THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF FILM, BROADCASTING, BROADBAND, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION MAY 2010 VOL. 30 NO. 3 $9.75 In This Issue: MIP Ashes Indie Product Pilots in the Air Brasil TV Forum ® www.videoage.org
Speculators Kicked Out Studios Stronger Than Ever Of Hollywood’s Lots Indies Make Up In Number The L.A. Screenings as a battleground BY DOM SERAFINI hile President Barack Obama was busy fending off insurance companies BY ERIN SOMERS But, let’s not underestimate the power that profited from people’s misfortunes by successfully offering a national es, there are only six major of the indies, especially when they’re health plan, Wall Street financiers and bankers roaming the White U.S. studios and they have both angry and hungry. Despite the House allowed another coup: the creation of two exchanges that would power, money and new TV usual post-L.A. Screenings mumblings, give speculators series. Yes, we know that year after year, an increasing number of (Continued on Page 22) the opportunity thousands of buyers from (Continued on Page 32) to bet on the every corner performanceW of films over their of the world Latin TV Shoppers Will first four weeks at the box office. (includingY Sri Lanka and Clearly, the disastrous laissez- Trinidad) flock to the L.A. Definitely Be Buying in L.A. faire philosophy of presidents Bill Screenings mainly — if not BY LORENA SÁNCHEZ Clinton and George W. Bush still only — to look at pilots for reigns, and now even Hollywood the new U.S. TV season. is being targeted by speculators. Yes, we also know that the ost Latin American TV buyers contacted by The Commodity Futures Trading studios have stars that they VideoAge are really excited about programs Commission (CFTC), the parade around at those they expect to find at the L.A. Screenings U.S. agency that regulates the this year. Program executives from the Latin derivatives and futures market, lavish parties that make M has backed a new scheme that the L.A. Screenings the American region will be looking for series, successful Hollywoodian event that it U.S. formats and movies. They are also open to (Continued on Page 38) has become. (Continued on Page 36)
Europe Dissed By Latin American TV
BY GIOVANNI VERLINI
atin America is a remarkable opportunity for European media groups. Cultural and, in some cases, L linguistic affinity with many nations of the old world makes the South American continent a somewhat natural area of expansion for European media companies. Yet the history of European media presence in Latin America is patchy, at best. While foreign media companies in general have had a love-hate relationship with a continent long characterized by the damming combination of protectionism, piracy and economic volatility, it’s the huge conglomerates of North America – mainly the U.S. and to a certain extent, Canada and Mexico — that have historically dominated the scene and continue to do so. In addition, Latin America’s profile as a hub for content creation and export has also significantly grown in recent years. In other words, the margins of maneuver for European content exporters (Continued on Page 34)
Sección en Español
aaaMay_2010.indd 1 5/11/10 9:28:19 AM May_Issue_Ads.indd 2 5/4/10 3:00:33 PM ONTENTSV I D E O A G E • N o . 3 • M a y 2 0 1 0
Cover stories: 15. Sección en Español: Hollywood is afraid of the future(s). Speculators kicked out of Hollywood’s lots • La TV de Centroamérica tocada por un Ángel
Europe dissed by Latin American TV. • Comedias, policias y copias: Las tendencias The Old Continent lost the plane and is en los pilotos de otoño en USA Cnow trying to head south by boat • La TV India ha crecido muy rápido Will Latin American TV groups be shopping y en miles de millones or buying at the L.A. Screenings?
Studios remain strong, but indies at L.A. Screenings 2010 are more numerous than ever 22. L.A. Screenings 2010:
New U.S. Season 2010-2011
4. World: Italy, U.S., U.K., Letter Network commissioned pilots
Who’s screening and where
Independents’ new product
8. Brasil TV Forum. Back to familiar ground 40. Conferences, travel news and calendar of events
42. My 2¢: Costs of imported programs is a function of “what the market can bear”
10. MIP-TV review. The Croisette after the ashes. MIP-TV awakened by an eruption of deals
aaaMay_2010.indd 3 5/10/10 9:41:43 AM readily renewed for subsequent seasons. bestowed on ZDF’s series Fun With Further proof of the comedy boom can Claude, Nickelodeon’s The Penguins be found on the studios’ lists of upcoming of Madagascar, and Fuji TV’s Flying pilots, which are riddled with laughers. Trapeze, among others. Early figures show that there are up to Among the presentations, which 10 more comedy pilots in the works than took place at the Excelsior Place Hotel last year. in Rapallo, were “Modern Egyptian Animation,” “The value of diversity in Nickelodeon’s productions — The case on U.S. television. history of Avatar. The Legend of Aang” Sitcoms Back Cartoons (pictured below with Nickelodeon’s After a few years of “failed derivatives” Held At Bay Daniela di Maio, and VideoAge’s Monica On U.S. TV (like Friends spinoff Joey), the most recent Gorghetto), and RAI Fiction’s traditional batch of sitcoms has received glowing unveiling of its new projects, which this reviews and skyrocketing ratings. year included co-productions Little Prince fter the recent success of shows There is some speculation that the ver 1,000 delegates attended the and The Extraordinary Adventures of Jules like Modern Family (ABC), The down economy has created a need for 14th edition of international Verne. Big Bang Theory (CBS), Two and uplifting, comedy fare. But whatever animation festival Cartoons on A a Half Men (CBS), and 30 Rock the reason, half-hour comedies like The O the Bay, held in Rapallo, Italy, (NBC), some media outlets, among Office far outrank dramas in online April 15-18 and organized by RAI Trade. them the New York Times, have lately views, and shows like last year’s Cougar Five hundred entries were submitted to heralded the second coming of comedy Town and Modern Family, have been the competition, with Pulcinella Awards
The fest saw active participation from Italian animation companies such as The Animation Band of Marco Marcolini In No Time (pictured below).
Action Zone
Policia Judicial Federal
The Market Chef Spotlight On
HTDTHTDT
Cuando Levanta la NiNieNieblabla bl TV Privacy Rights For Animals Too
BC series Nature’s Great Events has recently gotten flack from an academic and wildlife advocate for Kids Flix Bikini Destinations Hollywood Buzz B violating the animals’ privacy. In a new study that appeared in Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, Brett Mills, a professor at the University of East Anglia, asserted that nature documentaries ignore privacy ethics 150 Central Park South distributed by Suite 310 New York, NY 10019 (Continued on Page 6) phone 212 707 8244 email [email protected]
M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 4 5/10/10 9:48:51 AM STARRING JENNIFER FINNIGAN
#3&",5)306()'*-.4"/%5&-&7*4*0/"/%#6''"-0("-1*$563&413&4&/5 4)"%08*4-"/%.:45&3*&4 83*55&/ 130%6$&% 45"33*/(+&//*'&3'*//*("//"5"-*Ĵ/4)"6/#&/40/$&%3*$4.*5)/0-""6(64540/#:"-&9("-"5*4"/%1"6-"+4.*5) #:1"6-"+4.*5) &9&$65*7& &%*5&% %*3&$5&% 130%6$&34*3"-&7:1&5&38*--*".40/."3*/"$03%0/*1):--*4-"*/(1"6-"+4.*5)"/%"-&9("-"5*4#:304-:/,"--00"/%$"5):(6-,*/#:("3::"5&4 $3&%*54/05$0/53"$56"-
TV Movies: The Last Christmas - 1 x 2 hours Wedding for One - 1 x 2 hours
LA Screenings: Suite 1721 at The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
FIREWORKS INTERNATIONAL 19 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BG, UK T: +44 (0)20 7851 6500 | 225 Arizona Avenue, Suite 250, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA T: +1 310 576 1059 www.contentfilm.com
May_Issue_Ads.indd 5 5/6/10 9:11:43 AM Cadura Shows study sessions, and speeches by a Kennedy’s New number of industry notables including NBC-Uni’s Art Rai4’s Carlo Freccero, Aldo Grasso, Series Debated McCann Worldgroup’s Milka Pogliani and Studio Universal’s Luca Federico Cadura. Most of the works uca Cadura, the president of NBC ew History Channel series The Universal’s Studio Universal Italy, exhibited at the Cattolica University Kennedys does not hit airwaves recently celebrated the company’s were featured in a catalogue (pictured (Continued from Page 4) until next year, but critics are L 12th anniversary with an exhibition below) and are available online at: www.ilovesu.it N already up in arms. The eight- when filming creatures. in Milan, Italy organized by Università hour program has come under fire for The study cited scenes in Nature’s Great Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the Events, to make the point that, because Center for Research on Television and its portrayal of the famous American Audiovisuals. Organized by Professor animals cannot give consent to have their political family, which detractors have Aldo Grasso, the exhibition was titled most secretive moments televised, the labeled as “vindictive, revisionist and “Studio Universal: Cinema on TV.” practice is unethical. In a recent interview, firmly right wing.” The event featured advertising Mills suggested that it is the tendency of TV campaigns and videos that highlighted Reps from the History Channel shows to prioritize the rights of the viewers the evolution of its brand. Universal’s expressed aims only to tell the Kennedy’s over the rights of the animals. When asked history and dedication to classic American story with an A-list cast and crew. for a response, the animal kingdom ignored cinema was at the forefront of the exhibit. However, some are viewing producer the request to comment. Also available were a series of workshops, Joel Surnow, creator of 24 (for the conservative Fox TV network), as a staunch right winger with a bone to pick. Documentarian Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism), has posted a video online pointing out a number of factual errors in the script. Additionally, Ted Sorensen, a former advisor to President Kennedy, has stepped forward to support Greenwald, claiming that conversations between himself and the president portrayed in the movie never happened. In response, the History Channel has released statements pointing out that the script is currently being edited and fact checked by historians.
Letters Pedro Font of the New York Televisa Internacional office is pictured with Ma Runsheng, General Manager of China’s Radio & Television Program Exchange Center (CCTV), celebrating their 15-year friendship at MIP-T V.
M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 6 5/10/10 9:52:40 AM May_Issue_Ads.indd 7 5/4/10 3:02:21 PM Brasil TV Forum
A group of Portuguese-speaking broadcasters Back to Familiar Ground from nine countries attending the 2008 Forum at the Novotel Jaragua, which this year returns as the official hotel. orum Brasil, the São Paulo TV center. The Expo Center is situated in 22 countries. This compared to over conference and exhibition, now a more remote section of São Paulo, 1,200 participants from 30 countries André Mermelstein, head of the event in its 11th year, is going back in what could be considered the city’s when it was held at the Centro de organization, summarized this year’s to its traditional convention suburbs, in an area which houses Rede Convenções Frei Caneca. Forum activities for VideoAge: “We’re having two development pitchings. One center, Frei Caneca in the Globo’s headquarters. The fact that this year the Forum for The History Channel, which is looking heart of the city. This year, organizers Converge is held later than usual — June 16-17, for original productions in Brazil. They’ll F Last year’s experiment with Comunicaçoes are expecting a larger compared to June 3-5 in 2009 — could be looking at projects for six 42-minute the Transamerica Expo Center was not contingent from Latin America, the bring more TV executives who, in the series and two-hour specials. They’re popular with many participants, mainly U.S., Canada and Europe than that of past, were too busy with post-L.A. giving away a U.S.$20,000 development because of its distance from the city 2009, which numbered a low 600 from Screenings paperwork to travel. prize to the winning project. The second pitching is sponsored by Rio de Janeiro-based distributor Synapse TV, which is looking for projects in post- production and is willing to invest over U.S.$30,000 in suitable projects. In addition, we’re having the third annual Portuguese TV Meeting, with over 15 broadcasters from eight Portuguese-speaking countries (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Macau, Mozambique, Portugal and St. Thomas and Prince [with only Guinea-Bissau this year missing]), all looking for new programming opportunities. There will also be a world class conference with executives from over 10 countries, discussing digital distribution, broadband TV, formats, production costs and co-productions. Finally, there will be a showcase of the many government opportunities offered by Brazil for international companies willing to co-produce, including public funds, private funding and government incentives.”
Forum Brasil’s Roberto Filippelli with TVTL’s Antonio Dias and Alberto Alves of Timor East, at Forum 2009 at the Transamerica Expo Center.
A view of the Centro De Convenções Frei Caneca 8 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 8 5/10/10 2:36:51 PM May_Issue_Ads.indd 9 5/4/10 3:02:37 PM MIP-TV Review
The Croisette Awakened By An Eruption of Deals
IP-TV ended with a bang taking more time to meet with indies. The BBC’s Steve McCallister at their Majestic this year — or rather, an Even though the risk of losing more Beach event eruption. On the market’s studios next year remains, MIP-TV entertainment and media specialist at final day, a volcanic blast organizers seem to reject any suggestion in Iceland filled the Malaysia’s Multimedia Development to move the market to late February. Corporation, outlined the country’s plan sky above Europe with They seem convinced that if the market for industry expansion on the international ash, rendering air travel presents the right elements (e.g., specific stage. As a part of this plan, U.S.$22 Mimpossible and stranding hundreds of conferences and side events), the studios million has been dedicated to the cause market travellers in the Côte d’Azur. But will come back regardless of whether the of international co-productions. while the market’s aftermath may have calendar date makes sense in view of the been turbulent, MIP-TV itself was smooth L.A. Screenings a few weeks later. Also out in abundance were executives sailing. from the financial end of things. These Nevertheless, for most in attendance, money people — specialists in banking, gap If one thing was evident at MIP-TV, it it was business as usual on the was that the industry is on the mend. The Croisette. Comcast International Media financing, and tax shelters — were at MIP weeklong festival provided some companies Group was on hand with a sprawling representing a host of countries. American the opportunity to bounce back from stand and, a wealth of lifestyle and investment fund Fuse Capital, which a difficult 2009 and take advantage of entertainment programming. But specializes in Web startups, and Canadian the recovering global economy. Although despite much convention-floor buzz firm Rocket Fund, which specializes in the market was less flashy than years about the Comcast/NBC acquisition kids’ content, were on the lookout for past, parties were back in moderation, a deal, executive vice president Duccio business prospects. The list of financial Record TV’s Delmar Andrade number of stars brightened things up and Donati kept mum about the agreement. institutions in attendance included Banque the general attitude on the convention Nationale Du Canada, Belininvest, Fonds Although the market took place a few The German contingent was out in floor was one of optimism. de Solidaire, Harsha Deshpande, Ingenious weeks later than usual, resulting in a full force, with announcements and Some 11,600 participants from Media and a handful of others. reduced studio presence (Disney and press conferences aplenty. Studio 100 217 countries gathered to do business Warner Bros. took meetings in suites at the announced a Turkish co-production and The theme of MIP-TV was “Charting in Cannes at MIP-TV 2010 and its Palais rather than their customary stands), in an informal press conference, Bavaria the Next Decade,” and much of the affiliated events that took place April attendees remained buoyant. Colombia- Media’s Philipp Kreuzer revealed that conference program was therefore geared 10-15. Attendance was up by about towards digital media. In keeping with based Caracol Television’s Beth Orozco for now, his sales team’s efforts are 100 people from last year’s conference, concentrated wholly on Europe. the theme, Jonathan Miller, chief digital which, due to the financial crisis, saw 14 commented, “[A later MIP] doesn’t make For its part, Italy was also well officer, chairman and CEO of News percent decline in participation from the a big difference for us. In fact, it gives us represented despite financial woes at Corp’s Digital Media Group, delivered a previous year. The modest increase in a chance to release new productions that home. The Italian pavilion hosted a Day Two keynote that addressed, among attendance seemed to point to a gradual couldn’t be presented at earlier markets.” reception in honor of the Rome-based other things, the future of online TV improvement in the state of the industry The late start date may have even worked Association of Audiovisual Distribution distribution. “[Online] content expands — an idea that was echoed by a good in favor of smaller companies, as buyers and an animation co-production faster than advertising can support it,” many executives to whom VideoAge from both France and Italy remarked that between Rai Fiction and the Region he said, elaborating that subscription spoke on the convention floor. in the absence of the studios, they were Sicily. Many Italian executives were also preparing to head to Rapallo for Cartoons on the Bay, which kicked off on April 15, right on the heels of MIP. Singapore also had a busy market, with Media Development Authority hosting a luncheon and a press conference. Acting Minister for Information Communications and the Arts, Lui Tuck Yew, presided over the conference, which centered on the country’s plan to become the “Asian media capital.” However, as far as that title is concerned, Malaysia may be poised to give Singapore a run for its money. The Malaysian contingent held a Day Two signing of a co-production treaty between Ed-Online and Korea’s NHC Disney Media Networks’ Henri Ringel and The Starz contingent, headed by Chris Albrecht and Gene George Media. Additionally, Adam Ham, Fernando Barbosa (Continued on Page 12) 10 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 10 5/10/10 3:17:48 PM May_Issue_Ads.indd 11 5/4/10 3:02:55 PM MIP (Continued)
fête, as usual, did not disappoint. Though not exactly a star-studded affair, a number of actors were on hand promoting new shows. Venerable Star Trek alum William Shatner was there on behalf of Cineflex, and Rive Gauche brought along Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. Also making the publicity rounds FremantleMedia’s David Ellender (r.) was 90210 heartthrob Jason Priestley, who and Tony Cohen was pushing E1’s new show Call Me Fitz, as well as Missy Peregrym and Gregory VideoAge talked to was that the outlook Smith from Copper (now Rookie Blue). for the Screenings was very good. Although not every company had stars Comcast’s Donati has big plans for the on hand, there was a remarkable number market. “Firstly, we’ll be attending with of new shows making their market debut. a suite for the Latin Screenings,” he said. Canamedia launched documentary/ “We’ll also be using the time to meet reality series The Real Joey Lawrence, with clients from all over and attending Lionsgate’s Tori Crotts and Priscilla Pesci GK-TV had Camelot, FremantleMedia premiered Jamie Olvier’s Food Revolution, in a buying capacity.” Overall, attendees and agency models are the way of the took place on April 10, the day before and that was just the beginning. were looking forward to continuing the future. Palais doors officially swung open for positive momentum of MIP-TV at the MIP proper. With 250 companies from As the market drew to a close, The seminars weren’t all ones and zeros, Los Angeles event. Barring any volcanic 27 countries in Cannes to sell format conversation on the convention floor though. At the Brasil Forum, speakers activity over Southern California, all rights, it’s no wonder market organizers inevitably turned to the L.A. Screenings. including Little Airplane president Josh The consensus among the executives expect another productive market. Selig and 2D labs CEO Andre Brietman dedicated a whole day to this side of touted the production possibilities of the business. Rob Clark, president of Worldwide Entertainment at format Brasil. In regard to a recent trip to the powerhouse FremantleMedia, gave country, Selig remarked, “I genuinely VideoAge a rundown of the evolution of MIP-TV Confronts Iceland’s Ash for felt that I was witnessing higher levels the formats game. “It used to be the case of genuine creativity in São Paulo than I Participants Out of Cash that all the great formats originated in the currently witness in New York or L.A.” U.S., the U.K. and the Netherlands,” he On Friday, April 16, when airports in Europe were Another keynote of interest was said. “Now the business is truly global.” shut down due to volcanic ash, MIP-TV organizers set the Day One speech by Los Angeles- As usual, there were many breakfasts, up a help desk to assist the many participants that were based Starz CEO Chris Albrecht, who lunch meetings and at-the-stand receptions stranded in the Côte d’Azur and wanted cheaper hotel recently joined the company from HBO. to attend throughout the week. NBC and accommodations, among other things. There were many Drawing parallels between the feature E1 joined forces to host a cocktail party, weary distributors and buyers doing their MIP follow-ups film and television businesses, Albrecht while BBC and Digital Rights contributed in hotel rooms and the “free” MIP-TV business center, nicknamed the “Volcano Business Center.” provided some perspective on new ways with gatherings of their own down on the of looking at original programming. beach. Boat parties were also big this year, For those attempting to leave the city by ground Aside from “Charting the Next with newcomer Engine and RDF each transportation, things were equally complicated. Car rentals Decade,” formats also garnered a good throwing soirees on the high sea. TF1, ran as high as 900 euro per day, and rental centers quickly bit of focus. This year marked the debut WWE, Eyeworks and Roma Fiction Fest ran out of vehicles. Some MIP participants were barely able of a new mini-event, MIPFormats, which were among other bashes of note, and Rai’s to reach Paris or Lille by car to then continue on to London via Eurostar. Also, because of an SNCF rail strike in Paris, taking place the same week as MIP, travelers had limited train options as well. For the U.K.-based DRG sales team, getting home was a 50-hour nightmare. They managed to squeeze onto a packed train to Paris for a 10-hour ride. In Paris, they lucked into the very last seats on the last Eurostar to depart for London until the following Wednesday. The award for the most outlandish story goes to RDF Rights, whose staff found an even more creative way to get back to the U.K. After their initial attempt to charter a private plane and fly below the ash cloud failed, the 24-person contingent took minibuses to Calais. After a 15-hour ride, the group boarded two fishing boats and returned to Britain by sea. One of the boats had to make a second trip for six remaining passengers, and after run- ins with border police, was the last boat allowed out of Calais. Televisa Internacional announced a new venture with China’s CCTV
12 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 12 5/10/10 9:59:27 AM May_Issue_Ads.indd 13 5/4/10 3:49:53 PM May_Issue_Ads.indd 14 5/4/10 3:03:11 PM THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF FILM, BROADCASTING, CABLE TV, PAY TV, VOD, DBS, IPTV, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION MAYO 2010 VOL. 30 NO. 3 $9.75 Sección en Español ® www.videoagelatino.com
Las tendencias en los pilotos La television de de otoño en USA
Centroamérica tocada POR LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER dedicado para la ‘familia’, de las numerosas l año pasado, uno de los repeticiones y de la usual cantidad de por un Ángel temas de conversación en ofertas de shows policiales y de abogados, la temporada previa de la con la clara exclusión de series de sci-fi/ POR DOM SERAFINI TV Americana (upfront TV fantasía, teniendo en cuenta que ninguna ara alguien que huye de las luces de las candilejas, no da entrevistas, no season) era si la decisión de de las copias de Lost que llegaron al aire quiere que le saquen una foto y protege su privacidad celosamente, Remigio la NBC de brindarle a Jay (Continuación a la pàgina 18) Ángel González y González, Leno un preciado sorprendentemente, es un espacioE en el primetime La TV India ha crecido libro abierto. Nacido en cambiaria el futuro de la México, residente en Miami, televisión. Con la cercanía en miles de millones Florida, es el Presidente de de los ‘upfronts’ de este POR DANA TILAK Albavisión, un grupo con base en Miami año, la mayoría de los temas P de conversación quedaron que controla 26 estaciones en 10 países fines de 1990, la mayoría de los espectadores de Latinoamérica, 21 de las cuales posee, reservados a la nueva de televisión en la India recibía un solo canal, si siendo el resto afiliadas a la programación. tendencia de la temporada vivían en una gran ciudad, con suerte dos. de otoño de 2010: el no Albavisión también controla 80 estaciones India es un país de grandes diversidades. sorprendente resurgimiento A de radio (25 que posee y opera) y 40 salas Hay un antiguo dicho: La India cambia de lenguaje, de los sitcoms en la era de proyecciones (Cine Alba) en Guatemala Remigio Ángel González y González cultura y estilo de vida cada 100 Kilómetros. Dos y Costa Rica. post-moderna de un mundo (Continuación a la pàgina 20) Para la industria de la distribución internacional de T V, Albavisión es vista solamente como un ente valuado en U$D14 millones anuales en compras de programación, pero para el sector de la TV de Centroamérica, como así también para países como Argentina (Canal 9), Chile (La Red), Paraguay (SNT), Perú (ATV) y Ecuador (RTS), González es una figura central. Si bien R. Ángel González (poco conocido con este nombre, ya que usualmente es mencionado solo como Ángel González) es rara vez mencionado en la prensa comercial, una simple búsqueda en Google en cualquiera de los países latinoamericanos en los que opera, sería suficiente para obtener un gran caudal de información de los medios locales, de quien suelen llamar El fantasma (fuente, “América Economía”) o simplemente “El Mexicano”, debido a su nacionalidad. González fue uno de los temas mencionados en la publicación del libro de la Universidad de Texas, llamado ‘Latin Politics, Global Media’. En el tópico que trata la industria de la TV en América Central, aparece como una figura reconocida con muchas anécdotas a su nombre. La falta de interés de la prensa comercial de los medios de TV se debe fundamentalmente a que América Central tiende a ser ignorada por los medios en general, no más. Con toda la popularidad y notoriedad
(Continuación a la pàgina 16)
aaaMay_2010.indd 15 5/11/10 10:57:34 AM mencionado en un comunicado de habiendo agregado el Canal 11 y el Canal prensa de Harris (la manufacturadora de 13). Luego de Guatemala, comenzó a Centroamérica trasmisores de TV digital) declarando: Su modus operando invertir en operaciones de broadcasting tocada “Consideramos un paso natural se ha adaptado a las en Nicaragua. Ahora tiene en sus manos en la evolución de la TV abierta y tres de las nueve estaciones de TV de por un Ángel gratuita. Además de ofrecer excelentes nuevas tecnologías, Nicaragua: Posee el Canal 10, la mayoría contenidos, nuestra responsabilidad accionaria del Canal 4 y al Canal 12 con los anunciantes y la audiencia es de como estación afiliada. (Continuación de la pàgina 15) pero no cambiado garantizar la mejor calidad de cobertura Subsecuentemente, González hizo sus de la señal independientemente del que posee, González sigue siendo una completamente. movimientos en Costa Rica y ahora posee equipo de recepción. Ese es nuestro foco figura compleja, como la región que tres estaciones de TV (una, Canal 4, fue en la televisión digital de alta definición, Su consistente cobija bajo sus alas. Oficialmente, adquirida a TV Azteca). En la República y pronto, también con señales en equipos América Central comprende siete Dominicana, tiene programación afiliada móviles. La nueva capacidad móvil de la fortaleza se halla países, pero uno de ellos, Belice, es en los Canales 2 y 11. Naturalmente, no ATSC nos permitirá cumplir con ambos angloparlante. Usualmente, para la ha abandonado su país natal, y en el Sur objetivos de manera eficiente y con una en su habilidad de venta de programación de T V, el Caribe de México, posee cinco estaciones de buena relación costo/beneficio. está asociado a América Central, pero pagar a los dueños TV Previamente, dio una entrevista de los 20 países que lo componen, solo En 1986, se convirtió en el vendedor telefónica a Will Weissert de la Associated tres son hispano parlantes: La República de los contenidos a mayorista para Latinoamérica de ‘New Press que fue publicada el 9 de junio de Dominicana, Cuba y Puerto Rico. World’ bajo Jim McNamara. La abundancia 2002. En ese reportaje, fue revelado tiempo a cambio Sin embargo, Puerto Rico es parte de la del material en el catálogo permitió a que los valores netos de González eran red de señales de USA, y el lado hispano González continuar vendiendo programas a de U$D350 millones. Actualmente sus de una reducción parlante está afiliado a los nueve grandes estaciones en dificultades de Centroamérica bienes han sido estimados en U$D 2 territorios de los países Latinoamericanos. que no disponían de los recursos para mil millones de dólares sin mayores en los costos de las Por lo tanto, a los fines de este artículo, la comprar mejores shows. A cambio de los fundamentos contables (“Forbes” no lo región de países hispanos está compuesta licencias programas, en algunas estaciones, recibía incluye en la lista de los multimillonarios por: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, un bono de canje o acciones de la estación y del mundo). Sin embargo, considerando Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá y la eventualmente poder así acumular suficientes sus 21 estaciones de TV y otros intereses acciones para hacerse de la estación. República Dominicana. Esta área cuenta multimillonarios, ese valor es posible. para el aire de Canal 7, un canal que ahora con 51.4 millones de habitantes en 11 posee, entre las telenovelas del catálogo Por esa época, decidió confrontar el tema Un gran shock recibieron quienes lo grandes ciudades. que Parker le dejó para distribuir. En de la piratería de las señales de TV en conocen el 23 de octubre de 2008, cuando Guatemala, González conoció a su primera En cierto momento, en 1821, con la organizó un cocktail en Washington Centroamérica. En aquel entonces, algunas esposa, la hermana de Luis Rabbé, futuro exclusión de la República Dominicana y D.C. para anunciar el lanzamiento del estaciones de TV y virtualmente todos los ministro del gobierno de Guatemala. (Ella lo que hoy es Panamá, la región estuvo canal de TV pago Albavisión en su operadores de cable MATV se creían fuera falleció posteriormente en un accidente de organizada como un solo país, si bien satélite de tres años de antigüedad que da del radar de la industria internacional de la tránsito). por corto tiempo. Se la conoció como la servicio a Telecentro, en la plataforma de TV, y comenzaron a tomar y retransmitir República Federal de Centro América. DirecTV TV Más. Este último servicio Rabbé, luego se casó con una de señales de las networks americanas en la Sin el deseo de dar un paso diplomático fue lanzando en sociedad con Guillermo las hermanas de González. Unos años programación local, bajando las señales de “los satélites sin pagar por los derechos de en falso, es necesario mencionar en este Cañedo White, ex CFO del Grupo más tarde González inició Prolasa, una punto que los países (excluyendo a la Televisa. Telecentro es un servicio de TV compañía guatemalteca que adquiría emisión. González, que vendía programas República Dominicana) son localmente programado con materiales de los canales programas de compañías americanas y las de muchas compañías americanas, presionó referidos como América Central y de TV de Centroamérica de González y revendía a canales de TV en Centroamérica. a muchos canales de TV para que respeten Panamá. El costo de los derechos para dirigidos a una población estimada de seis A cambio de tiempo de aire, también las leyes internacionales y sean parte de la la región de una serie de 60 minutos millones de centroamericanos que viven utilizó contenidos americanos en la industria televisiva mundial como miembros en promedio está entre U$D300 para en los Estados Unidos. programación de las estaciones. En 1974 respetables. Al mismo tiempo, hacía lobby en Nicaragua hasta U$D700 para Panamá. había desarrollado una buena relación con la networks americanas (que en aquella época Otra estrategia de expansión de (Ver tabla adjunta). los estudios de USA incluyendo MCA tenían sus propias divisiones de distribución) Albavisión (además de la TV móvil) de encriptar las señales de satélite para evitar Los precios no siempre reflejan el que le traerá a González un exposición (Ahora NBC Universal). la piratería en Centroamérica. mercado publicitario de la TV o el tamaño inevitable, es su plan de coproducir 10 En 1976, fue llamado nuevamente a de hogares con T V. Por ejemplo, Panamá telenovelas en un período de cinco años México por su amiga Margarita Lopez En 1987, González se mudó a Miami tiene la menor cantidad de población de con Chroma Producciones de Perú, y Portillo, dueña de RTC y hermana del para residir allí. Su modus operando se ha los siete países, y aún así es el mercado de con su intento de desarrollar un canal de entonces Presidente José Lopez Portillo. adaptado a las nuevas tecnologías, pero no TV más grande en términos de ganancias noticias Centroamericano. Margarita le ofreció a González un cambiado completamente. Su consistente por publicidad y precios de adquisición fortaleza se halla en su habilidad de pagar González, uno de 13 hermanos, nació puesto en Imevisión (ahora TV Azteca), de programas (vea el cuadro en la página a los dueños de los contenidos a tiempo a en 1944 en el seno de una familia de clase volviéndolo de esta manera proveedor de cambio de una reducción en los costos de siguiente). Costa Rica, con un mercado de media, en Sabinas Hidalgo, un pueblo contenidos para el Canal 7 y el Canal las licencias (lo que a veces puede llegar TV más pequeño, una población mucho cercano a la industrializada ciudad mexicana 13, que en ese momento eran propiedad más chica y menor PBI que Guatemala, de Monterrey. Comenzó su carrera en del gobierno mexicano, junto con algunas hasta un 25% del valor de lista). Además, paga un 32% más por programación. la TV en 1971 vendiendo telenovelas en pocas estaciones independientes, de las el hecho de comprar para varios territorios, Volviendo al caudillo de la TV Centroamérica, que fueran producidas en muchas que había en México. Su gran golpe lo que le permite obtener mayores ahorros centroamericana, la tecnología pudo haber la Ciudad de México por Genaro Delgado llegó en 1978, cuando adquirió la miniserie a nivel de economía de escala. alentado a González a la cobertura de un Parker cuando su estación de TV en Jesús de Nazareth de Franco Zeffirelli de Con base en sus oficinas en Miami tipo de prensa ‘controlada’. Por ejemplo, Perú (Panamericana de Televisión) fue manos de Armando Nuñez Sr., de ITC, y con un pequeño equipo, González sumo énfasis fue dado al hecho en mayo nacionalizada. Las telenovelas de Parker que luego vendió al Canal 13. supervisa la programación para estaciones de 2008, cuando él creó Albavisión (en eran emitidas por el Canal 8. Cuando En 1980, regresó a Guatemala y se de TV en 10 países cubriendo todo honor a su esposa Alba Elvira Lorenzana, el Canal 8 se fusionó con Telesistema casó con Alba. Al año siguiente adquirió Latinoamérica incluyendo territorios de Guatemala) y haya aceptado a tener un para formar Televisa en 1973, Parker dejó sus dos primera estaciones de TV en como Argentina, Chile y México. Sus sitio de Internet (www.albavision.tv) con México y González se fue a Guatemala. Guatemala: Canal 3 por U$D 7 millones dos hijas son activas en Albavisión, con links a sus estaciones de TV principales. Desde allí continuó con su negocios de y el Canal 7 por U$D 3 millones (ahora Marcela González teniendo un rol más El mes siguiente él aceptó ser canje, básicamente vendiendo publicidad él controla cuatro estaciones en el país, gerencial.
16 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 16 5/10/10 10:08:18 AM June_Issue_Ads.indd 11 5/6/10 10:08:50 AM Chase, basada en policiales; Undercovers, en la que una pareja es sacada de su Los Pilotos Los remakes pueden retiro para trabajar para la CIA; Kindreds ser atractivos por de David E. Kelley, un drama que hace en USA foco en un ex abogado de patentes y haber sido exitosos sus excéntricas práticas legales; y The Cape, acerca de un antiguo policía que en el pasado, eso viste el uniforme de un superhéroe (Continuación de la pàgina 15) para poder limpiar su nombre. CBS es seguro, y hay posee una serie aún si título sobre una en los años recientes ha tenido mucho familia de oficiales de policía en Nueva impacto. menos barreras de York; Defenders, sobre dos abogados de Al momento del MIP, los “Cuatro marketing dado Las Vegas; y I Witness, acerca de un grandes y la CW” han comisionado 81 detective que deviene profesor y resuelve pilotos con una cantidad casi igual de que los shows son crímenes. ABC tiene a 187 Detroit y 42 dramas y 39 comedias. True Blue, ambas centradas en detectives “Hay un gran apetito por comedias marcas reconocidas. de homicidios; The Whole Truth, un este año,” dijo Keith Le Goy, Presidente drama legal de Jerry Bruckheimer; y Marion Edwards de Twentieth Century Fox Cuando los nuevos TV Distribution de International Distribution, de Sony una serie sin título sobre un equipo de Pictures Television (SPT), nada que shows deben tener detectives aparentemente conformado en el panorama actual de una televisión haga a la aún inestable economía solo por mujeres. Inclusive CW se metió tan competitiva. Mientras algunos buenos resultados en la acción con Nomads, acerca de americana a que la gente no deje su productores retoman el hacer remakes un grupo de jóvenes mochileros que vida real por media hora de risas. “En y rápido, esto les de series de otras épocas, otros buscan tiempos de incertidumbre es típico trabajan para la CIA. el rating exitoso de series alrededor del que los espectadores se vuelquen a la puede dar una “Siempre hay una buena cantidad de mundo. En años recientes, cadenas de comedia.” shows (policiales y de abogados), pero buen apoyo para televisión han hallado el éxito con The Pero no solo la economía es lo que este año, sin duda son la mayoría,” lleva a la gente a lado divertido de comunicar qué es el dijo Le Goy de STP, quien también Office, basada en una adorable serie de la televisión. El gigantesco suceso señaló que “hay muchos menos shows Inglaterra, y Betty la fea (Ugly Betty), una de las nuevas series de ABC Cougar show. sobre temas médicos dado el alto grado novela que originalmente salió al aire Town, The Middle y Modern Family, de desarrollo que hubo en esa área el como una telenovela colombiana. Este ha impulsado a las otras Networks a Mientras las comedias parecen reinar último año.” A pesar de ello, CW tiene año, Israel aparece como un país a tener probar y a tratar de copiar los exitosos en esta vuelta, la comunidad internacional una serie sin nombre que se focaliza en en cuenta, con un dúo de series que vienen ratings de la Network del Alfabeto. “Las estudiantes del primer año de la Escuela de la TV ha tenido mayor preferencia de la Tierra Santa promocionadas a ser los de Medicina de Harvard; CBS tiene Networks pueden no copiar de manera por temas más serios. “(Dramas) se exacta (estilo documental) la formula un serie dramática sobre un equipo de próximos hits en formatos en América. transmiten mejor,” dijo Marion Edwards, de Modern Family”, dijo Le Goy, “pero médicos de una unidad móvil; y ABC CBS está adaptando The Quinn-tuplets, Presidente de International Television, definitivamente van a tratar de replicar tiene a Off the Map, una serie sobre tres un drama acerca de quintillizos adultos Twentieth Century Fox Television el tipo de caracteres, la situaciones de médicos que trabajan en la clínica de basado en una adaptación libre de la Distribution. la vida real, los momentos que tienen una isla tropical. serie israelí Reviat Ran, mientras Fox está Ella no se decepcionará de la ecléctica emociones.” “ Mientras los shows de médicos están haciendo el remake para los espectadores gama de pilotos sobre dramas que hay en ABC es el líder con 12 comedias, out, las remakes son productos hot, de USA de Traffic Light, comedia a una oferta, incluyendo el diluvio de típicos incluyendo Mr. Sunshine perteneciente a pesar de las pobres actuaciones que shows sobre policías y abogados. Fox sola cámara que se centra en tres hombres a la SPT, con estrellas como Matthew tuvieron recientemente shows como tiene a Ride Along, la unión entre y sus romances. Perry como el gerente de un pabellón Melrose Place y la Mujer Biónica (Bionic un oficial veterano y su nuevo e deportivo absorto en sí mismo, como Woman). La CW está ofreciendo Nikita, “Siempre habrá interés en formatos que inexperto compañero; Breakout Kings, así también Freshmen, una serie emitida una versión moderna de La Femme tengan un récord reconocido y probado,” de procedimientos, que junta policías en multicámara haciendo la crónica de Nikita. CBS tiene Hawaii Five-O, una dijo Le Goy cuando fue consultado acerca con ex convictos para atrapar a los chicos tres miembros del Congreso durante actualización de la serie de los 60’s del fenómeno extranjero. “La llave de su malos; y Pleading Guilt, una serie sobre el primer año de gestión. Y a It Takes centrada en la Policía Estatal de Hawai. éxito está dada en la habilidad de tomar temas legales en la que un ex oficial de a Village, un sitcom sobre unos ‘ex’ y Y la NBC tiene a Rockford Files, basada lo que funcionó en su versión original policía es socio en una firma top de en una serie de detectives de los años sus actuales parejas que se unen para y hacerlo accesible a una audiencia Abogados de Chicago. NBC cuenta con 70. criar a un adolescente de 15 años. Fox culturalmente diferente. Esto es algo tiene nueve comedias en elaboración, “Hay cierta comodidad en el pasado que (SPT) conoce de primera mano por incluyendo la serie en multicámara y en intentar reiniciar una franquicia,” haber llevado con gran éxito los formatos Nirvana, acerca de dos hermanos indios dijo Edwards de la Twentieth Century y sus vidas románticas, y Strange Brew, Fox. “Cuando las marcas del pasado de Married… with Children, The Nanny y que gira en torno a una familia dueña son examinadas, alguna puede pegar y Everybody Loves Raymond a otros países.” de una destiladora de cerveza. NBC funcionar.” Le Goy se hizo eco: “Los ÉL continuó: “Vivimos en una era de y CBS también tienen nueve sitcoms remakes pueden ser atractivos por haber gran conciencia cultural global, es muy cada una. La cadena del ‘pavo real’ sido exitosos en el pasado, eso es seguro, bueno que las Networks americanas estén cuenta con Beach Lane, protagonizada y hay menos barreras de marketing dado buscando ideas alrededor del mundo, y que los shows son marcas reconocidas. por Matthew Broderick como un célebre que los broadcasters fuera de USA estén Cuando los nuevos shows deben tener autor contratado para dirigir el diario de interesados en adaptar series americanas.” Hampton, mientras que la Network ‘del buenos resultados y rápido, esto les puede Aunque no sepamos cuál de las series ojo’, tiene confianza en una comedia dar una buen apoyo para comunicar qué tendrá mejores perspectivas de ver la luz que hará fortuna, Mike and Molly, una es el show.” De todas maneras, agregó, risueña producción en multicámara “en el fondo, un buen show, es un buen del día hasta que las Networks no hagan producida por Check Lorre (The Big show.” sus presentaciones en mayo, una cosa es Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men) sobre En efecto, un show debe responder a clara: Jay Leno será mantenido lo más una pareja que come en exceso. Keith Le Goy de SPT las expectativas para poder tener éxito lejos posible del primetime.
18 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 18 5/10/10 10:08:41 AM May_Issue_Ads.indd 19 5/5/10 12:18:52 PM 20 años en la industria del broadcasting “compran (contenido) los derechos de alfabetización aumenta, se espera que el en India, que fuera Vicepresidente manera directa y en forma perpetua,” mercado de contenidos del extranjero en del National Geographic Channel de dado el poco incentivo para producir la India, siga creciendo a paso firme. contenido original, los canales de TV La TV India India, como así también la COO de Dado que los proveedores de contenido UTV Entertaiment, explicó que “India quedan reducidos a no ser otra cosa que buscan ingresar a este dinámico mercado, tiene un floreciente negocio en la proveedores de servicio. se sugiere una aproximación bien producción televisiva y estas productoras Para los productores internacionales planeada. crean contenidos, tratan tópicos, son interesados en ingresar al mercado, (Continuación de la pàgina 15) culturalmente relevantes y lo hacen en Master sugiere prestar mucha atención Primero, deben comenzar por un lenguaje que es comprensible para las comprender a la audiencia. ¡Y eso no canales de TV para una población tan al lenguaje. Ella vio como el National masas. Entre tanto las productoras estén es tarea fácil! En un país que alberga extensa y tan diversa tenían a la India, Geographic Channel triplicó su en el negocio de la producción para las cientos de dialectos, 28 provincias y para decirlo de una manera simple, crecimiento al introducir una señal 24/7 masas, ellos tendrán una fuerte atracción siete territorios de la unión, la tarea desfalleciente por contenidos. en Hindi, el idioma más hablado del sobre el público que es su objetivo, “dijo país. “Hay gran abundancia de canales no es simple. Pero bien vale la pena. Pero cuando finalmente el cambio ella. de entretenimiento en Hindi para elegir, En la última década, canales fueron llegó, fue de un día para el otro. En “Las películas de Hollywood pelean y los espectadores no sienten necesidad lanzados y fracasado. Shows aparecieron y 1991, la Guerra del Golfo trajo a por hacerse un lugar en la estantería y de ver canales con contenido doblado a desaparecieron. Comprender el “por qué” la India la cobertura satelital de la solo algunas muy particulares consiguen su idioma,” agregó Master. puede ayudar a clarificar el pensamiento CNN. Poco tiempo después la Satellite pasar la maraña. Avatar, es un ejemplo de qué clase de contenidos pueden Television Asian Region (Star) ubicada En contraste, la popular Sahara One reciente (de un film que bien podría funcionar. en Hong Kong, ahora parte de la News Network lanzó Firangi en 2008, canal haber funcionado en la televisión India)” Corporation, introdujo cinco canales. que transmite solo dramas y comedias Segundo, los proveedores de contenido comentó Master. Los matices sociales De acuerdo al Museo de las Broadcast internacionales dobladas al Hindi. y de servicios deben focalizarse en y culturales del cine de Hollywood son Communications de Chicago “a inicios A pesar del gran esfuerzo de realizar entender la economía del negocio. Hay completamente extraños para la cultura de 1992, cerca de medio millón de doblaje para series como por ejemplo matices en la India que hacen que los India y su aceptación está limitada a hogares en la India recibía las emisiones la telenovela en español de Telemando ingresos y la estructura de costos deba ser títulos con alto contenido gráfico o de de Star.” Esta proliferación continuó de El Cuerpo del Deseo conocida en India una aérea importante de estudio antes de acción como ser las sagas de Rambo, manera exponencial, y la India ahora como Second Chance, la popularidad ingresar al mercado. Uno debe tener una Godzilla, y Jurassic Park. de canal rápidamente decayó. “(Solo) alberga más de 500 canales para más de clara comprensión de ello. Pero los problemas no se limitan el género del infotaiment es el más mil millones de espectadores. Este rápido Tercero, las compañías deben crecimiento se expandió mucho más solamente al área de contenidos. A adaptable al idioma local especialmente definitivamente encontrar al socio allá de los canales de entretenimiento pesar del crecimiento esperado, quedan porque los aspectos visuales dominan correcto. Si están interesados en ingresar general a canales de noticias y otros desafíos técnicos por resolver antes de sobre los contenidos,” ella explicó. en sociedad con una Network India, canales de nicho como lifestyle, kids que los ejecutivos de la India saquen sus A pesar de ello, muchos canales se están entonces para aquellos que desean e infotainment. No se espera que el chequeras para comprar programas. desarrollando para captar audiencias con entrar ese mercado será una incursión crecimiento se frene a corto plazo. Viren Popli es el director de las deseo de opciones úincas. En muchas instancias, esto dio como resultado exitosa estar asociado a un jugador De 2009 a 2013, la industria de la TV iniciativas de TV Digital para la Mumbai que el contenido sea presentado en su local que tenga resultados reconocidos India proyecta un crecimiento anual del Mantra Media, el brazo del conglomerado formato original (o algo muy similar). ya que como extranjeros, para ingresar 14.5%. Distintos factores sostienen esta Indio Mahindra and Mahindra. Previo deberán superar barreras regulatorias expectativa de crecimiento continuo: a serle encargado liderar la incursión En 2008, UTV estrenó su World de Mahindra en la televisión, Popli Movies channel, responsable de traer significativas. ¿Cómo han reaccionado los locales ante esta fase agresiva en la última • La distribución digital espera fue el Vicepresidente de la división a estas audiencias films como Amelie, década? ¿Qué contenidos y jugadas de aumentar la cantidad de ingresos de entretenimiento para celulares de El Padrino y Los falsificadores. Otras expansión han hecho ellos? ¿Cuál ha por subscripciones. StarTV. Él explicó que a pesar del rápido Networks como NDTV siguieron sus crecimiento en la creación de nuevos pasos. sido el resultado? Es la Network un líder • Se espera que la base de canales, la mayoría de los espectadores También es importante remarcar que o sigue una estrategia de “yo también” subscriptores de DTH crezca de la India se encuentran es áreas rurales, (mee too). ¡Cuidado: la mayoría hace hasta cerca de 28 millones para a formatos tomados de otros países les ha y consecuentemente, imposibilitados de esto último! 2013 (de 10 millones en 2008) ido bien en la India. Desde los sitcoms ver esos contenidos. Estos espectadores comunes hasta otros géneros emergentes, Finalmente, las compañías deben • La entrada de nuevos se enfrentan a un gran desafío: Tienen hay historias exitosas. En los últimos reclutar a los talentos correctos. En competidores al mercado acceso a plataformas analógicas que cinco años, los gameshows, reality y una industria en la que el movimiento incrementará la competencia y llevan de 80 a 100 canales. Por lo búsqueda de talentos (como porcentaje de ejecutivos supera el 20%, es difícil mantendrá bajos los costos de tanto “la mayoría de los canales pagan ocupado en la programación) ha crecido de dar con un talento de alta talla. producción. para ser distribuidos en lugar de tener de triplicándose. La adaptación de Las compañías deben poner el foco en ingresos por la distribución,” dijo Popli. • Se prevé que la penetración del formatos como American Idol, Fear crear una propuesta valiosa que atraiga IPTV crezca a medida que la El canon por estar en el “paquete prime” Factor y ¿sabes más que un alumno de a los talentos del management Indio infraestructura de la Broadband de los primeros 16 canales va desde quinto grado?, sin duda han contribuido que poseen una buena comprensión del se solidifique. los U$D200.000 hasta u$d2 millones a ello. anuales. Incluso los modernos operadores mercado de los últimos siete u ocho • Se seguirá poniendo el foco en de DTH han comenzado a cobrar por el Según Popli, empresas internacionalmente años. programación regional dedicada exitosas como la ubicada en Mumbai, Sony acarreo de señales al momento en que las Con una actitud cautelosa y abierta para satisfacer necesidades de zonas urbanas se han visto atestadas por Entertainment Television, una subsidiaria una audiencia regional. pará aproximarse al mercado Indio, las la cantidad de ondas transmitidas. de Sony Pictures Entertainment y Zee TV, de propiedad India que transmite en Asia, compañías extranjeras estarán preparadas Teniendo la expectativa de crecimiento Por ello, mientras la visión de Europa y USA, obtienen ganancias de un para dar en la tecla frente a una de las que experimenta la industria de la TV crecimiento es optimista, existen algunos modelo de negocios que tiene un 70% de audiencias mas particulares del planeta. India, ¿no debería la industria de la TV problemas fundamentales, tales como la publicidad y un 30% en distribución y Dana Tilak es la Presidente y CEO de internacional esperar ver a los grandes infraestructura, que deben ser resueltos otras fuentes de ingresos. Bombay Pictures, una compañía productora compradores correr por el mundo a para poder expandir de manera total la Con un potencial de mil millones de con base en Los Ángeles, actualmente eventos de contenido como el MIP-TV? provisión de contenidos. espectadores en la India, cualquier canal produciendo Destination Imagination, un La respuesta es simplemente: Sí y no. Y ahora, vemos lo “sí”: nicho es un canal con una audiencia game show diseñado para atraer a 100.000 Comenzemos porque “no”. De todas manera, Viren Popli masiva. Dado que la clase media niños, de 30 países en una competencia por Dilshad Master, es una experta con reconoce que las estaciones de TV continúa en su crecimiento y el nivel de equipos.
20 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
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May_Issue_Ads.indd 21 5/7/10 10:06:39 AM Pilots1 22 5/12/10 12:10 PM Page 1
L.A. SCREENINGS 2 0 1 0 2010-11 Network Commissioned Pilots
* Indicates that the pilot has already been from the defendant and prosecutor until Supernatural drama about creatures who A drama about an Arizona politician picked up (as per May 12). a verdict is reached. fight evil forces. who’s been blackmailed by the mob. ABC Tr ue Blue Hellcats NBC Comedy Homicide detectives in San Francisco Action follows competitive college cheer- Comedy Awkward Situations for Men reunite to solve the murder of a former leading. Beach Lane Inspired by the Danny Wallace book, the co-worker. Nikita Matthew Broderick stars as a celebrity series focuses on a British on-air personal- Untitled Richard Hatem project An update of La Femme Nikita. author hired to run a small town news- ity who moves to America. A female detective teams up with a dis- Nomads paper in the Hamptons. Freshmen graced ex-cop to solve crimes and untan- Group of free-spirited youths backpack- Friends with Benefits A multi-camera sitcom about three first- gle a conspiracy. ing through other countries agree to per- Five friends are on the lookout for per- year members of Congress. CBS form secret missions for the CIA. fect mates but willing to settle on friends Funny in Farsi Comedy The Wyoming Project with benefits. Based on the novel by Firoozeh Dumas, Hitched Family sudser that takes place on a small it’s a memoir of the author’s childhood. A multi-camera comedy about a newly- Midwest ranch. Nathan vs. Nurture* Happy Endings wed couple, their friends and family. Untitled Amy Holden Jones A heart surgeon reunites with his birth A couple breaks up at the altar and their Livin’ On a Prayer Drama focusing on the freshman class at father and brothers many years after his friends must figure out how to maintain A multi-camera comedy about an Harvard Medical School. adoption. their friendships. unmarried couple in Pittsburgh and FOX Next How to Be A Better American their friends. Comedy Paul Reiser plays a husband, father and A father attempts to improve his family’s Mike and Molly Bob’s Burgers* friend. life. A multi-camera comedy about a couple An animated series about a family who Outsourced* It Takes a Village that overeats. runs a burger joint. A novelties company employee moves to Tw o exes and their partners come togeth- Open Books Jamie Foxx Sketch Comedy India to manage a group of customer er to raise a 15-year-old boy. Centers around a female book editor; An urban-flavor sketch comedy series. reps. Mr. Sunshine stars Laura Benanti (Eli Stone). Keep Hope Alive Perfect Couples Matthew Perry (Friends) stars as a self- Sh** My Dad Says A simple-minded 20-something man rais- Features three different couples in vari- absorbed manager of a sports arena. A multi-camera comedy based on ing a daughter. ous stages of total bliss. Southern Discomfort Halpern’s Twitter account; stars William Most Likely to Succeed* The Pink House A multi-camera comedy about a dad Shatner. Ensemble comedy that checks in with A multi-camera comedy about college whose grown kids move into his house. Team Spitz those who were dubbed “most likely to graduates who flee Los Angeles to start a Untitled Couples Project A multi-camera comedy about a high succeed” 20 years ago. life elsewhere. A multi-camera sitcom about two sisters school football coach. Nervermind Nirvana The Strip in different stages of their romantic rela- Tr ue Love Tw o Indian brothers and their very differ- A former child star owns a bar outside of tionships. A multi-camera comedy about four New ent romances. Las Vegas. Untitled Dana Gould Project. York friends; stars Minka Kelly (Friday Security This Little Piggy* A multi-camera comedy about a high Night Lights) and Ashley Austin Morris Tw o sisters head up a private security A father of two opens up his home to his school guidance counselor. (The Electric Company). team. irresponsible sister and shallow brother. Who Gets the Parents Untitled Ant Hines Project Ta x Men Three adult siblings who are grappling A British deadbeat dad moves to L.A. to IRS employees battle against frustration Untitled Adam Carolla Project with their parents’ late-in-life divorce. reunite with his teenage daughter. with their jobs. Carolla is a contractor who attempts to Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid Untitled Ta d Quill Traffic Light * rebuild his life after a divorce. A multi-camera comedy based on the A widowed father is attempting to get A single-camera comedy based on an Drama book of the same name. back on the (dating) horse. Israeli format about three men and their The Cape Wright Vs. Wrong Drama romances. A former cop who was framed decides A conservative Republican pundit is very ATF The Station to don a superhero uniform to clear his different in private. An ATF agent juggles home life while A covert CIA operative and his work bud- name. Drama trying to capture dangerous criminals. dies are embedded in South America. Chase 187 Detroit Chaos Strange Brew Follows U.S. Marshals as they track A light-hearted look at Detroit’s top A ragtag group of CIA operatives is A multi-camera comedy about a family down most-wanted criminals. homicide division. ensnared by bureaucratic snafus. that owns a small brewery. The Event* Body of Evidence Criminal Minds Spinoff Untitled Adam Goldberg A thriller about a regular Joe caught up A procedural about a female medical New iteration of CBS’ successful crime A single-camera office comedy about man in a large conspiracy. examiner who used to work as a neurosur- show. who works for a digital security firm. Kindreds geon. Defenders Untitled Carvey & Feresten Project An ex-patent lawyer and his group of Boston’s Finest Drama about two hard-charging Sin Sketch comedy series filmed on location associates come together to form an A disgraced ex-cop helps solve crimes. City attorneys. rather than on a soundstage or with a live unusual law practice. Cutthroat Hawaii Five-O audience. Law & Order: L.A.* A single mother operates an international An update of the popular ’60s drama Wilde Kingdom A Los Angeles version of the crime fran- drug cartel from Beverly Hills. about Hawaii State Police. A rich Hollywood type falls for a hippie. chise. Edgar Floats* I Witness Drama Love Bites Breakout Kings* A police psychologist becomes a bounty A detective-cum-professor uses special Comedic anthology that tracks three hunter. mind skills to solve crimes. A procedural about marshals who work loosely connected stories of love, dating Generation Y The Odds side-by-side with ex-cons to catch crimi- and marriage. A documentary-style dramedy that tracks A buddy cop show set in Las Vegas. nals. Rex Is Not Your Lawyer a group of former high school classmates The Quinn-Tuplets Code 58 over the last decade. A drama chronicling the lives of five Tw o mismatched outcasts work side by An attorney begins coaching people to Matadors adult quintuplets. side in the police department. represent themselves. Tw o long-feuding families in Chicago; Untitled Burgess & Green project Midland Rockford Files stars David Strathairn (The Bourne A family of cops in New York. A Texas-based sudser about a con man A reboot of the ’70s private eye drama. Ultimatum). Untitled Medical Project with family secrets. Prime Suspect No Ordinary Family A drama about a mobile medical team; Pleading Guilty* A redux of the BBC series of the same A family of superheroes that stars Michael stars Amy Smart (Crank). Based on the Scott Tu row book, a ragtag name that follows a female detective. Chiklis (The Shield). Untitled Redlich/Bellucci Project trio is hired by a high-powered law firm. Undercovers* Off the Map About a female NYPD detective with a Ride Along A couple is pulled out of retirement to Three doctors leave the mainland to work razor-sharp memory. An ensemble cop show that includes a vet- rejoin the CIA. at an isolated tropical clinic. CW eran cop and his newbie partner in Untitled John Eisendrath project The Whole Truth Drama Chicago. An ex-justice tries to change the law. Legal drama that provides perspective Betwixt Worthy
22 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010 May_Issue_Ads.indd 23 5/4/10 3:03:30 PM WHO's Screening 22 5/11/10 1:18 PM Page 1
L.A. SCREENINGS 2 0 1 0 Who’s Screening
20th Century Fox TV Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1708 Record TV Networks Fox Studios Fireworks International Delmar Andrade, Edson Mendes 10201 W. Pico Blvd. Diana Zakis, Melissa Wohl Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1502 Los Angeles Tel. (310) 739-5079 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1721 RHI Films Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1033 Flor Latina Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1521 AETN International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 960 Rive Gauche Television Mayra Bracer, Jeffrey McGraw, Sean Fox TeleColombia Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1725 Cohan Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1733 Rose Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1712 Frecuencia Latina International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1560 Alebrije Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1717 Shine International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 802 The Fremantle Corporation Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1912 Alfred Haber Distribution Randy Zalken, Irv Holender, Diane Snap-Marvista Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1710 Tripp, Sharon Beverly, Jessie Pirog, Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1752 American Cinema International Wayne Broun Somos Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1707 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1421 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1731 America Video Films FremantleMedia Sony Pictures Television Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1416 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1760 International Artear International Globo TV International 10202 West Washington Blvd. Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1737 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1905 Culver City Tel. (310) 244-4000 BBC Worldwide HBO Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 902 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1714 & 1716 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1722 Spiral/SevenOne International Bender Media Services ITV Studios Global Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 702 Susan Bender, Sally Treibel Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1260 Telefe International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 860 Latin Media Alejandro Parra, Michelle Wasserman, Beta Film Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1738 Jesica Stescobich, Meca Salado Pizarro Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1923 Latina Producciones Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1802 Beverly Hills Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1727 Telefilms Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1901 Lazy Town Tomas Darcyl, Ricardo Costianovsky, Caracol Television Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1424 Alfredo Andreotti, Humberto Delmas, Complete Andres Morris, Lisette Osorio, Camila Ledafilms Alejandro Carballo Reyes Pedro Felix Leda, Gabriela Lopez, Moira Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1902 list of Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1909 McNamara, Fernando Pudczak Telemundo International Picked-up CBS Studios International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 760 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1918 5555 Melrose Avenue Lionsgate Televisa Internacional Pilots, Los Angeles Tel. (323) 575-5490 Peter Iacono, Amanda Cordner, Tim Fernando Perez Gavilan, Carlos Castro, Buyers, Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1402 Stuart, Hana Zidek, Priscilla Pesci, Tori Cecilia Galeana, Oscar Belaich, Pedro CDC United Network Crotts, Heidi Willemsen Font, Silvia Garcia, Mario Castro, Studios’ Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1910 2700 Colorado Avenue, Ste 200 Claudia Silva, Cecilia Rivera Teams and Comarex /TV Azteca Santa Monica Tel. (310) 255-3880 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1915 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1922-24-26 Mel Giniger & Associates Televix Entertainment Indie Comcast International Media Group Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1715 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1907 Product Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1921 MGM Television Latin America TV Film International Dharma Films Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1002 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1660 in the Sebastian Darcyl Mondo TV Venevision International May 22 Century Plaza Hotel Maria Bonaria Fois Miguel Dvorak, Manuel Perez, Cesar Discovery Enterprises International Century Plaza Hotel Diaz, Miguel Somoza, Daniel L.A. Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1755 MTV Networks International Rodriguez, Hector Betran Screenings Disney Media Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1202 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1702 The Walt Disney Studios NBC Universal Television VIP 2000 TV Guide 500 South Buena Vista St. Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1728 Burbank Tel. (818) 460-7978 100 Universal City Plaza Vision Films/Vision Music Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1917 Universal City Tel. (818) 733-4100 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1730 Dori Media Group Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1460 Warner Bros International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1160 Novavision TV Distribution E1 Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1723 Warner Bros. Studios 1801 Century Park East Polar Star 4000 Warner Blvd. Los Angeles Tel. (310) 451-1559 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 660 Burbank Tel. (818) 954-6000 Peter Emerson, Valerie Cabrera, Power Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1915 Ben Bishop Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1928 WWE Echo Bridge Entertainment Rai Trade Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1102 Emilia Nuccio Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1732 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1706 RCN Television © 2010 VideoAge International Endemol Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1906 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1729 RCTV International Entertainment Studios Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1060
24 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010 May_Issue_Ads.indd 25 5/5/10 9:54:39 AM Indi product 5/11/10 1:34 PM Page 1
L.A. SCREENINGS 2 0 1 0 Indie Programming Guide
AETN INTERNATIONAL BENDER MEDIA SERVICES The Cartel 2 235 East 45 Street 150 Central Park South, Suite 310 Pepe Cadena is either the biggest snitch New York, NY 10017 New York, NY 10019 in the drug trade, or a brilliant criminal T: (212) 210-1400 F: (212) 907-9476 T: (212) 707-8244 F: (212)658-9948 mastermind. The drama unfolds as www.AETNinternational.com www.bendermediaservices.net Cadena gets caught up in the cartel war The Real Face of Jesus? The Market Chef and fights for survival. Capitalizing on the public display of the Massimo Capra takes viewers on a jour- Yo no te pido la luna Shroud of Turin for the first time in a ney around the world, and into the (All I Need is Love) decade, The Real Face of Jesus? blends sci- kitchens of local chefs, to create original Singer Juanita Roman, goes from playing ence and religion to unlock ancient mys- takes on regional fêtes. for change on the city bus to glamorous teries. Physics, today’s digital technolo- HTDT pop diva, with the help of rich financier gy, and a revolutionary CGI process Humpty Dumpty has been put back Alejandro. But can she survive the trans- reveal a startling, life-like composite of together, stronger then ever! Possessing formation? what Jesus looked like, from head to toe. newfound atomic superpowers, the Mariana & Scarlett Fugitive Chronicles Kingdom of Olde Story becomes a bat- Tw o sisters make their way to success in Featuring real-life tales described in tleground, as he takes on hooligans and the fashion world, but realize that on minute detail by both law enforcement thugs led by the butcher, the baker, and their way to the top, they are each others’ agents and the fugitives they tracked, the candlestick maker. worst enemies. viewers learn the stories of manhunts Dolan’s Cadillac La Bella Ceci Y El Imprudente from crime to capture. Starring Christian Slater and Wes (Pretty Ceci and Mr. Indiscreet) Pawn Stars Bentley, and based on a Stephen King The El Castillo Hotel is on the verge of Inside the doors of the only family-run story, this thriller follows gangsters as bankruptcy and the only thing that can pawn shop in Las Vegas, three genera- they aid in the human trafficking of save it is the help of a big investor. But tions of Harrison family men — grand- Chinese women into the U.S., until an role reversals and mistaken identities father, father and son — amusingly clash innocent bystander bears witnesses to block progress as the hotel struggles to while running the business together. these crimes. stay in business. 102 Minutes That Changed America The Lucky Dragon Las Muñecas de la Mafia Having mined unique and rarely heard Transformed by magic from mischievi- (The Mafia Dolls) or seen archives with a wide range of 1. AETN’s The Real face of Jesus? ous dragon into an adventurous young Sex, love, and drugs play together in the 2. Bender Media Services’ Dolan’s Cadillac non-traditional and amateur footage to boy, this “Dragon-boy” battles evil, world of gangster Braulio Bermudez, as 3. Caracol TV’s The Cartel 2 document the 9/11 World Trade Center 4. E1 Entertainment’s Shattered learns about life as a human, and falls in he takes on five young mistresses who attacks, this two-hour special tells the love with a beautiful warrior girl. soon discover just how dangerous luxury tale of the towers collapsing without a Beyond the Makeup can be. single word of narration. Take a glimpse into the world of celebri- E1 ENTERTAINMENT Nostradamus Effect ty from the perspective of the photogra- 1801 Century Park East Deconstructing doomsday prophecies, phers who spend their lives in hot pur- Los Angeles T: (310) 451-1559 with the aid of academic and scientific suit of the most wanted snapshot of the 175 Bloor Street East, North Tower experts, the infamous seer’s historic moment. Suite 1400, Toronto Canada visions are examined against modern T: (416) 646-2400 F: (416) 979-9255 disasters and biblical texts alike. Each CARACOL TELEVISION www.e1enttv.com episode explores a different prediction, Calle 103 #69B-43 Outlaw Bikers and the connections between the oracle Bogota, Colombia A look inside the dangerous world of and his ancient predecessors. 1 T: (571) 6430-430 infamous biker gang the Hells Angels, 7321 NW 75 Street and their battle for domination in Miami, FL 33166 Canada and Scandinavia. T: (305) 960-2018 F: (305) 960-2017 www.caracolinternacional.com (Continued on Page 28)
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L.A. SCREENINGS 2010
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the comeback of a lifetime. 1 The Dog Who Saved Christmas 3 When Zeus’ owners leave him alone for the holidays, he has to protect his home from a couple of bungling burglars. 1. Fireworks’ Republic of Doyle Brothers 2. Echo Bridge’s Trauma When Marine Captain Sam Cahill is pre- 3. Ledafilms’ The Great Buck Howard 5 sumed dead, his brother Tommy tries to 4. The Fremantle Corp.’s Doc West provide support to Sam’s grieving wife. 5. Mondo TV’s Puppy in my Pocket 6. Lionsgate’s Chandon Pictures But when Sam returns and is convinced they’ve been having an affair, there is lit- 2 their teen lifestyle. tle to ease the familial strains. Heartland, Season 4 The Pillars of the Earth Set against the stunning vistas of the Set against a backdrop of war, religious Rocky Mountains, family drama strife, and power struggles, this story of Heartland follows the Fleming sisters, 12th century England entwines epic bat- Indie Programming Guide Amy and Lou, through the highs and tles with a sensuous love story. lows of life on a horse ranch. (Continued from Page 26) LIONSGATE Shattered Firefight THE FREMANTLE CORP. 2700 Colorado Avenue, Suite 200 Being a homicide detective is no easy A creature of ancient legend takes on the 25 Lesmill Road, Suite 5 Santa Monica, CA 90404 feat: just ask Ben Sullivan, or one of the fight to protect the ecological balance of Toronto Ontario, Canada M3 2T3 T: (310) 255- 3700 F: (310) 255- 3880 alternate personalities with whom he the land. But will a deadly curse bring T: (416) 443-9204 F: (416) 443-8685 www.lionsgate.com shares his head. ruin to the Monsterwolf and the town? www.fremantlecorp.com Crash The Beat Swampshark (aka Jaws of the Zorro From chance encounters to dramatic An all-access view of Vancouver’s Mississippi) A corrupt dictator must be brought to interactions, L.A. is the fuel that can Downtown Eastside Squad Three and A great white shark, mutated by a chem- justice, and only one man is courageous change lives forever. the challenges they face trying to keep ical spill, wreaks havoc on Mississippi enough to do it. That man is the masked Extreme Masters of Horror…Fear Itself crime out of the community. River towns, until a local fisherman and legend, Zorro. A behind the scenes look at the twisted When Love is Not Enough: The Lois his hillbilly crew kill the beast. Bug Rangers and creative minds behind the “Masters Wilson Story Blue Murder Being micro in a big world is tough, but of Horror” franchise. The troubled love story of Lois Wilson Blue Murder chronicles the efforts of a the Bug Rangers are here to teach young Mad Men (co-founder of Al-Anon), and her alco- special team of big-city police investiga- bugs how to have fun, stay positive and Set in ’60s era New York, this provocative holic husband Bill Wilson (co-founder tors to solve high-profile, politically sen- not get stomped in this rough world. drama follows the ruthless careers and of Alcoholics Anonymous), spanning sitive cases. Look-A-Like lives of the men and women of Madison over 30 years and filled with devotion, Watch ordinary people get transformed Avenue advertising. recovery, and hope. FIREWORKS INTERNATIONAL into their celebrity doppelgangers with a The Guard little help from some VIP access to Made the Movie 225 Arizona Avenue, Suite 250 Coast Guard rescue specialists endure the Hollywood’s hottest stylists. Determined not to let her football star Santa Monica, CA 90401 dangers of the open sea, and look for Snapped meaning in their daily lives. brother Marshall have all the fun, Tuba T: (310) 576-1059 F: (310) 576-1859 Season seven of the true-crime chroni- Weeds transforms from band geek to cheer- www.contentfilm.com cles of female killers and what brought In the fifth season of this dramedy, ganja leader, with a few bumps along the road. Republic of Doyle them to the edge. goddess Nancy Botwin, moves her fami- Meet street smart investigator and Doc West ly to Ren Mar and her business south of ECHO BRIDGE romantic rogue Jake Doyle. Trouble is Terence Hills is back as Doc West. The the border. Power struggles, politics, and ENTERTAINMENT his business and business is good. true legend of the American West is part unlikely partnerships, guarantee that 8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 530 Shadow Island Mysteries loner, part gambler and all hero. things stay extra sticky. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Property manager of idyllic Shadow Chandon Pictures T: (323) 658-7900 F: (323) 658-7922 Island Resort, Claire La Foret, takes care LEDAFILMS Tom Chandon films weddings and birth- www.echobridgeentertainment.com of her guests with great efficiency, Virrey Olaguer y Feliu 2462, Piso 3 day parties, but to him any one of these Trauma whether it’s serving refreshments or solv- Capital Federal jobs could be an award winning show. Medical interns learn what it really takes ing a shocking crime… Buenos Aires, Argentina 1426 to become a surgeon, and how to juggle Wildlife Rescue Africa T: (5411) 4788-5215 MONDO TV personal weakness, professional ethics, A reality series following the intense and F: (5411) 4788-5220 Via Brenta, 11 and the needs of each individual often dangerous experiences of two of www.ledafilms.com 00198 Rome, Italy patient. Africa’s most respected wildlife experts, Whip It T: (3906) 86323293 Fortier as they risk their lives to save Africa’s A teenage girl escapes her small town F: (3906) 86209836 A clumsy psychologist from most dangerous animals. Texas boredom when she discovers her www.mondotv.it Washington DC joins the Montreal Family Biz roller-derby talent. Puppy in My Pocket SAS (Anti-Sociopathic Services), and Three latchkey kids are at their wits’ end The Great Buck Howard The pets of Pocketville join forces with helps solve crimes and neutralize tough when their corporate dad gets downsized A law school dropout works for an angry situations. and decides to work from home, ruining has-been magician, and helps him make (Continued on Page 30)
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L.A. SCREENINGS 2010
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1. Record TV’s Esther, the Queen 2. Telefe’s The Resistance 5 3. Telefilms’ A Single Man 4. Televisa’s A Woman of Steel 5. Venevision’s A Woman’s Sacrifice 4 Indie Programming Guide
(Continued from Page 28) Tony escapes a car bomb but must From Paris With Love der attempt, but now must start fresh in avenge the death of his wife and children A U.S. ambassador hooks up with an a new town with a new identity. kids in the real world, for lessons in who were trapped inside. American spy in an attempt to stop a Decades friendship and adventure. Savage terrorist attack on Paris. Reviving the last five decades of hits, and Angel’s Friends — The Secret World Naïve countryboy Juba journeys into the A Single Man bringing old stars back to the stage, this Around You city of Rio de Janeiro, to avenge his In 1962 Los Angeles, a man struggles variety show features dance, comedy, and Five angels in training follow young father’s death and find love. with his sexual identity after the untime- live musical performances. earthlings to earn their wings, and battle ly death of his lover. demons for influence on Earth. TELEFE INTERNATIONAL Red Dawn VENEVISION INTERNATIONAL Virus Attack Pavon 2444 When foreign paratroopers take over 121 Alhambra Plaza, Suite 1400 Young scientists go head to head with Buenos Aires, Argentina 1248 their city, a group of young patriots Coral Gables, FL 33134 mutant virus creatures, and try and save T: (5411) 4308-5810 form a guerilla team of warriors and T: (305) 442-3411 F: (305) 446-4743 the world. F: (5411) 4308-6848 train to liberate their town. www.venevisioninternational.com Kim www.telefeinternational.com Hungry Rabbit Jumps A Woman’s Sacrifice Follow the adventures of Kim as he dis- Secrets of Love A man becomes involved in an under- A woman who has spent 20 years griev- covers his roots and the vast and varied Diana decides to reopen her law offices ground vigilante organization to avenge ing the betrayal of her husband and the subcontinent of India. and enlists the help of Manuel, a young the death of his wife. abduction of her child, learns that they Jurassic Cubs and informal lawyer. Sparks fly and Source Code are all still very present in her life. Salvador: A Knockout Lover Five young dinosaurs search for their opposites attract as these two take on Sci-fi tale about a soldier awakening in When his boxing career is suspended, parents and travel in time with the help cases and iron out their difference. the body of the witness to a train explo- Salvador reluctantly becomes an escort of some Black Magic Meteors. The Resistance sion. and quickly takes on the role of most A group of young revolutionaries fight sought-after lover. RECORD TV against a world ruled by a corporate TELEVISA INTERNACIONAL Recipe for a Family Feud Rua de Varzea, 240 power, with the help of music and 6355 NW 36th Street Best friends no more, partners of a suc- CEP 01140-80 Barra Funda dance. Miami, FL 33166 cessful bakery learn work together once São Paulo, Brazil WAGs, Love for the Game T: (786) 265-2500 their friendship goes wrong and their T: (5511) 2184-5468 “El Chiqui” Flores has returned from www.televisainternacional.tv kids fall in love. F: (5511) 2184-5200 football success in Europe to marry his Fill Me With Love Sinner www.rederecord.com.br fiancé, but gets caught in a media scan- Orphaned and alone for most of her life, Luz Maria and Bruno seem made for Esther, the Queen dal that pins him as a killer, and a love Marianela searches for love and over- each other. But the secret she’s been keep- In Persia, 479 AD, young Esther saves triangle he could never have expected. comes the evil intentions of her Aunt ing will shatter their love and make her a the Jewish people and discovers the love 3,2,1… Let’s Win! Freda. sinner in his eyes. of a great King in the process. Contestants compete in a series of chal- A Woman of Steel Millionaire Maid The Law and the Crime lenges for the ultimate prize of a trip to Valentina’s history of betrayal and disap- Tomasa strikes it rich overnight, but A high-society woman becomes a police the South African Football World Cup. pointment have left her cold and reluc- keeps her day job as the maid for the officer to avenge the murder of her Everybody Against Juan tant to love, but Jose Miguel is up for Paredes family, realizing just how indis- father, and enters a world of drugs and A comedy about a man who struggles to the challenge of breaking down her bar- pensable she is and how far people will go governmental corruption. regain his lost fame, no matter the obsta- riers. when driven by greed. Ugly Bela cles. A Double Identity Hard-working Bela must prove that she To help her family, Andrea must create a is more than just her sloppy appearance, TELEFILMS false male identity to keep a job and while trying to make her way to the top Av. del Libertador 1068 Piso 11 keep the boss’ girlfriend from sabotaging in the superficial world of publicity. Buenos Aires, Argentina her position. Another Power T: (5411) 5032 6000 A New Beginning Chosen for death by Brazilian mobsters, www.telefilms.com.ar A successful young singer escapes a mur-
30 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010 May_Issue_Ads.indd 31 5/4/10 3:05:38 PM from the Middle East and Eastern Block countries,” she said. Toronto-based company The Fremantle Indies Make Up Corporation is likewise keeping a broad, international scope. “Even though most In Number of the attendees are from Latin America, we have a global focus,” said Fremantle director/principal Irv Holender. Holender and his associates will be at the Screenings (Continued from Cover) launching new pre-school HD animated series Bug Rangers, in addition to indies sets up camp at the hotels in the highlighting miniseries The Merchant of Century City section of Los Angeles to Flowers and primetime series The Code. impatiently await the arrival of a few Overall, Holender was optimistic about scattered buyers. the market. “The advertising business Some indie companies, such as several is picking up. The need for content Latin American distributors, actually has increased,” he said. Additionally, he succeed in attracting some buyers. noted that while the Screening are indeed In fact, for some of them, the L.A. often studio-dominated, this year they Screenings have become their major Telefe’s traditional party have fewer scripted programs on offer, market. which should give the indies a leg up. The market is problematic mainly for 75 compared to 73 actively screening in the Latins will get most of their product “There are no green lights for long form European distributors, which struggle 2009. A good number of distributors will from the studios. “It’s very difficult series yet,” he said, adding, “The need for scripted product is going to pick up in to get attention, but nevertheless are also be inviting buyers into their offices, to estimate a percentage,” she said, the next few months.” persisting in becoming part of this huge if conveniently located, such as Lionsgate, “But there is no doubt that the main organic (i.e., not organized) market called Porchlight, MGM and GK-T V. amount of product acquired by the Like Holender, Emilia Nuccio, vice the L.A. Screenings. By the way, before president of International Sales for This year, the Indies Screenings take Latin networks come from major studios VideoAge got involved with the event in Massachusetts-based Echo Bridge, enjoys place May 18-21, and some distributors and the largest independent Hollywood 1982, it was called the “May Screenings,” the Screenings’ environment. “I like the will remain on hand to take advantage of producers.” as some old-timers still call them. Over the pace of this market,” she said, “Because the opportunity to meet with buyers during years, VideoAge single-handedly managed Sally Treibel, executive vice president of it’s an opportunity to spend more time the Studio Screenings (May 20-28). to change its name to the currently, New York-based Bender Media Services, with clients and get to know their needs universally accepted “L.A. Screenings.” Since, for the indies, the Screenings will be on hand highlighting eight new and concerns better.” In addition to have become a Latin-driven event, the shows. Bender’s roster is comprised of Now in its 46th year, the L.A. promoting movies and series like Trauma aim of many sellers will be to target animation, beauty, adventure, cooking, and Fortier, Nuccio said she plans to use Screenings kicks off May 18-28 in Los buyers from the region. spoke to entertainment, music and sports shows. these Screenings to go after free TV sales. Angeles, California. Last year’s event VideoAge As for programming trends to expect “We would like to do more free TV sales, attracted 1,100 buyers, 300 fewer than several distributors to find out their plans for the Screenings, Treibal pointed to as I am sure everyone would,” she said, in 2008, due to the economic crisis for the market, which Latin territories they expect to be more aggressive this “interstitial” product (short programs that “With our disaster movie slate, I think compounded by the flu scare, which run between two movies or events), as Echo Bridge is positioned to increase that kept many executives, especially Asians, year and how much product they expect well as cooking, entertainment and family piece of Latin American business.” home. This time the buying contingent to sell. programming. However, unlike many — scattered throughout Los Angeles Argentina-based Ledafilms walks the Latin Media’s Jose Escalante will be in other companies, Treibel and her team — is expected to return to a record line between studio and indie. It acts L.A. with an eclectic mix of series from high, because of the improved financial as a sales agent for Paramount Pictures- will not be pushing hard to attract Latin Latin America and Asia. Asked if he conditions and also the increased number Dreamworks as well as for independent buyers. “For the programs we represent predicted any Latin territories to be more of pilots commissioned by the U.S. companies such as Los Angeles-based worldwide, we have seen more interest aggressive than the others, Escalante said TV networks, which is around 90, as Lucasfilm. Ledafilms’ senior vice compared to 75 in 2009. Not to be president Gabriela Lopez said that, underestimated is also the power of the although a good number of companies MYRA BRACER’S INDIE TAKE studios’ parties, which are a magnet her firm represents are focused primarily for both buyers and shoppers: this year on Latin America, her team has other ON THE L.A. SCREENINGS almost all the studios are throwing bashes goals for the Screenings. “We’re also (with the exclusion of Sony Pictures and launching a new animated production Mayra Bracer, a Latin America Content Sales executive CBS Studios). project in association with Miami-based for New York-based AETN International, summed up As far as the indies are concerned, Exim and Italy’s Mondo T V,” she said. the challenge for indie companies at L.A. Screenings. the Century Plaza Hotel will have the “It’s called BondiBand, and it will have “Independents have always been fighting for that 10 to bulk of exhibitors, followed by the worldwide distribution plus licensing and 20 percent of product that is not produced locally [in Latin Intercontinental Hotel. The studios, of merchandising.” America and other countries], and most of that slice is course, will screen on their lots. There Lopez also emphasized that although taken by the studios. So it’s always an uphill battle, and will also be a larger number of exhibitors, some sales will go to the independents, it’s been even harder as markets have tightened with the down economy,” she said. Nevertheless, AETN has high hopes for the market, where it’ll be promoting The Real Face of Jesus? — a special that uses digital technology and CGI to investigate biblical mysteries — as well a host of formats. However, looking forward, Bracer remarked that she would like to see the indies carve out more of a place for themselves at L.A. Screenings. “I am curious to see how long the independents will continue to piggy back off the studios in L.A. for this market,” she said. “In the past, buyers would allocate a number of days in L.A. to spend with us before heading into the Studio Screenings. With shrunken travel budgets, fewer buyers are coming ahead of the main screenings, so we are getting less face time.” Bracer elaborated that, with fewer buyers able to meet with companies like AETN, it may not be worthwhile, in the coming years, for indies to go to the expense and trouble of getting a suite and sending a sales team. Even though in 2009 the large indie party was scrapped, there were plenty of individual indies recreational activities, like the “Veteran Luncheon.”
(Continued on Page 34) 32 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 32 5/10/10 10:11:57 AM May_Issue_Ads.indd 33 5/4/10 3:54:11 PM however, seems to be crucial for the success of media exports. “It is of paramount importance to be represented Indies Make Up Europe Dissed in the market,” said Cifola. This is where Spanish and Italian In Number operators are lagging behind, while others, such as the BBC, have taken the initiative with results to show for it. In fact, the (Continued from Cover) “British auntie” has held an annual sales (Continued from Page 32) event to market its products to Latin he expected things to be, “More or less the are shrinking, though opportunities still America and the U.S. Hispanic market abound. After all, the Latin American for the past six years — the BBC claims same” as in years past, adding that above TV market is made up of 100 million this to be the region’s only television all, he hopes to see “great participation TV households generating approximately market hosted by a single distributor. from the Latin American networks.” U.S.$18 billion a year in revenues from In 2009, the catalog presented to the For his part, Jon Kramer, CEO of Los advertising and subscriptions combined. market was remarkable in terms of both Not all countries appear to be equally size and variety: a total of more than Angeles-based Rive Gauche, said he looks accessible to foreign companies, though. 35,000 hours of programming covering a forward to a “strong L.A. Screenings” “Countries such as Mexico, Argentina, wide range of genres from natural history Helen Jurado, vice president of Sales and where his team will have the opportunity Distribution, BBC Worldwide Latin America Brazil and Colombia are important to drama, as well as science and children’s to promote new shows like Prison Wife and markets for European products,” said shows. In particular, it included 6,000 work on expanding its formats business. Sesto Cifola, sales director for RAI hours available for digital distribution, over the Stars, the presence of locally-produced “We’re also coming to the market with Trade, the international marketing arm 575 hours of content in Spanish and 825 content is still limited — the U.S. version of Italian state broadcaster RAI. “In hours of high definition programming. of the Secret Millionaire being one of the a solid catalog and we have something addition, satellite broadcasters covering The programs sold span all genres. few exceptions. Other companies, on the for everybody,” he said. On the topic of the entire Latin American continent are “Natural history, science, and factual other hand, see locally-produced content growing in importance for us. The issue the economic crisis and its effect on the entertainment are among the most as the way forward. is that when it comes to generalist T V, market, Kramer noted that Latin America popular genres we sell in the region, competition from local productions and It was when U.S. corporations such was far less damaged by the downturn though a demand for drama as well as North American imports is strong. Latin as Disney and Sony Pictures began music and comedy has emerged as of than other countries. “Plus,” added Latin America, however, remains an important remaking U.S. shows for the local market late,” said Helen Jurado, vice president sales executive Tomas Silva, “In Latin market for us, especially when it comes to a few years ago that the move towards of Sales and Distribution for BBC cable or satellite T V,” he said. locally-produced content in Latin America we’re used to living with crises Worldwide Latin America. America began to emerge. European According to a 2010 report by media constantly, so for us it’s normal.” The corporation has been building companies soon followed the example of research specialists SNL Kagan, over a wide client base in the region. “We their American counterparts, setting up But, not everyone is willing to challenge the past two years, the Latin American offices and franchises in the region. the studios. Ken Dubow, president of pay-TV subscriber base has grown at a work with clients across Latin America, compound rate of 10.6 percent. As of the including TV Azteca (Mexico), Globo TV Leading format creator Endemol is a Los Angeles-based Opus Distribution, second quarter of 2009, the continent’s top (Brazil), Canal 12 (El Salvador), Telefuturo good example of this trend. In 2001, for example, is foregoing the event. “We (Paraguay), TBS Latin America, and HBO Endemol made forays into the leading 10 operators had a combined subscriber can’t compete with the studios at L.A. Latin America. We also have output deals Latin American markets of Argentina base of over 16 million, a number not Screenings,” he said, “Our product is not particularly impressive when compared to with Globo TV (Brazil) and Ecuavisa and Brazil, followed by Mexico the markets such as the U.K., where satellite (Ecuador),” said Jurado. The most recent following year. More recently, Endemol what buyers are there for.” Dubow added operator BSkyB alone has around 10 additions to the client list include LAPTV has continued its regional expansion that he wished the Screenings were more million subscribers. In addition, operators and TV Brazil. with the launch of domestic companies suited to smaller companies, but as they in Chile and Colombia. across Latin America command lower Interestingly, while BBC Worldwide stand now, it’s too difficult to attract buyers. average revenues per customer than their seems to be promoting strong global The formula is a relatively simple “Unfortunately I don’t have a studio to trot counterparts in the developed markets of brands such as Top Gear and Dancing with one: combining local content and Europe and North America. One thing is international formats to meet the out stars and sushi,” he quipped. not missing from Latin America, though: demand of local audiences. However, A representative from the U.K.’s potential for growth. Despite the what started as localization of foreign Power echoed Dubow’s sentiment. “The As new platforms emerge and develop productions soon turned into a rather traditional L.A. Screenings is really an event for the in the region, there is an increase in different business. demand for digital media content. Latin reluctance of market Take the often-cited example of ABC Hollywood majors,” he said. Nevertheless, America has also seen a rise in the number Studios’ Ugly Betty. What was marketed Power will be there a few days prior to the of HD channels, with broadcasters players to disclose as a North American global series, really event to meet with clients, mostly from Latin requesting more HD programming. began as Betty La Fea, a Columbian America. Pepe Echegaray, the company’s numbers, it is telenovela first aired in 1999 that was But how big is the Latin American media vice president of Sales and Distribution, cake, and how much of it is in European possible to estimate exported or repackaged for over 70 hands? Despite the traditional reluctance markets. Only then did ABC produce a Latin America plans to be on hand. version for the U.S. market and export it of market players to disclose numbers, For an up-to-date L.A. Screenings calendar, that mainland to over 130 countries. This is a clear sign it is possible to estimate that mainland visit: http://www.videoageinternational.com/ European distributors command a slice European that Latin American content is finally worth around U.S.$9 million per year. To being franchised all over the world, even screenings.html this, add the further U.S.$40 million in distributors through U.S. media behemoths. British hands. Not much when compared What’s next for European media to the $1.27 billion gulped up by U.S. command a slice exports in Latin America, then? If past studios and the $230 million taken by worth around is prologue, the market promises to U.S. independent companies. Even so, become an increasingly competitive there are opportunities for well-crafted U.S.$9 million per environment for them. European products. “In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Latin America “The market is particularly favorable year. To this, add was a much bigger market for us because for fiction product, especially short at that time there was little or no local series and TV movies, the so-called the further U.S.$40 production,” explained R AI’s Cifola. drama genre,” comments RAI Trade’s million in British To buck the trend European companies Cifola. need to take action now. The future is in The Intercontinental’s indie cocktail The issue of presence in the market, hands. their hands.
34 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010 aaaMay_2010.indd 34 “ 5/10/10 10:14:04 AM SERIE
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(Continued from Cover)
co-production possibilities. Pedro Lascuráin, director of Acquisitions at Mexico’s TV Azteca commented, “I’ll be mainly visiting the major studios and focusing on movies, series and new formats. Our Channel 7 has most of its programming based on Studio-supplied products. We show TV Azteca’s Pedro Lascurain Artear’s Walter Sequeira 10 to 12 films between 7 and 10 pm, Monday throughout Saturday. During for analyzing the new trends in series and holidays, we show movies for kids. We The L.A. Screenings other programs that will be launched by also broadcast about 10 series each year. U.S. TV networks. We expect it will be I’m interested in suspense genres for create trends which both movies and drama series, such as an interesting market, and not as boring Desperate Housewives, Bones, or Lie To Me. inevitably have as in the recent past.” Usually, we’re open to co-productions, For Julián Rodriguez Montero, but not this year, because we just closed an effect on the Acquisitions manager at Argentina’s the deal with Disney for Grey’s Anatomy. other countries’ Telefe, “The L.A. Screenings create Regarding the budget, we want to keep it the same as last year, but if there is production. It is trends which inevitably have an effect something special that’s worthwhile, on the other countries’ production. It is we’ll bid for it.” also interesting to also interesting to see the development According to Jorge Garro, assistant of content for the new distribution manager at Teletica, “Costa Rica is see the development platforms. We are interested mainly in going back to American series. Our formats, and given their investment level channel has a mixed target audience, so of content for the Fox’s Gonzalo Fiure we place them in primetime. But, we are we’ll look for a little bit of everything new distribution also interested in films and telenovelas for various programming slots. We’ll be these Screenings. After the various U.S. renewing our volume deal agreements, platforms. crises, we expect to see great programs. to cover other time slots. As far as the since we need to fill the remaining 45 A good series or a good film package volume of imports required, it is the same percent of content not covered by our can be very interesting for us and we as we had until now.” Acquisitions manager at Brazil’s local programming.” take into consideration all the channel’s Bandeirantes, said, “At the L.A. Screenings To Gonzalo Fiure, vice president of Karina Medina, director of dayparts and all audiences. We are going we expect to see a continuation of the Content Strategy at the pan-regional Fox, Acquisitions and Programming at to make an investment very similar to trends we saw at the last markets we Latin American Channels “This year, Ecuador’s Ecuavisa said, “Our goal in last year’s.” attended: MIPCOM and NATPE. The L.A. is to buy content that allows us studios are more ‘productive’ than last types of programs we are looking for are Walter Sequeira, Acquisitions manager to strengthen the channel’s leadership year, with a larger number of pilots, so feature films, one-hour series, comedies, for Argentina’s Artear (Channel 13/ and be more competitive. Ecuavisa is there is a better chance of getting more animation for children, and formats. Volver) commented, “We are primarily a family channel with a sense of social quality and relevant content that will The goal is to strengthen Bandeirantes’ interested in new movies, specials, and responsibility. We want to strengthen primetime schedule to make it more formats. The L.A. Screenings are good work well both in the U.S. and in Latin all programming slots, especially with competitive. The amount of investment America. stories that audiences can identify we expect to make in L.A. will be similar with. In particular, we are interested in I expect them to be a great Screenings to last year.” strengthening women’s, children’s and“ and we’re eager to attend. We buy adolescent’ audiences.” For Fernanda Demaria, head of programs for Fox, FX and Fox Life. We Acquisitions at Chile’s Canal 13, “The Goyo Pessoa Garcia, Research and are interested in comedy and drama, L.A. Screenings let us know, at the same time and in the same place, what all especially police shows targeting young major studios are offering. We constantly adults aged between 18 and 34 and examine the new trends that can improve between 18 and 49. The important thing our programming. We’re looking for is that the shows are well made and have family fare. Due to the country’s current the extra edge that our audiences are situation, devastated as it was by the used to. The amount of investment we’ve recent earthquake, we’re promoting feel budgeted is nearly the same as last year. good TV which is, paradoxically, one of our industry-wide current trends.” As far as formats and co-productions are concerned, if we find some at a reasonable Pablo Morales, director of Production Karina Medina of Ecuavisa and Programming at Chile’s Chilevisión price with high rating potential, we will said, “We have high expectations for Telefe’s Julián Rodriguez Montero make them or buy them.”
36 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
aaaMay_2010.indd 36 5/10/10 10:15:14 AM www.romafictionfest.it
May_Issue_Ads.indd 37 5/4/10 3:43:05 PM For some observers, it is refreshing effect on the public’s willingness to see In Washington Post’s Pearlstein’s view, to know that in a world controlled by it. “There is the real possibility that a film speculators, even big business is seeking “Shorting” movie futures is a complex that cost $100 million to produce could Kicked Out more regulations and more government operation. If a speculator shorts a cause financial losses many times that protection. Of Hollywood security, the losses could be much more amount, creating a contagion effect that In 2001, Cantor Exchange bought the than the sum initially invested. Shorting could dry up funding for the entire Hollywood Stock Exchange (HSX.com), a security on HSX, for example, players industry.” He then concluded, “The an online box-office market that uses make H$1 per share every time the truth is that no great economic or social (Continued from Cover) imaginary money (called Hollywood dollars security’s price goes down one H$. purpose is served by allowing people to or H$), with the intention of turning it into However, the player also loses H$1 per profit from assets they do not control or will potentially create a Hollywoodian a real market exchange. Some 200,000 share every time the security’s price goes hedge risks they do not have.” equivalent of the prime rate mortgage users are said to be playing with HSX. up one H$. So if an investor buys a Backers of the box-office exchanges meltdown. Similarly, Veriana Networks, a Scottsdale MovieStock at H$50 and it cashes out Arizona-based media and technology argue that reducing the financial risk of The reason major movie studios have at H$150, the investor loses an extra filmmaking through futures contracts, lost their first battle over box-office company, has also been approved by the H$100 per share on top of the original a type of derivatives, could bring more futures trading could be attributed to the CFTC to launch Media Derivatives, Inc H$50 per share invested. fact that Hollywood was slow in reacting (MDEX), a competing trading exchange. investment to Hollywood. And all this without considering other to what is considered the new “Barbarians However, the Veriana exchange is open only Hollywood producers have long hedged “options” or derivative that futures film at the Gate” (from the 1990 book about to institutional investors, while the Cantor their risks by buying insurance against exchanges would be offering, such as speculators). At first, the industry did not exchange would be open to anyone. bad weather during location filming, for “put” and “call,” which “cashes-out” after take the threat seriously. It is also possible Reportedly, in the U.S. there are about a movie’s first weekend of release. A “put” example. that Hollywood relied on the more rule- 300 movies made every year, and futures speculates that a movie will have a lower- In the case of the movie exchange, they conscious Federal Trade Commission and can be offered for between 50 and 100 said that if, for example, it costs a studio Federal Communications Commission, of the A-titles, even though speculators box-office take for its opening weekend but did not adequately monitor the laissez would be betting on — between 12 and than the strike price (i.e., the dollar amount $100 million to make a film, that studio faire commodities regulators. 16 movies, six months before the movies that a movie is estimated to make opening could use the exchange to protect its After The New York Times reported on are released. weekend). To the contrary, a “call” profits investment by shorting the same amount, if the box-office take is higher than the and if the movie loses money, they could March 10, 2010 that New York City-based In the case of HSX, a “MovieStock” is strike price. Cantor Futures Exchange was to open an cashed out (which occurs when the movie make it back on the short side. online futures market to place bets on the is “delisted”) at H$1 per each $1 million box-office revenues of Hollywood’s biggest of the movie’s domestic box-office gross releases, Washington Post columnist Steven on the first business day after its first An Expert Challenge to Film Futures Pearlstein commented, “If nothing else, the four weekends of wide release or after movie exchange is an obvious invitation to the first 12 weekends of limited release. VideoAge asked Tony Friscia, an entertainment industry trading with insider information.” Box office measurement services, like the executive and consultant who has created and maintained A former Warner Bros. financial Portland Oregon-based Rentrak Corp. or, Ultimates* at 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures and executive explained to VideoAge, “This in the case of HSX, the Los Angeles-based is an inside trading opportunity of a Exhibitor Relations, would provide movie Lorimar, to come up with various technical issues with the film lifetime.” InvestmentNews called the ticket sales data updates. According to features exchanges: movie exchange plan “bizarre.” a HSX representative, movies get listed in the exchange months before they’re 1) What if a studio is required to write down the “Net The scheme also had the Europeans Realizable Value” before the picture is released, as riled up, with the Italian daily laRepubblica actually released. The IPO price (initial publishing the alarmist headline: “Now price offering) is set up by the exchange required by the rules of the Ultimates? Will the public be Speculators Target Movies, Too.” The itself based on estimates made with a informed? If yes, the box office will be even lower than Los Angeles Times announced the new “proprietary system.” originally anticipated. What if the public is not informed? futures exchanges with the opening line: If a trader invested H$200 on a movie “Welcome to Hollywood’s newest version that is expected to gross $100 million 2) Box-Office vs. Film Rentals. Although there is a direct of risky business: movie derivatives.” The at the box-office (i.e., buys two shares), correlation between the two, studios care more about only difference, however, is that Hollywood and the film grossed $150 million, he or Film Rentals. It is the Film Rental that goes to the studio as really hates it. “The reputation and integrity she would profit H$100. This is called a revenue. Film Rentals are affected by the release pattern of our industry could be tarnished by “long” position. In addition to “buying” and the deal the studio has with the theater owners. allowing trading in movie futures contracts and “selling,” a speculator could also in a manner which allows them to be “short” the movie, meaning bet on the 3) Financing Production. Backers of the film future exchanges viewed as the economic equivalent of movie being a box-office flop. also state that this may be a means to finance production. legalized gambling on movie receipts,” said This is the problem that has Hollywood MPA A’s interim CEO, Bob Pisano. If that is the case, the entire Ultimate may be in play, and up in arms. Basically, on top of inside if the entire Ultimate is in play, will the studio maximize But it’s not only the Motion Picture trading, conflict of interest, manipulation Association of America that opposes the and endless opportunity for speculation, profits for itself or for the investor? scheme. Among those who object to the Hollywood fears “shorting,” or betting 4) Will the exchanges factor in the other windows? Since film derivatives are the Directors Guild on the movie’s failure at the box office. most theatrical releases lose money, the other windows of America, the National Association of Indeed, there is a possibility that box-office Theatre Owners, the International Alliance potential would be hurt by short-sellers. are crucial. The other windows almost always have deals of Theatrical Stage Employees and the For example, a speculator might leak an already in place. Most of the deals in the other windows Independent Film and Television Alliance early version of a film to the Internet have minimum guarantees attached to them, which (AFM’s organizers). Plus, Senator Blanche and then profit from its subsequent poor are not dependent on Lincoln, a Democrat from Arkansas, performance at the box office. As indicated introduced a bill that would outlaw the by Sony Pictures pushing back Green box-office, unless and trading of future contracts based on box- Hornet due to “negative buzz,” Hollywood until they reach certain office receipts. Lincoln is chairman of the is terrorized by the effects that “shorting” escalators. Once again, Senate Agriculture Committee, which has could do to a movie. deals are known only to jurisdiction over futures markets. Futures are often associated with studio staff. Greg Frazier, the MPA A’s executive commodities such as corn or oil. But vice president, stated, “Anyone who has while futures make sense for corn –– followed the meltdown of the financial a commodity affected by the weather, *To understand the concept of markets, knows how important it is to and oil, which is affected by disruptions “Ultimates,” please refer to a front cover ensure that the establishment of new like wars and cuts in production –– the story in VideoAge October 2009 Issue. financial marketplaces does not open success of a movie is due to emotional Tony Friscia the door to rampant speculation and rather than tangible elements. Therefore, financial irresponsibility.” shorting a movie could have a negative
38 VIDEO • AGE M AY 2010
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aaaMay_2010.indd 40 5/10/10 3:08:25 PM May_Issue_Ads.indd 41 5/4/10 3:06:27 PM My Two Cents MAIN OFFICES 216 EAST 75TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10021 TEL: (212) 288-3933 FAX: (212) 734-9033 VIDEO AGE WEBSITES: www.videoage.org he way international television business is conducted reminds me of the advice my aunt Yole www.videoagelatino.com used to give: When you go to the dentist, cry poverty otherwise he’s going to charge more. www.videoage.it Later on, I learned that the international TV distribution business is based on the P.O. BOX 25282 same principle. LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 TEL/FAX: (310) 444-3189 Throughout the world, goods and services of comparable quality have relatively similar prices. That is, apart from intellectual properties. For example, consumers can VIALE ABRUZZI 30 buy a Volkswagen Beetle or a Honda Civic anywhere in the world for about the same 20123 MILAN, ITALY Tretail cost. On the other hand, a TV network in the U.K. will pay 50 percent more than YUKARI MEDIA one in Germany for the same episode of an American series. At the same time, Germany YMI BLDG. 3-3-4, UCHIHIRANOMACHI will pay 80 percent more than Japan. CHUO-KU, OSAKA JAPAN It has nothing to do with volume (usually costs go down when quantity increases) or market TEL: (816) 4790-2222 size, since the German TV market is larger than the one in the U.K. and Japan’s is much larger EDITOR than Germany’s. Also, the U.K. buys more programs from the U.S. than Germany. DOM SERAFINI In the case of audiovisual content, the sales price in various international TV markets is ASSISTANT EDITORS not dictated by the production costs, but rather by the buyers’ ability to pay. ERIN SOMERS In business economics, this is called “price discrimination,” a term used to describe a pricing policy whereby a company KAREN RUTTNER distinguishes between different groups of customers. Each group is charged a different price for identical units of supply. The EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS policy need not reflect cost differences. It is based on a principle of “what the market will bear” economics. ENZO CHIARULLO (ITALY) In the international television distribution business, pricing is therefore a market consideration, not a cost consideration. MARINA DEL RIVERO (ARGENTINA) Pricing is based on what the market will bear for the goods or services at hand—regardless of cost. CARLOS GUROVICH LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER The “what the market will bear” economic principle states that in a free-market economy, companies discover what the BOB JENKINS (U.K.) market’s willing to put up with and what it’s AKIKO KOBAYACHI (JAPAN) not, and companies then pursue profit strategies LEVI SHAPIRO focused on what the market will put up with. DAVID SHORT (AFRICA) This is valid for both sellers and buyers. In LIANNE STEWART (CANADA) the early days of international TV distribution, MARIA ZUPPELLO (BRAZIL) when U.S. TV output was much larger than the CORPORATE AND market could absorb, prices were dictated by the CIRCULATION OFFICE buyers and, at least in Europe, were pretty stable 216 EAST 75TH STREET across the largest countries, even though to the NEW YORK, NY 10021 American seller the exchange rate would make the TEL: (212) 288-3933 U.K. licensee fee, for example, much larger than FAX: (212) 734-9033 the one from Italy or France. PUBLISHER Later on, when demand increased in areas where MONICA GORGHETTO there was advertising, sellers started to apply the BUSINESS OFFICE business theory of “fair price” by figuring out LEN FINKEL how many advertising spots broadcasters would jam into the programs they sold. They would LEGAL OFFICE then ask for half of that revenue. At that point, ROBERT ACKERMANN in order to reduce imported programming costs, STEVE SCHIFFMAN some countries even attempted to create informal WEB MANAGER buyers’ cartels, but those were short-lived. The MIKE FAIVRE I insisted he pay what the program is worth — he cut the fee in half. “fair price” approach was also short lived and the DESIGN/LAYOUT industry returned to the “what the market can CARMINE RASPAOLO bear” business model. ILLUSTRATIONS The latter model is not valid across the board. Indeed, store owners in the U.S. and other countries, are forbidden to charge BOB SHOCHET what the market will bear because of “anti-gouging” legislations. FOUNDED IN 1981 So, how are successful TV distribution companies able to leverage the “what the market will bear” economy? By constantly MEMBER OF NBCA building the customers’ perception of value. The more subtle the difference between competing products, the more often (CIRCULATION)
customers need to be reminded of the value of yours. TV trade shows and trade advertising fulfill this role. But marketing VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 0278-5013 USPS 601-230) IS is also a function of the amount of business one can handle: more advertising, more business. If a company has little to sell, PUBLISHED SEVEN TIMES A YEAR: JANUARY, MARCH/APRIL, MAY, no marketing can be fully justified. Plus, companies have to know where their products are on the scale of “innovative-to- JUNE, JULY, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER. PLUS DAILIES BY TV TRADE MEDIA, INC. SINGLE COPY U.S.$9.75. YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION commoditized.” This is done by keeping the pricing of products ahead of the curve. If products are priced as innovative U.S.$45 (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO); U.S.$60 (U.K. AND EUROPE). programs but the product is becoming commoditized (when customers perceive little or no value difference between brands or © TV TRADE MEDIA INC. 2010. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT IN THE U.S., U.K., versions), distribution companies will either need to shift pricing or the customer’s perception to maintain revenues. AND ALL COUNTRIES SIGNATORY TO THE BERNE CONVENTIO AND THE In addition, the international TV distribution business is not affected by speculators and it goes against other business trends: PAN-AMERICAN CONVENTION. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL, 216 EAST 75TH STREET, SUITE PW, NEW YORK, it grows even during economic crises. But, while the U.S. domestic syndication business is more numbers driven, internationally NY 10021, U.S.A. personal relationships have an important role: they depend mainly on the executives’ ingenuity. In that sector, the growth of PURSUANT TO THE U.S. COPYRIGHTS ACT OF 1976, THE RIGHTS OF ALL CONTENT DONE ON ASSIGNMENT FOR ALL VIDEOAGE PUBLICATIONS ARE the intellectual properties business depend on people’s intellect after all! HELD BY THE PUBLISHER OF VIDEOAGE, WHICH COMMISSIONED THEM. Dom Serafini
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