, you must believe in your project. buy it all because of various reasons. Or, if we Secondly, you must make sure it is produced as finally get an agreement – the terms can be still ceetv: What is the company’s current good as possible. We’re constantly looking for ideas complicated. On the other hand, by the moment position on the market? that might be interesting for a particular channel. a format becomes available, the situation on the YS: We are focused on TV production including Then, we present those to the channels. But the market has already changed and it doesn’t make feature films with TV productions taking the main thing during these negotiations is to be able much sense taking it. largest share. We shoot in any type of genre but to tell the whole idea of the series in just three drama is our main focus. We are on the Top 5, lines: no matter if it is 8 or 16 or more episodes. ceetv: We have observed that chan- but it differs from year to year depending on nels make the commission but it takes the volume of productions. But, there is no real ceetv: Which are the main criteria to maybe two years or more before the statistics… the number of shows that go on air choose the formats to adapt? series goes on air, but the market has and the reruns is bigger than we think. We work YS: We don’t really adapt that many formats changed completely. Does this really with all channels on the market. because it is not that easy to adapt the scripts to make sense? the taste of the Russian audience. For example, YS: Well, it makes no sense because they chase ceetv: What were your hit titles in with this Korean series we have been re-writing the format for five years, then it takes two years 2013? the scripts for nearly two years but the story was to get it on air… each format has its strong idea YS: Usually, we consider a series a hit when it gets so good and the format price was so fair that it at the start but then the story falls thru and we 30% share and higher but it happens here seldom, would be a crime not to make it work. We adapt have to re-write the whole story while adding lots once every five years. At the same time if we look Latin, Korean and European formats and I have of Russian elements to it. And during the period at the ratings Ottepel’ (Thaw) is no hit at all but to say that the federal channels don’t air so many of working on such projects, it is very likely that it made a lot of noise and people are still talking projects based on formats now. Five years ago, another company will come up with a similar about it. In 2013 we had seven premiering titles. there was this illusion that each format would original series and if that happens after 7 years of If we add the reruns the number grows to nearly guarantee success. Now, we understand that the hard work, it really makes no sense. We had such 500 hours of telenovelas and primetime shows. format doesn’t give you a 100% guarantee that it a series: we almost signed the agreement with is going to be a hit. the format rights holder as one of the networks ceetv: What new projects do you have Also, there are other reasons why formats launched a show, which was the mere resemblance coming up that you have big hopes have become less attractive. On one hand, we of that format, and we were happy we didn’t put for? really want some project but it takes a long time our signatures on. Prensario < 40 > Prensario International International Prensario Prensario International International Special Report | Markets Special Interview | Broadcasters | Central Asia

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: Moby Group: ‘Afghanistan’s media

Evolving into global to trends market is truly booming’ Afghanistan: market share, per channels (2010) By Artem Vakalyuk, Media Resources Management, Ukraine Television in Afghanistan has five ‘We plan to launch a general- Others TV broadcasters (the majority of local TV Television markets in such Central Asia top players capturing over 80% of entertainment family channel in channels are operating in the province of countries as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan the audience with the Moby Group, Iraq in 2014’, highlights Mohseni, 18% Sughd (one of 4 administrative divisions differ a lot from the points of view of their Tolo TV (45%) and Lemar TV and continues: ‘Afghanistan’s media Yak of Tajikistan situated on the north of 5% volume, number of broadcasters, TV- (6%), representing half the market, market is truly booming. There has the country). Lemar 6% 45% content production facilities and trends according to a special report by been more than 20% annual growth 7% of development. TV markets of these two Currently there are only four on the market prevents Altai Consulting done in 2010 and in the number of outlets each year RTA countries are just starting to evolve and national-wide TV stations in the substantial growth of being the most updated map of the since 2006, with over 75 active TV 19% integrate into global TV tendencies. In this Tajikistan that cover more than advertising industry in the local TV landscape. channels and 175 radio stations Tolo TV article we’ll give a short analysis of these two thirds of the state territory by country. This is also one of the Zaid Mohseni, the COO Zaid Mohseni, COO of Moby of Moby Group identified. There are a few hundred Ariana two CIS territories from the point of view of means of terrestrial and satellite main reasons of poor TV content Group, describes to Prensario the print media outlets and dozens of websites’. Source: Altai Consulting current situation on their television markets. distribution. They are: First production– there are neither local assets of the main TV group of the ‘The media sector has between USD 75 Channel Tajikistan (aka Shabakai series nor local adaptations of the country: ‘We operate three channels: million and USD 100 million revenue house owned by the group, produces Tolo TV’s ajikistan Aval, 99.7% coverage), TV Safina (77.4%), T international TV formats on the Tajik TV. Tolo TV, a Dari-language general- per year, with 60% of that driven by shows such us The Defenders, a groundbreaking TV industry in Tajikistan is the least Chahonnamo (75.7%), and Bakhoriston Situation may change after analogue entertainment channel; ToloNews, ad revenue. TV has 88% penetration in series in Afghanistan that set a new standard for developed among other CIS countries but for TV (72.1%). All of these TV channels are terrestrial signal switch off – it is planned Afghanistan’s first and only 24-hour urban homes, and 28% of urban homes production quality in the country. It is critically Turkmenistan, which is the only one “closed state-owned. Nationwide private broadcasters’ for mid 2015. DTT-signal transmission first TV news channel, and Lemar, a own a computer. About a third of Afghans acclaimed and entirely scripted and produced to for the others’ eyes” market of the region absence is the main obstacle of the country started in May 2010 in Dushanbe in DVB-T, Pashto-language channel offering watches TV for more than 2 hours per the highest international standards’. with only 5 TV state-owned channels and TV industry development. Local authorities MPEG-4 standard. In 2011-2012 DTT became general entertainment, news, and day. Six million Afghans have access to ‘We also air high-quality, dubbed, international without private TV stations at all. According actually stopped issuing new broadcasting available in three more regions of the country. current affairs’. Moby’s holdings in the Internet’. content, including the acclaimed Turkish series to the TV and Radio Broadcasting committee licenses in 1999 – from that time and till the Nowadays Tajikistan is implementing DVB-T2 Afghanistan also include two radio ‘Nowadays, Tolo TV holds a 59% Valley of the Wolves, and the US series Homeland of Tajikistan there are totally 57 TV stations beginning of 2013 only one TV channel was standard. Currently four abovementioned stations, a general-entertainment market share in Afghanistan and is the and Prison Break’, remarks the executive, and in the country, 17 of which are private and “awarded” by TV license – it was private NTT nationwide TV channels are available in the satellite channel that broadcasts into country’s most popular TV channel, completes: ‘Our biggest upcoming productions the others are state-owned ones. The main channel (stands for Independent Television first DTT-multiplex. Overall two terrestrial Iran, FARSI1, and a communications while Lemar is the most popular are Season 2 of The Voice and Season 10 of distinctive feature of the local TV market of Tajikistan) which started broadcasting in multiplexes, which will include 20 channels, firm, Lapis, which operates in Pashto-language channel in Afghanistan: Afghan Star’. is absolute dominance of regional and local summer 2007 and covers with its signal the are planned. Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. is the third most popular channel overall, and capital of the state Dushanbe and its suburbs. holds a 6% of the market share. Tolo TV has Advertising expenditure Due to the government policy that restricts Uzbekistan approximately 40% in-house production and In millions of US Dollars (2013) appearance and development of the local For the number of TV households TV 60% acquired shows’. private terrestrial and satellite broadcasters, market of Uzbekistan is more than twice The channel’s flagship programs include Afghan some Tajik internet TV channels started to 60 bigger than one of Tajikistan – there are Star, a musical singing competition featuring emerge in 2013 (for instance, Istaravshan about 4.7 million households and 7.4 million Afghan talent; The Voice, the Afghan version TV, TAJIK Internet TV, Tojikoston TV, etc). television sets in use in the country. The of the popular franchise; and The Defenders, Also in August 2013 one more private Tajik terrestrial platform is used by 81% (near 3.8 Afghanistan’s first full HD original series. Produced by Kaboora, The Defenders satellite TV channel started its activity. It was 10 million) of all television households. Cable Afghan Star will have its tenth series Explains Mohseni: ‘Kaboora, a production was a ground-breaking series in Afghanistan, setting a Safo TV, headquartered in Moscow (Russia), and satellite television delivery platforms are this year, being one of the blockbusters on Tolo TV new standard for production quality in the country but covering both the territories of Russia Uzbekistan Tajikistan and Tajikistan. TV Households, per platforms TV advertising market in Tajikistan is becoming increasingly popular with viewers They are: Ozbekiston, Yoshlar, Sport TV, adapted in Uzbekistan). Source: MRM In Thousands (2013) rather small – less than USD 10 million and account for 10-15% and 4-5% of all and Tashkent. The biggest and the most In June 2008, the first DTT pilot project in (the population of the country television households, respectively. popular private TV channels in Uzbekistan central Asia was launched in the capital city Tajikistan: channels national coverage (2013) nears 7.4 million people, there Terrestrial Although a government decree officially are: Markaz TV, NTT, Forum TV and SofTC. of Tashkent. Viewers could access 8 standard- are approximately 2 million Satelite eliminated state censorship in 2002, independent TV advertising evolves rapidly in Uzbekistan. definition television services using MPEG-4 households). Out of 2 million Cable media are still severely restricted. In 2006 Its volume in 2013 reached USD 60 million, AVC compression technology. In September First Channel 99.7% Tajikistan television households, 1.4 authorities further tightened state control by and its annual growth is forecasted for further 2008, the further multiplex was launched 3.8 million households rely on the requiring re-registration of all media outlets not few years at the 12-15% level. TV content offering viewers in Tashkent and Bukhara 77.4% TV Safina terrestrial platform for their passing a summary review of qualifications. In production is just starting to develop in the access to four government-owned television primary television reception 1.4 2012 almost 40 independent private television country. The main producers of TV series and services. Regular DTT broadcasting started Chahonnamo 75.7% while 500,000 households rely 0.7 0.5 stations and 9 state-owned regional TV TV movies are state-owned Uzbektelefilm and in September 2009 offering 12 DTT channels on satellite, and near 70,000 0.1 channels were operating in the country, but Uzbekkino companies. In the last two years (the services are a mixture of 4 government- Bakhoriston TV 72.1% 0.2 households are subscribed for the Uzbekistan Tajikistan four state-owned television stations, run by the some private productions and TV stations owned and 8 commercial pay-DTT channels). cable TV services. Dominance Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, started shooting local series and TV shows Currently DTT-multiplexes cover near 42% Source: MRM of the state-owned channels Source: MRM dominated the market. (no international TV formats are yet officially population of the country. Prensario < 44 > < 45 > Prensario International International exhibitors

ITV Inter Medya, “Made in Turkey” Americas. The nature of the content we provide also radically changed: telenovelas “Made in Turkey”, TV series, and to a lesser extent, Turkish feature films, started to draw broad interest from all markets as well as the Middle East and North Africa’. Among the main titles for Istanbul, the company highlights the mini-series Butterfly’s Dream and Black Rose, a series about two Ahmet Ziyalar, managing director, y Can Okan, CEO, at brothers who are at war: the oldest has always the last MIPCOM edition The mini- series Butterfly’s Dream, highlighted at Discop been jealous of his younger brother and all he With 21 years in the market, ITV Inter wants is to be the sole heir of the inheritance story that represents life and love with all its Medya (Turkey) is one of the leading Turkish and the sole leader of the family. contradictions and conflicts; the drama The content distributors and for Discop Istanubl 20 Minutes is a super production that mixture Family that follows the fantastic story of some presents a wide slate of dramas, including series, drama and crime. It tells the story of a man super men: one can moves things around with telenovelas “made in Turkey” and TV movies. who takes four years to marry the woman he his mind, other can read minds, other become The company also distributes the series from loves; nine to get the job he wanted, 10 years invisible and le last one can generate electricity Construir TV (Argentina) for this region. to build his home, 12 years to raise her two from her fingers. Can Okan, CEO, y Ahmet Ziyalar, managing children, 35 years to build a happy family and Lastly, Prisoners of Love where the only director, describe to Prensario: ‘In recent ... only 20 minutes to lose everything. thing in common that four women from very years we have grown steadily in MENA and Also, ITV exhibits the series In Between, different lives and social status share is their the next step is Western Europe, Asia and the based on the famous novel of Peyami Safa, a emprisonned lovers.

Viewing Box 16 Construir TV: social transformation ABS-CBN: feature films ‘In 2013, we launched Construir Cine, the ABS-CBN International Distribution (The first cinema festival about work in Argentina; Philippines) promotes its brand-new drama our iPad app in Spanish and English is already series Against All Odds (26x’45), about a woman that took away her son and almost her life. available on Apple Store. We have built a big The Legal Wife (45x’45, available on Q3 2014) and active community on social networks that and If Only (30x’45) are two HD series, followed give us a very important feedback about what by Got to Believe (50x’45, available on Q2 2014) they are interest, and help us when we have to with the love story of two kids, Tomorrow can produce and schedule our content’. wait (30x’45) and Raging Blood (60x’45). After a successful Natpe Miami, the The distributor also highlights its feature Ralph Haiek, general manager, and Alejandra company highlights through Inter Medya films slate withBride for Rent (‘115) and She Marano, executive director three new series at Discop Istanbul: Trades over is the One (‘110) and the lifestyle show Green With three years on air, Construir TV time, about the history of some fundamentals Living (‘20-’24 per episode). (Argentina) has become a quality alternative works; Art & Work, that mixes work and art, Booth #S24 in which workers are the protagonists. The and History Restorers. channel reaches over 2.5 million homes and ‘For 2014, we are focused to continue selling Get classic with A+E our contents abroad, in the global distribution the grid includes non-linear formats that could A+E Networks (USA) arrives to Istanbul with of our contents on digital platforms, and to be adapted in any worldwide market. several titles: first, the new movie Flowers in the Ralph Haiek, general manager, and Alejandra reinforce and extend our presence in the Attic (‘120) that tells the horror story of four Marano, executive director, say: ‘We have short independent digital platforms in Argentina’, siblings who are forced by their grandmother programs and docu-series about our four axes: conclude Marano and Haiek. and mother to live in an attic. industry, workers, social content and education. Then, the new series Don’t Trust Andrew Through strategic alliances, such us the one we Mayne (13x’30), Big History (16x’30 +’120 have with ITV Inter Medya (Turkey) wee are special), Kim of Queens (12x’60), and the classic closing sales of our series to distributors and titles about real-life characters Duck Dynasty (58x’30 + 4 x’60), Storage Wars (104x’30 + 2x’60), TV channels in Eastern Europe, Latin America Pawn Stars (272x’30 + 2x’60), Counting Cars and Europe. For example, they have recently (52x’30) and the returning entertainment series sold The Yellow Table (26x’13) to the Turkish Dance Moms (82x’60 + 9x’60 specials + 1x’90 network TV Minika’. Art & Work special + ’120 special + 4x’60 reunion specials). Prensario < 46 > Prensario International International exhibitors

Pay attention to Kanal D’s offer

Kanal D is a key Among the top series, the distributor referent in the local highlightsWaıtıng For The Sun (+30x’95), with TV market: it is the story of a woman that finds hard to adapt to not only the #1 Istanbul, after moving from a small village: she broadcaster with tries to find her unknown father while trying to 10.77% of share (all adapt her new life, new school and new friends. day, total viewers) In Mercy (+30x’90) a young woman who has Waiting for the Sun and Mercy but also one of overcome many difficulties in her life through the main content hard work and determination, is well on the night she gets raped by people she has never Karim Emrah Turna, exporters of Turkish way to really becoming someone successful met in her life before. international sales executive series abroad. without help from anyone. Secrets (18x’95) ‘Discop Istanbul is turning into a “must Karim Emrah tells the story of a family that has a life to be attend” international market for all buyers Turna, international sales executive, describe envied, but his little son is taken from his home and sellers from all around the world. It is to Prensario: ‘We will be presenting our new by two police officers one night, and the life of important for players that are looking for new titles to both our existing and new clients, and them change forever. opportunities such as in production, financing looking for new opportunities in different The classic titles from the distributor are and distribution across all platforms. Istanbul platforms. In addition, we are adding a couple Kuzey Guney (80x’90), about two brothers’ has lots of advantages for all the attendees. of new titles to our catalogue in the upcoming struggle to survive in their own worlds, and the It is in the center of the east and west and weeks. Discop attendees are the first ones to be successful Fatmagul (80x’90), where a woman has direct flights from almost all territories’, informed about those new projects’. is counting days to marry her fiancee, but one completes Turna.

Keshet: Rising Star arrives to Turkey Keshet International interactive singing talent show format Rising are thrilled to see the show coming to life all over the world’. Star has been snapped up by Turkey’s Acun Medya (The Voice, Survivor, Since its launch at MIPCOM 2013, Rising Star has been picked up by Turkey’s Got Talent), who will produce the series in house. Acun Ilıcalı, more than 20 broadcasters, including the US (ABC), UK (ITV), Spain CEO at the production company: ‘We believe it’s technological twist is (Atresmedia), Italy (Toro), France (M6 Group) Russia (Rossiya1), Germany going to begin a new era in TV where the audience has real-time control (RTL), the Nordics (Nordisk), Hungary (TV2), and most recently Brazil over the course of live programs’. (Globo), Argentina (Telefe) and Portugal (TVI). The season finale in Israel Keren Shahar, head of distribution and acquisitions, Keshet peaked with a 58% share of the total domestic audience, attracting more International: ‘With several international series now in production, we viewers than the country’s election night.

RTVE: Spain meets Turkey and MENA

Corporacion Ferdinand begin their reign, but they have to Radio Television overcome a series of difficulties and embark Booth # B22 Española (RTVE) on a war. assists to Discop Together is an emotainment format: it is a Istanbul through useful public service format that channels Maria Jesus Perez, requests for help and proposals for support, by sub director of encouraging solidarity within society. Knowing International sales, and Winning is a half-hour quiz show where Together and Fernando three contestants face one another in a series Maria Jesus Perez, Hernandez, sales of different cultural knowledge and mental different countries. It has also appealed to sub director of inter- executive, who push agility test. Lastly, Mom Detective (19x’70) various TV stations in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, national sales the catalogue of the tells the story of a mother that is not just any Panama and Colombia’, says Perez. largest audiovisual inspector… her weapons, intuition and instinct TVE has established itself as a key reference group in Spain. help her dismantle the most perfect alibi. for high-quality Spanish productions for VOD The company highlights the most successful The company has a successful Natpe Miami platforms. For instance, Isabel has consolidated historical series of the Spanish market Isabel last January, where the most recent format of its dominant position within the realm of (26x’70), which narrates the life of one of the the company Together attracted ‘considerable’ Spanish language fiction on the Latin American most prominent women in Spanish history, enthusiasm: ‘Various large program retailers market with its second season. The series’ third Queen Isabella the Catholic. Isabella and expressed interest in presenting the idea in season is still in production.

Prensario < 48 > Prensario International International exhibitors

Booth #S21

Televisa: fast growthin Turkey & MENA regions

Televisa Internacional TV networks across the region. Also, we have Loving you is all I Want, (USA) arrives to Discop an important opportunity to do business with telenovela, and Sing It to promote its well- free TV because there is an increasing interest Sell It, entertainment known and successful in our entertainment & scripted formats. Our gathers the Mexican families in front of the TV; telenovelas, but also presence has continued due to key strategic Parodying (14x’150), where two well-known the strong catalogue of coproduction, joint ventures and volume deals’. comedy personalities form teams to compete; entertainment formats. The products the distributor is pushing are and Spanish La Competencia’ Everybody And Mario Castro, director Loving you is all I Want (150x’60), with Cristian Their Brother, carried out by a group of 100 Mario Castro, director of Asia and Africa for Asia and Africa, De la Fuente and Karyme Lozano, Forever Yours people putting acts together like a flashmob comments: ‘Istanbul is a (150x’60), with Susana Gonzalez and Guy which is directed by “the leader”, who will also great opportunity to meet with the entire TV Ecker, and What Life Took From Me (150x’60), be hosting the show industry of Turkey and MENA, an area of the which was a success in Mexico. Lastly, the scripted format Los Gonzalez (’20), world where local production has grown and On the entertainment side, the company a mix of reality and fiction that shows a family as we have seen in the last few years’. highlights: Sing It Sell It (‘30), a program in head that has been fired and started creating ‘We still have telenovelas on the air in which any object can be sold by unknown a hidden camera pranks website in which he various important satellite channels and Pay people; Little Giants, a reality show which involves the entire family.

Booth #S-20 Booth #20.18 Mediaset: strong Artear: series with twist scripted formats Artear International (Argentina) highlights for Turkey and MENA region a good variety of Mediaset Distribution (Italy), the international series with twist for late prime time, as well as distribution branch of Italian group Mediaset, telenovelas and documentaries. exhibits at Discop Istanbul a catalogue of more Among the highlighted products is The Brave than 500 titles, including drama series, as well Ones (218x’60), a telenovela that narrates the story as scripted and unscripted formats. of three brothers who take the law into their own As finished programs, The Secrets of Borgo hands against the most powerful man in town. In Larici (7x’80 or 14x’40) is a costume drama Compulsive Times (14x’60) an experienced doctor Luciana Egurrola, Senior Sales Executive series about the secrets of a small town called is responsible for treating a group of outpatients Borgo Larici in the ’20s. A matter of respect, with diverse severe aliments. And Wolf (55x’60) Manuela Caputi, International which fourth season in production, is available as tells the story of the seventh son of a seventh son, who after his 30th Sales Manager miniseries (6x’100) or series (12x’50): it is about birthday, during full moon becomes half man, half wolf. two brothers that decide to avenge their father’s death. It was adapted in Another top product from the distributor is The Social Leader (40x’60), Russia. Intelligence is an action miniseries (6x’100) and series (12x’50) which tells the story of a political staffer, a man that keeps his dreams dedicated to espionage and secret alive in a very peculiar way: through the political and social work within services produced by Italian television. a extremely poor neighborhood. It reached an average rating of 17.7 and Kissed by love (12x’50) is a family a 44% of the market share during its emission in 2012, when it won the comedy series full of sentiment, joy Golden Martin Fierro, the main award of Argentine TV. and funny twists but love, in all of the Other new series is the cooking program Boulangerie (39x’26), in which forms it can present itself, is always two French pastry chefs reveal different techniques and recipes victorious… and Blood Ties is a different delicacies drama history available as miniseries baked in their traditional (6x’100) or series (12x’50) that firewood oven. Lastly, the happens in the ‘60s, where three documentaries Hotels siblings are bound by a secret: the and Spas of Latin America code to an account which contains (13x’26) and Legacies the loot from a bloody robbery. (13x’26). The Secrets of Borgo Larici and Intelligence The Brave Ones, classic telenovela Prensario < 50 > Prensario International International exhibitors exhibitors

Booth #S11 Telemundo: The impostor arrives to Istanbul ATV, top drama player in Turkey at Broken Angel (120x’60) the lives of a perfect who lives by strong family are shaken when a music instructor ethical values. No markets such as Pakistan and Ukraine was our discovers that the granddaughter of the town’s faucet, pipe or focus this past year. We have partnered with most powerful lawyer is using illegal substances switch can resist new clients in the Balkan region, which we and her mother becomes obsessed with him. her hands. With already had presence in. Middle East maintains Karina Etchison, VP Sales EMEA, explains: her unusual job its stable situation but we are expecting it to ‘Part of the business philosophy of our as a handyman grow in 2014. Generally it was a successful year The Noble of Today and Tatar Ramazan, international division is to identify new she provides and we can see an increasing trend both in our two of the top series at Discop Xavier Aristimuño, SVP International Business development ideas to create original content for her three market expansion strategy and sales’. Varol and he adds: ‘We had a very good start Development & Digital Media The Impostor rd and generate innovative businesses for the children and her At Discop, the company highlights The in 2014 and the sales already reached 1/3 of Telemundo Internacional (USA) launches different television platforms’. grandson, while paying no attention to what Ziyad Varol, Head of Sales at ATV Noble of Today, Fugitive, Tatar Ramazan and previous year’s total amount’. at Discop Istanbul the telenovela The Following Telemundo’s offer is My Dear people think of her. ATV was during 2013 the #1 broadcaster of Peace Street. ‘In the upcoming days, we will ‘Eastern Europe is one of the major markets Impostor (120x’60) with story of a humble Handyman (141x’60), co-produced with Globo Lastly, the entertainment format Mad drama series in Turkey with successes such us introduce new drama series to our audience. of our business. We are already having strong and beautiful young woman from Acapulco TV (Brazil), which follows a simple woman about Dance from Reset TV (Spain), where Valley of Wolves, Fugitive and Tatar Ramazan, As we have a vast library size, our classic series presence in this region. For Turkish drama, who falls deeply in love with is the son two groups of celebrities come together which has reached its final, completing 26 such as Sıla and Unforgettable are also available apparently there is no border to be clarifying of a ruthless businesswoman and owner to compete in teams, knowing only one episodes, with great success. for acquisition’. as it has a very strong presence in all countries. of an important shipping company, who will win, anything goes. Is the contest Ziyad Varol, Head of Sales at ATV Sales were ‘mostly focused’ in Balkans, Middle Surely, there is still room for us to be the first committed a terrible injustice against her that tests the ability of 12 artists, who Distribution, explains: ‘Expansion to new East and Caucasian regions in 2013/2014, says choice of our potential clients’. father. are not professional dancers, in weekly

In Part of Me (120x’60) two women performances. The purpose of these battles: Booth #L20 share a tragic and supernatural destiny that to defeat all opponents and win cash prize binds them together even after death, and Mad about Dance from Reset TV reward for the charity of their choice. all3media: Gogglebox arrives to Istanbul

Armoza: Kanal D takes While You Were Sleeping has decided to challenge four extraordinary land Armoza Formats new format While You Were Sleeping has been picked The humorous game show was launched at speed records – hydroplaning, human powered up by leading Turkish broadcaster Kanal D. Both companies have worked MIPCOM 2013 to positive responses. flight, tobogganing and speed on a push bike. together in the past year on prime time game show We Believe In You, which Dilek Dağcıoğlu, director of programs, Kanal And Gadget Man 2 (6x’30), where a man explores is now also airing on MT VA in Hungary. D: ‘We give great importance to innovative the wonderful world of gadgets and how much Developed by Assi Azar and Kastina Communications, is the first ever ideas and always trying to broadcast different While you were Sleeping easier they can make our lives ranging from game show that gives you money while you’re fast asleep. One partner must formats to meet with our audience’. And Avi Armoza, CEO, adds: ‘We are Gadget Man parenting and DIY to the great outdoors answer trivia questions correctly to stay in the game, or risk performing always looking to bring the most innovative and fresh formats to the market. Lastly, the “constructed reality” format a crazy and hilarious challenge – all without waking up their partner! While You Were Sleeping is a crazy new show that makes all audiences laugh’. Kelly Shek, Sales Executive, and Facundo Bailez, Format Sales Executive Families at a Crossroads, which is a success TVN, from Poland British all3media international’ top recent in many Central and Eastern European with love factual entertainment format Gogglebox arrives markets: there are over 600 scripts available for to Discop Istanbul and promise to have a great adaptations. It’s a new take on the dramatised TVN (Poland) Smilehood, a 360 player to deal with reception among the attending buyers. This reality genre from leading German producer pushes at Discop audacious fly-on-the-wall format captures Filmpool (owned by all3media) where life Istanbul its drama Booth # B22 first-hand reactions to the week’s television After MIPCOM and CMD for digital content and Universal Music Television, the teen is stranger than fiction. Each episode focuses series, feature films, broadcasts. It’s life… in front of the television. Natpe Miami, Smilehood for the international exploitation of the music’. musical series Wake- Plim Plim, multiplatform on a gripping story of self-discovery told in documentaries and Other title entertainment format is Reflex Receipe for Life Media (Argentina) has es- Broadcast on Disney Junior Latin America up premiered last November on E! Latin a documentary style through the eyes of our magazines that has that trigger sounds, synapses fire, muscles tense, tablished itself as a player to and Discovery Family USA, the series has a America. ‘It had a great reception from buyers female hero. been promoting in the international breathing halts, pupils dilate… and in the blink of be reckoned with, by inclu- mass appeal that lies in its positive message for from Spain, Italy and France. The first season has and regional markets such us MIPTV/ an eye, the world’s fastest game-show has begun. ding areas of distribution, the little ones. ‘It is not just a series, but also a 13 episodes with 56 songs’, explains D’Angelo. MIPCOM, Natpe Budapest and Asia TV Forum The distributor is an interesting drama licensing and production, multiplatform content (TV, theater, merchan- ‘After the great success at social networks, through Dorota Kamińska, international sales provider as well. Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries manager. Silvana D’Angelo, direc- it focuses on just a few dising, music and apps). Soon, it will be on air the comedy According Roxi released its first 22 (13x’60) returns to the streets of 1920s tor, Smilehood Media products but high quality, in India, Turkey, Israel and Italy, and are very book and it will be shot for TV, which will be ‘Our titles attract a wide audience and have Melbourne, where a lady is once again fighting making a difference in the market. advanced in Spain and France’, she adds. available worldwide. It is about motherhood greatest market shares on TVN Poland. We crime with her unique cocktail of wit and style Silvana D’Angelo, director: ‘With the anima- Co-produced between Onceloop, Coca-Cola that has become a cult series for the female bring new seasons of our most successful with a twist of romance ted series Plim Plim we close deals in Italy and TV, Warner Chapell and Framezero with ori- audience. These three products, thanks to drama series Recipe for Life (65x’60), Medics, On factual entertainment, there are other two India, which will give wide circulation. All this ginal idea and musical production of Sebastian Cinergia Dubbing (Lilian Hernandez), were (39x’60), True Law (54x’60), and our mystery ready made products: Speed with Guy Martin added to the partnerships we have with major Mellino, and executive produced by Sergio translated into English and French for buyers series Marked(13x’60), as well as the romantic (4x’60) where a man loves speed so much that he Gogglebox, new factual entertainment format companies to boost 360° businesses such as Pizzolante, EVP & GM at E! Entertainment in the world’, completes the executive. comedy Letters to Santa’, she explains.

Prensario < 52 > < 53 > Prensario International International Exhibitors

Booth #S-2 Booth #S85 Cisneros Media, Azteca/Comarex: new in Istambul series & telenovelas

Cisneros Media Distribution (USA), formerly Generating over 10,000 hours of content Venevision International, presents at Discop Is- per year, Azteca (Mexico) is one of the world’s tanbul its brand new thriller series with a working largest producers of Spanish-language televi- title Dangerous Confessions, starring Lorena Rojas sion programming. Through the distribution and Sebastian Ligarde. company Comarex, it launches at Discop its The series is currently in production at Cisne- brand new telenovela Lucky Me (120x’60) with ros Media’s studios in Miami, and will consist of a very charismatic, noble and lucky taxi driver. approximately 60 episodes; it is based on Ibeyise Forbidden Love (120x’60) shows a love Marcel Vinay Jr., CEO, and Martha Pacheco’s book Sangre en el Divan, which tells the triangle in a textile emporium, while in The Contreras, sales for Asia César Díaz, VP story of the late Venezuelan psychiatrist Edmundo Agency (120x’60) a woman is willing to stand out in a man’s world and in Des- Chirinos, who was imprisoned for murder. tiny (120x’60) a woman is looking for his biological mother, until she realized In addition, CMD proposal includes Lucia’s Secrets (75x’45), and that is the woman with which she is fighting for the love o a man. Timeless Love two new enchanting telenovelas: Sweet Thing (150x’45),in production (120x’60) is about a married couple that will have to overcome all manner of at Venevision Studios in Miami, and Emerald Heart (120x’45), being obstacles and intrigues in their search for happiness. produced by Venevision in Venezuela starred by Irene Esser (Miss The company also highlights the series Confessions from the Beyond (13x’60) Venezuela Universe 2011). and The Lieutenant (24x’60), developed by Azteca & Benjamin Salinas and Ro- The company is also promoting reality series, such us All for the Crown berto Gonzalez, as well as the telenovelas The Other Side Of The Soul (124x’60), (15x’45) scripted teen series like My Life In Sayulita (17x’30), as well with Gabriela Spanic, The Kings (125x’60), Prisoner of Love (120x’60), Loving as the comedy My ex wants Me (159x’45), the football magazine Inside You (120x’60), Legendary Love (165x’60), Trading Lives Football (34x’30) and the variety program Latin Angels Special (52x’30). (130x’60) and Under A Red Sky (171x’60). Also, there is an important focus on edutaiment programs such us From Comarex independent catalogue, it is high- the wildlife documentaries Anima Atlas (208x’30) and Safari Tracks lighted MTV Networks series Niñas Mal 2 (70x’60), (52x’30), both produced by Bellum En- the thriller Senior Year (70x’60), the teen telenovela tertainment, and Time Compass (16x’30), Popland! (70x’60), as well as three seasons of Nick- produced by Sol 90, about the history of the elodeon series Grachi (50x’60) and the interactive greatest civilization: mankind. format All Connected (24x’60). Cesar Diaz, VP, attends the market, and From Mediset Italy, it presents the thrillers Mystery comments: ‘2014 has begun with much Island (60x’100) and Angel Face (8x’50), and from enthusiasm as we are introducing our new HBO Latin America four series available for Eastern company name and focus, and thanks to Europe, Africa and Asia: Alice (13x’60), Hijos del our associated and affiliated production Carnaval (12x’60), Mandrake (13x’60) and Mujer de Fugitives, from HBO companies, we bring new programming Fase (13x’30), produced in Brazil; Capadocia (39x’60), Dangerous Confessions to Istanbul’. from Mexico; Epitafios(26x’60), Argentina; and Fugitives (26x’60), from Chile.

Booth #S11 Entertain with TVN

Apart from the successful telenovelas, well in the most demanding distributed as ready made or format worldwide TV markets’, they remark. by Telemundo Internacional, Television Is the case of Apuesto Nacional de Chile is pushing internationally por ti, about people with Apuesto por ti, which had a great premier last January, and its catalogue of entertainment formats, which extraordinary activities that surprise visually, Calle 7, a big show at 5pm slot, are very successful on the are not only very successful in the local market, which has been optioned in Spain and Ecuadorian broadcaster TC Television but also in some territories of South America. Argentina, as well as TC Television in Ecuador, market share at 5pm with a impressive 360° Ernesto Lombardi, manager of international whose premier on January 26th, obtained peaks development through social media; Rojo – Fama business, and Alexis Piwonka, sales and of 29.5 rating points (Guayaquil) and 22.6 Contrafama returned with incredible numbers: marketing, explains to Prensario: ‘We have rating points (Quito), being the #1 program is a tournament of 12 dancers and 12 singers long experience in realities, talent and game in the 8pm slot beting The Voice (Ecuavisa) that are being eliminated week-to-week up to shows. Chilean reality shows have a lot to Calle 7 is another big blockbuster from the great finale; and Peloton, where common surprise international audiences… they are TVN with five years on air, which also has people received a hard military training and fresh, originals, with rhythm and can work really a tremendous success in TC with 18.3% only the stronger survive. Prensario < 54 > Prensario International International Exhibitors Pavillion 6

Calinos: alliances & co-productions

Calinos Entertainment a successful business, but he met a woman And he (Turkey), one of the pioneer that change his life foreve. Love and Dreams completes: distributors of Turkish revolves around a power struggle within a ‘With our newly products, brings to Discop wealthy family; Different Lives is about a state catalogue, we Hidden Lies a wide offer of contents, high school where poor students study that is expect to add new countries in which we including own productions burned down after a fire. are already active. We have signed exclusive and third party series. The In Endless Love, a man is trying to survive agreements with few producers. We plan company is planning to under the hard circumstances of his daily life, to focus on co-productions by building launch a Pay TV channel, and In Between is based on Peyami Safa’s famous partnerships with international producers. DramaTiVi, and has novel with the story of a beautiful young girl, Lately, TV channels started to distribute their Firat Gulgen, CEO concreted a deal with local who is stuck between two different lives. Lastly, own productions, producers are selling their broadcaster Show TV to distribute worldwide the second season of Don’t Worry About Me. own products’. their series. Continues Gulgen about sales: ‘Especially Firat Gulgen, CEO: ‘DramaTiVi will Balcan and Middle Eastern distributors are contribute to expand Turkish series in the world: looking for Turkish series. The biggest reason it will be launched within various countries of Turkish series’ popularity in Balcan and that have wide range of Turkish series audience Middle Eastern Countries is the culture, family around. Regarding the deal with Show TV, structures, attitudes towards life, etc.: our heros from now on we will be collaborating on the are more believable to them unlike foreign international distribution’. stories. Since the broadcasters are leaning Its own production Hidden Lies is about a towards producing local programs, they are young man with a beautiful family that run more eager to acquire format rights’. Love and Dreams

Universal Cinergia Dubbing Global Agency, strong titles

Universal Labs of America, ‘2013 was the company’s best year ever in terms a leader in dubbing in all of business and 2014 will be even better. We are languages and subtitling, was very selective in our acquisitions and are adding set up in 1994 by Liliam strong titles to our catalogue that appeals to the Hernandez, managing director, TV audience all over the world’. who celebrates last Natpe Miami Senay Tas, sales director at Global Agency, 20 years in business and 33 year continues: ‘At Discop, we bring entertainment as an executive in the Latin formats and strong drama series such us Lovebird, American audiovisual industry. Gema Lopez and Liliam Hernandez celebrated Uni- a high budget period drama, based on the best- versal Labs 20th Anniversary during Natpe Miami Together with her business with a big party in a boat Senay Tas, sales director, selling Turkish novel Çalıkusu’. partner Gema Lopez founded Global Agency ‘We are also launching two documentary series in 2012 Universal Cinergia, based in Miami, Florida, in a 10,000 square based on two of our most popular series Magnificent Century and Lovebird, foot building that provides services for the worldwide TV industry. ‘Is which show the “making of” of these productions. On formats, Keep Your honor for us to announce our new facet: we are expanding five new studios Light Shining will soon be produced in Germany and France: it is a fast in Mexico, and debuting with major Turkish productions for the Latin paced singing talent show that has great visual dynamics’, remarksBooth # Tas B22. American market’, she says. Additionally, the distributor added two new titles: Dating Pool, where ‘We offer our services to international producers, channels and global the winner from a team of men and a team of women will get to go on distributors from Europe, Africa and USA, as well multiple countries a dream date to an exotic place, and the singing talent show Bring ‘em in Latin America; our multilingual dubbing of native talents based Back. ‘Buyers are mainly looking for original ideas and we work hard to here in South Florida (French-Paris, Portuguese-Brazil & American present them projects with good track records on -English) with our specialty in French. We worked for films, series, the market’, she says. animations, documentaries, soap operas, corporate presentations, and Global Agency’s unscripted format sales have infomercials, etc.’. doubled during the last two years with Shopping Universal Cinergia dubbed production meets the quality required for Monsters, Blind Taste, Rivals in Law and Keep Your all majors’ principal television stations in the entire world. After Natpe Light Shining being sold to many of territories. Miami, the company closed with major projections for 2014. ‘We attend ‘We are currently evaluating the possibilities of Discop Istanbul for the first time to give welcome to the Turkish schedules entering the production business in the near future’, concludes Tas. Keep Your Light Shining, programs for our Latin American market’, complete Hernandez and Lopez. new singing talent show Prensario < 56 > Prensario International International Exhibitors

Booth #S-25

The Sins of Record Caracol TV expands in Record TV Network (Brazil) promotes for West Asia the MENA region its new series Sins , the story of a family that arrives to Brazil in the early ‘70s With the premier of Pablo Escobar, the drug lord last to escape the police and the financial difficulties January in Lemar TV, a network of the Afghan Moby of a Europe at war. Group, Caracol TV International (Colombia) arrives The distributor has also become a leader in Bible to Discop with strong expectations about increasing series, among which stands out the latest Joseph its presence in the region with series such us The Dark of Egypt (38x’60) that tells the story of a young Widow (80x’60) about Griselda Blanco known in US man who returns to reclaim the throne that was as the “The Godmother” and connected to the growing Berta Orozco, sales stolen and save his people. It was filmed in Egypt business of drug trafficking in that country. It is a pro- executive for Western Delmar Andrade, director Europe and Africa of International Sales and the Atacama Desert (Chile) at a cost of USD duction of RTI Television for Caracol TV and Televisa. 36 million and got a huge reception for the latest The sweetest love (120x’60) is a classic love story about a pilot who has edition of MIPCOM in October. to quit the racetracks and be the chauffer of an important executive with Other highlights are the series The Penny Lady (’45), about an abandoned, which will fall in love. The Mother in law (120x’60) tells the story of a uneducated woman who must work twice as hard to give their children a famous talk show host in US that is accused of paying guests to give false brighter future, and Tricky Business (163x’45). The most successful series testimonies on her show. Co-produced with Sony Pictures Television, in 2013 was undoubtedly King David (30x’60), released in MundoFox for it is starred by Andres Parra and Christian Tappan, well-known actors the U.S. Hispanic with excellent results of audience: the slot in which it was from Pablo Escobar series. transmitted (8pm) grew 300% in audience opening the door to new titles. Football dreams: a world of passion (60x’60) shows the four emblematic The catalogue includes the telenovelas Jackpot! (234x’45), the story of a players from the Colombian National Football Team. Produced by CMO, group of friends who become millionaires in the New Year’s Eve; in Masks The voice of freedom, Helenita Vargas (60x’60), which has a tremendous (125x’45), a wife of a rich landowner from Mato Grosso do Sul is kidnapped premier in Colombia last January: 15.8 rating points and 44.3% of share, along with her son while returning from a therapeutic cruise to cure her maintaining an audience of 2.97 million of viewers. The Lord of the Skies postpartum depression. (65x’60), co-produced with Telemundo, shows the story of Aurelio Casillas Delmar Andrade, International Sales in his efforts to become the leading drug lord in Mexico Director, explains: ‘In addition to the series in the ‘90s, taking Pablo Escobar’s place in the region. and telenovelas of the highest quality that On entertainment, it presents The Dance Floor offer this Discop Istanbul edition, we are (60x’60), an original Caracol format that has revolu- starting a new phase in the international tionized dance talent competition; and The Challenge, distribution of Record by selling the formats a reality in which a number of participants should of these same productions. Hopefully it survive, live together, and compete in 4 different stages, José de Egipto, continue the Bible series is having a great reception in the market’. for a big price in money. The Dark Widow

Dori Media: indoor and outdoor entertainment Dori Media Distribution (Switzerland) had Following is the prime time dating cooking season of the teen series Galis (116x’30), where Booth # B22 a great 2014 beginning, bringing new drama show Taste of Love that combines two of the a mysterious donation sends three lucky foster series and entertainment formats, a genre in greatest human passions: the passion for good home kids to join an elite summer camp in a which the company is becoming a referent in food and the passion for love. The weekly faraway forest; and the reality show The Village the marketplace. drama Minimum Wage is about three women, in which five nuclear families are taken from AHA! Experience, the new studio game show from remote, harsh backgrounds, that work as their comfortable, modern lives and brought is a quiz show that wants cleaning ladies at an office building in the city. to an uninhabited area in order to build a new to find out not what you Little Mom (13x’30) is a scripted comedy community with other families. know but what you see, by that reveals the harsh truth of life after having checking your powers of kids; Win the Crowd is an outdoor talent show perception. Enigma is the that takes place in the street with no audience, new telenovela available no votes & no judges; in Invisible Man experts in two formats (150x’30 strive to identify each episode’s celebrity guest or 75x’60) about a man whom they cannot see or communicate with; whose mental deteriora- and Duel Games is another game show presen- tion threatens a thriving ting task-based dueling in the streets. Elena Antonini, VP of Sales, and Nadav Palti, CEO at Aha! Experience, new family business. Lastly, the distributor highlights the second Dorimedia, with Ludovic Attal, head of development and studio game show formats, TF1 Productions (France) Prensario < 58 > Prensario International International Ozlem Ozsumbul, head of sales and acquisitions at Kanal D (Turkey); Fadi Ismail, group director of services at MBC Group (UAE) with his wife Amal; and Marwan Helayel, NBCUniversal Middle East

Kanalturk, Turkey: Merve Tufekci, senior acquisitions executive, Seda Korkut, Fox, Turkey: Gul Arslan, drama manager, TRT Documentary, Turkey: Hatice Tanriogen and D-Smart, Turkey: Manolya Ilgun, Kanal 7, Turkey: Yesim Sezdirmez, head of Fox International Channels, acquisitions specialist, and Eylul acquisitions and planning executive, Producers from Turkey: Onur Avci, format mana- Tunay Ergin, foreign formats & movie Turkey: Ozge Dogan and Fulya Musa Peksen, acquisitions executives, Documen- and Gaye Arman Bickacioglu, director nager, and Ebru Erkal Kip, general coordinator of audience research and programming planning, acquisitions manager, and Itır Ozoflu, project taries, and Pinar Genc, Head of Programming Aytas, acquisitions assistant spe- Mehmet Demirhan, head of acquisitons, and Tiryakioglu Baykal, programming cialist of programming and acquisitions ARTI Film, with Burcin Ozdemir, producer from development supervisor coordinators Sinerji Productions Serra Batus, audience researcher

Ahmet Oncan, vice Middle East producers: Amer Sharaf, producer/CEO, and Saran Media, Turkey: Evren Marlali, TV president of the Bahaa Rashid, COO of Sama for Media Production (Syria) with Rights Acquisitions & Sales Manager and producer Jamal Douba, general manager of Media Link International Emre Bilgen, director Medyavizyon, (Lebanon) and Abdel-Hadi Tayem and Khalid Tayem, from Turkey Fada A Media (Jordan)

UAE: Rupert Morling, senior channel manager, MBC Ac- tion; Kamal Nassif, director new media, e-vision; Khulud Al Jazeera Network, Turkey: Abu-Homos, SVP programming & creative service, OSN; Sebastien Tobe- Amac Us, sales and acquisition Middle East: Joseph Hussein, TV consultant Zeynep Handan Capakcur Lina Matta, channel manager, MBC2, MBC4 y MBC Max; lem, channel specialist of leading Turkish Kanal Middle East buyers: Awni Al Lababidi, Bright i and Ibrahim El Massri, City RT, both Oz, head of acquisitions, and Tareq Falah Al Ibrahim, channel manager MBC Drama & manager MBC2, D with Saule Zhirenchina, program Founoon Film (UAE), Ibrahim El Massri, from Lebanon, with Awni Al Lababidi, Founoon Yusuf Ihsan Ozkes, acquisitions coordinator manager, MBC 1 MAX, Persia (UAE) director of Kazakhstan National City RT (Lebanon) Film (UAE) and Bouchra el Kadmiri, Proximity producer Television Interactive (Morocco)

Asim Khan, acquisitions of Al Jazeera Documentary Channel (Qatar) and Kateryna Udut, international client manager of MRM, organizers of Kiev Media Week (Ukraine)

Middle East: Sarkis Semaan, COO of the producer Sync, Ruqaya Egyptian buyers: Sheren Magdy, Abdulla, acquisitions at the broadcaster Abu Dhabi Media, May general manager of the produc- Ahmad Al Rahman, Channel 7, Kazakhstan: Assel tion company Stars, with Eslam head of acquisitions Hyam Saliby, Syria: Bahaa Rashid, COO, and Central Asia Media Distribution, Nukisheva, program director, and Global Media Partner, distributor Nassur, CCO of Sync, Shereen El Meligi, head of programming Kazakhstan: Zhuldyz Kaden, from Kazakhstan: Serik Saliyev, 31 Channel, Kazakhstan: Vela at Abu Dhabi Drama channel, and Dania Barghout, project Mosaad, senior acquisition executive and drama at Al- head of acquisi- Amer Sharaf, producer/CEO, of Ainur Nussipbekova, chief content from the Arab Radio and Television Nahar TV Network tions for Middle Sama for Media Production director, and Mira Bukenba- acquisitions & sales manager general producer, and Bezkat Fidel, Sr acquisitions manager, Igor manager of TV at Abu Dhabi Media yeva, CFO Kaldygaliyeva, acquisitions manager Syrtsov, general Producer Network (ART) (Egypt)

Abdelhai Hammoud, senior distribution at Al Jazeera Media Network (Qatar), Mohammad Yaghi, general manager of Middle East Media, and chairman of the Union of Jordanian Media Producers (Jordan), and Saleh El-Taweel, managing director of Doha City Media (Qatar)

Giorgi Lominadze, head of acquisitions Middle East: Tarek Ghattas, general Adham Nasr and Nidal Garcia, sales & Indrid Orstadius, Sr. Afghanistan: Seyed Hamil Sadat, Manager, Neudachnaya Inna, head of marketing at Rustavi 2, and Giorgi Gachechiladze, manager of 6 Hats (Lebanon) with Hod Hod Lebanese sate- marketing from Outlook Entertainment Masreya Media, UAE: Makram Kanal 5 Macedonia: Kristina department, and Anna Tleuzh, program Safwat Ghattas, managing director president, and Absul Rahim Azizi, llite channel: Ehsan Helmi, from UAE (extremes) with Ramzi Karib, content manager, and Corporate producer general of Georgian Public Grkova and Jana Kocev, from the director of 9TV. Many Russian players Broadcaster (GPB), both from Georgia of Spot 2000, and Ahmed Fawzy, international director of Khurshid TV, general manager, Dhya Nakfour from Transworld Television Norman Dawood, acquisitions programming department Development, Turner with Mohammad Ahmadi, content EMEA are in Istanbul (extremes) and Fabricio Ferrara, managing director MF Films, both Alnaseri, communications Corp. (Lebanon) Prensario International from Egypt sales manager at Elena Production Malaysian presence at Discop: Johan Nawawi, director of ABS-CBN, #1 broadcaster in the Philippines: HudHud Media; Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, CEO CCMA; Pia Bacungan, sales manager, Evelyn “Leng” PPlus D.O.O, Bosnia Hersegovina: Channel 7, Bulgaria: Niya Sta- Bulgaria: Todor Nikolov, Balaraman Narayanasamy, head of the Film in Malaysia office; Raymundo, VP integrated program acquisitions Sanela Junuzovic, Program Editor, and Farid K Ahmad, general manager of WRC teva, translator, Nadia Kostova, director, and Krasimir Vankoc, and international distribution, and Rachel Simon, Hayat TV, and Dzenan Priganica, head of acquisitions CEO of Hidalgo Productions acquisitions manager Program Manager, at Plus

Larisa Mohut, acquisitions coor- IRIB, Iran: Gh. Ali Ramezani, pre- Can Okan, president ITV Nova TV, Croatia: Zrinka Jankov, dinator at National TV (Rumania) sident, and M. Mehdi Yadegari, Turkey, with Sara Rahbari, programming director and with Hasan Bozaslan, International head of acquisitions Gem TV, Iran George Makris, consultant of director of Samanyolu (Turkey) the board

Prensariorensario < 60 > < 61 > PPrensariorensario Internationalnternational IInternationalnternational Special Report | Markets Turkey: Can Okan, president of the distributor ITV, with Ahmet Oncan, vice president of the producer Medyavizyon. The first distributes the latter’s productions

Leading channel from Turkey, Kanal D: Ozlem Ozsumbul, head of Sales and Yesim Yunak, programming director, and Rasim TRT, Turkey: Meltem Tumturk Akyol, head of Acquisitions; Emrah Turna and Ezgi Ural, Yilmaz, acquisitons of Turner Turkey, with Ingrid international sales, with A. Zafer Erkmen, deputy sales executives; and Amac Us, sales and Orstadius, senior manager, Corporate Develop- head of TV department, and sales executives acquisitions specialist ment, Turner EMEA Necati Aca and Mahir Çavus

KTK, Kazakhstan: Elmira Jamlova, deputy general manager, Alma Akhmetzhanova, first deputy Sara Rahbari, IRIB Media Trade, Iran: Ali Ra- chairman of the board, Natalya Freiman, head Gem TV, Iran mezani, president, and Mehdi of acquisitions, and Talgat Dairbekov, advisor Yadegari, acquisitions manager to the GM

31 Channel, Kazakhstan: CTC TV, Moldavia: Dan Lozovan, general Vela Fidel, Sr acquisitions director, Vladimir Tabacari, program manager, Igor Syrtsov, director, and Leonid Culai, acquisitions general Producer manager: they buy family titles and telenovelas.

Sebastien Tobelem, channel manager MBC2, MAX, Persia (UAE); Holger Hendel, Mediapeers; Michael Brown, head of marketing worldwide, MGM Studios

Saleh K. El-Taweel, general Lebanon: Jamal Douba, manager of Doha City Media general manager, Media Link Middle East buyers: Awni Al Lababidi, (Qatar), and Nidal Garcia, International; and Joanna Hod Hod Lebanese satellite channel: Founoon Film (UAE), Ibrahim El Massri, City managing director of Lucha Douba, acquisitions, Cubic Ehsan Helmi, general manager, Dhya RT (Lebanon), Tony Kassouf, Cable Arab Distribution (Lebanon) Connect (digital) Alnaseri, communications Network (Lebanon).

9 Channel, Russia: Inna Skibina, GMG, Georgia: Bidzina Bara- deputy program director, and tashvili, general producer, and Anna Tleuzh, program director Levan Kubaneishvili, managing director

Georgian buyers: Giorgi Gachechiladze, general producer from the public broad- Igor Fedorov, director of acqui- caster GPB, with Estate Khabazishvili, Georgian TV channels: Zaza Tana- sitions, Intra Communications, main director, and Noe Sulaberidze, nashvili, general director of MZE, Russia, Giorgi Lominadze, general director of the top Georgian and Anri Getsadze, deputy head of acquisitions, Imedi TV, Georgia production company TBC TV administration of Pik TV

Nina Mikola, Head of Acqui- Kaspar Pfluger, programming di- Dexin Films, Serbia: Dana Petrovic Elsa Strapkova, Acquisitions Manager, Markiza TV (Slovakia) sitions, and George Makris, rector, and Dragana Kos, program with Ljupka Triunovic consultant of the Board of acquisitions and sales manager of Nova TV Croatia with Melissa RTL Televizija Croatia Pillow, sales director of Te- lemundo International (USA)

Ritchie Mohamed, Zenith Film Distributors (South Africa) and Saeed Shiraz, chief executive, Sterling International (Pakistan)

Prensariorensario < 58 > Prensario Internationalnternational International