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THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF FILM, BROADCASTING, BROADBAND, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION JUNE/JULY 2008 VOL. 28 NO. 4 $9.75 In This Issue: Promax Licensing Show Q&A with Lionsgate L.A. Screenings Guide ® www.videoage.org

L.A. Screenings: Present Is There a Future for Uncertain, Future Unsure Program Syndication?

BY BOB JENKINS is: Why am I selling my content to a rival? his year, the U.S. TV network upfronts –– the New York events that s there a future for international Or, why do I need a middleman, when I precede the U.S. studios’ Screenings in Los Angeles –– began on Monday, program syndication in view of can reach viewers directly? VoD and other digital marvels? May 12 in the midst of a rainstorm. Whether it’s a sign of things to come And if content producers find they That might seem like a peculiar remains to be seen. have a smaller appetite for selling, there is question, but it is not as outlandish The fact is, though, as it might first appear. (Continued on Page 24) that this year’s Increasingly, major Tupfronts and L.A. Screenings content producers are are vastly different from I What Stops Formats From vertically integrating by previous years in that they’re owning their own channels Being Made: Money, Tech leaner and more sober than and video-on-demand sites. usual. Most of the networks in In a few years the world will ormats, it seems are everywhere. But are there New York and all of the studios have gone completely some that cannot be done? And have there been in Los Angeles eliminated their digital, and this will, to a any great ideas that were too difficult or just too traditional parties. Amazingly, much greater extent than is F much before their time? currently the case, bring the number of buyers who If it is true that money makes the world go round, Caracol’s Angelica Guerra, Pedro Davila, Monica equality between channels. made the trek out to L.A. then, for quite some time now, formats have been the Ramon and Lisette Osorio with the star of Complices, When this happens, the remained the same, about 1,200 Ruddy Rodriguez, and the star of El Cartel de los engine driving almost every broadcaster’s schedule on — although some of them cut Sapas, Manolo Cardona question bound to be asked (Continued on Page 26) (Continued on Page 30)

Telenovelas Continue Reign at DISCOP

BY ERIN SOMERS

he enduring popularity of telenovelas in Central and Eastern Europe will ensure that Latin soaps T will again be a hot commodity at this year’s DISCOP market, which has added the “East” moniker, considering that the DISCOP brand has now expanded into Africa with a market set for 2009. The DISCOP East market, which caters to the Eastern European region, will take place June 18-20 at Budapest’s Sofitel, which lies on the Pest side of the city. In its 15th year, DISCOP continues to develop as television takes Central and Eastern Europe by storm. Dubbed an “emerging market” because there is still a big divide between what is spent per capita on TV advertising in the region and what is spent in more economically developed countries, Central and Eastern Europe’s greatest advantage, is its room for growth. This year, organizers and exhibitors alike were upbeat about what the expanding conference has to offer, and the lengthening roster of participating companies. Market organizer Patrick Jucaud is confident that the 2008 convention will

(Continued on Page 27) June Cover Ads.indd 2 5/14/08 8:54:29 AM June Ads.indd 1 5/14/08 8:56:03 AM June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 2:04 PM Page 2

ONTENTSVIDEO AGE • No.4 • June/July 2008

Cover stories: 14. L.A. Screenings Guide: CGreenhousing to affect the future of international program sales: They are melting away • Buyers about Los Angeles

• 2008-2009 new U.S. TV Indies’ gratitude to studios could be short-lived. season’s series L.A. Screenings a success despite problems

• Who’s screening in L.A. Formats that cannot be made because of money, technology or the law! • Paparazzi gone wild in L.A.

The house that Sissi built: DISCOP remains the telenovelas’ kingdom

28. Q&A: Craig Cegielski reveals the secrets of Lionsgate's success

4. World: Canada, China, U.S., France, Germany, Singapore, Finland. Plus: Letters to the editor. Famous quotes

32. Promax and Licensing Show. Both suffering in New York City.

12. Book Review. The 1930s production code as code word for censorship 34. Conferences and events news. Find out where VideoAge is

36. My 2¢. Marketing and promotions executives need a break CONTINUING A TRADITION SINCE 1952

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Prime Minister in April, criticizing the companies have made it clear that they nets. CTV responded with a letter of its intend to pass them on to consumers, own in which it said that networks are rather than pay the fee themselves. Of the sick of giving their feeds to distributors C$295 million that has been proposed, for free since the distribs make large CTV and Global would get about profits from the service. In response to C$150 million. The networks have said that, the cable and satellite companies that they plan to spend the money on argued that they give the broadcasters local programming across the country. access to millions of homes, thereby boosting their ad revenue. Worried that government officials Canada Airs TV plan that could be worth C$295 million would intervene before the CRTC could CNN Sued For to the broadcast industry. But the nets adequately assess the merits of the Fees To PM Ear are facing opposition from distributors, dispute, CTV said it felt “compelled to Criticizing China who have said they would add the fees to correct several fallacies” in Shaw’s letter. consumers’ bills. fight between Canada’s cable “I encourage you and your ime Warner Inc.’s CNN and one industry and two of its national Instead of waiting for the federal government to let the process continue of its commentators, Jack Cafferty, TV networks has landed at the broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio- and allow the CRTC to complete its have been sued for $1.3 billion by country’s Prime Minister’s office, television and Telecommunications review,” wrote Paul Sparkes, vice T a Chinese citizen and a U.S. citizen A who claim they were defamed by with both sides pleading their cases Commission (CRTC), to rule, the two president of CTV globemedia Inc. directly to Stephen Harper. sides decided to go the unconventional remarks that the TV net said were aimed CTV and Global have proposed a at China’s government. Canadian TV networks CTV and route and write letters to Harper. monthly fee of 50 cents per cable and Global want to start charging cable and Calgary-based cable operator Shaw satellite subscriber. Should the fees be The lawsuit –– which asks for “$1 for satellite carriers for their signals — a Communications Inc. wrote to the approved, the cable and satellite every Chinese national CNN and Cafferty offended” –– follows comments made by Cafferty on April 9 when he said that Chinese exports were “junk” and referred to the Chinese as both “goons” and “thugs.” China’s foreign ministry immediately spoke out, saying the comments “slander” the Chinese people. Plaintiffs Li Lan Li, a retired Beijing elementary school teacher, and Lydia Leung, a Flushing, New York beautician, called the statements “defamatory, malicious, slanderous and libelous,” and have asked for damages on behalf of all Chinese. On April 16, CNN apologized for the comments, saying: “Jack was offering his strongly held opinion of the Chinese government, not the Chinese people. CNN would like to clarify that it was not Mr. Cafferty’s, nor CNN’s, intent to cause offense to the Chinese people, and would apologize to anyone who has interpreted the comments in this way.”

Power PR Firm Launches Web TV

p-and-coming media talents now have a chance to win major contracts, thanks to Edelman U Studios, a new program created by powerful New York-based public relations firm, Edelman. On April 28, the company launched a branch that connects talented amateur content creators with big-name companies looking for innovative advertising ideas. The program operates by gathering and developing Web content with commercial potential, including Web series, short films and viral videos. Hopefuls from this pool will have a chance to compete for professional contracts. Edelman Studios has signed an impressive client roster, including such heavy hitters as Burger King Corp, Butterball, Expedia and Kraft’s Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The companies involved are looking to come up with novel ways to reach their customers. Content submissions can be from any medium from video to mobile, and those selected will team up with members of Edelman’s entertainment arm to complete assignments. (Continued on Page 6)

J UNE 2008 JanMay Ads.indd Ads.indd 33 47 1/11/085/7/08 6:52:08 2:08:46 PM PM June_2008_Issue 5/15/08 3:50 PM Page 6

biggest private broadcaster, stand to gain Scandinavia and the Benelux countries. should advertising be banned from state- German B’caster The takeover was costly, and reduced the owned television. Loses Revenue firm’s profits by half. The four public channels in France are As a result of the loss, Peter Christmann, head of Sales and Marketing, financed by a mix of license fees and ermany’s largest private broadcaster, resigned. The company plans to cut costs commercial revenues. License fees have ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, which been kept at 116 euros since 2002, and by 70 million euros over the course of this runs the Sat 1 and Pro7 channels, year to compensate for declining profits. Sarkozy has made it clear that he doesn’t G reported the biggest decline in (Continued from Page 4) intend to raise them. Replacing the ad revenue in company history. In the first revenue and paying for programming to quarter of 2008, the value of the fill empty spots in the line-up will cost company’s stock plummeted 28 percent to Singapore TV Fined Sarkozy-ing approximately one billion euros. 9.75 euros and earnings dropped 25 percent. French TV The deficit will be made up by new For Gay Show taxes. Commercial broadcasters will be Analysts have attributed the fall to taxed on the surplus revenue that they fines incurred in October 2007. The n April, Singapore’s Media Corp TV n January, French president Nicolas company was penalized by Germany’s Sarkozy announced plans for what stand to generate. Taxes on broadcasters Channel 5 was fined for airing a show national cartel office for offering rebates that featured a gay couple and their some are now calling a “French BBC” will be complemented by a tax of around to advertisers to boost sales, which baby in a way that “promotes a gay by banning advertising on public one percent on ISPs and mobile providers. harmed smaller competitors. The fines I I lifestyle,” according to the city-state’s television. In fact, last summer, Sarkozy’s But with the clock ticking towards the amounted to 120 million euros media regulator. advisor even visited the U.K. to study implementation date, which Sarkozy (U.S.$188 million). The Media Development Authority the BBC. indicated as January 2009, there is Additionally, ProSiebenSat.1 recently (MDA) fined the channel 15,000 Media tycoons, including Martin uncertainty as to how any of this will acquired SBS Broadcasting, a company Singapore dollars (U.S.$10,950) after the Bouygues, owner of TF1, France’s actually be achieved. with TV and radio stations all over station aired an episode of home décor series Find and Design that featured a gay couple that wanted to turn their game room into a new nursery for their adopted child. The MDA said that the episode included scenes of the couple and their baby, as well as the host’s acknowledgement of them as a family “in a way that normalizes their gay lifestyle and unconventional family setup.” The episode violated rules of free-to-air programming which bans content seen to be promoting, justifying or glamorizing the gay lifestyle, according to the MDA. Earlier this year, the MDA fined StarHub Cable Vision, a local cable TV operator, 10,000 Singapore dollars (U.S.$7,300) for airing a commercial depicting two lesbians kissing. Under Singapore law, gay sex is “an act of gross indecency” and is punishable by a maximum of two years in prison.

Spike Lee, Nokia In Mobile Movie

okia is teaming up with U.S. director Spike Lee to create a short film made up of videos shot on N mobile phones. The film will be a collage of three five-minute videos, all pertaining to the theme “humanity.” Lee, who recently directed Inside Man and When the Levees Broke, joined the project because he was interested in collaborating with the public and experimenting with an alternate medium that might take off in the next few years. For Finland-based cell-phone manufacturer Nokia, the project is an attempt to re-brand itself as an entertainment-friendly company, much like Apple has done with the iPod and Todos Vuelos Internacionales iPhone. However, the firm has denied that its partnership with Lee is solely a Con más que 500 horas de programaciíon en más que marketing gimmick. According to Nokia 130 países y 22 idiomas...estarán sorprendidos de donde les podemos llevar. executives, the project will also serve to show the possibilities of mobile phones in producing entertainment. Critics of Nokia’s mission have pointed Visit us at the Intercontinental Hotel – Century City, Suite 1221 out that it is doubtful that films shot on Contact Information: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. phones will become a genre of their own. 1241 East Main Street Stamford, CT USA World Wrestling Entertainment® (T) +(203) 352.7098 (F) +1 (203) 353.2983 At press time, the company had not [email protected] found a carrier willing to distribute the TELEVISION | ON DEMAND | PAY-PER-VIEW | LIVE EVENTS | FILMS | MOBILE | HOME VIDEO | PUBLISHING | MUSIC | LICENSED PRODUCTS | ONLINE film to viewers on mobile phones. (Continued on Page 10) All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries.. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2008 World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

J UNE 2008 At DISCOP Suite 217

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showcasing the immense influence of December of last year, allows a firm to Britain on American cinema. Regulators to own just one paper and one TV station Anglophiles got their fill of British- in the same city in the top 20 markets so directed classics at the Los Angeles Bow to Murdoch? long as there are at least eight other County Museum of Art, the Egyptian independent sources of news and the Theater and the Aero Theater, where, s he nears the completion of a deal station is not in the top four. The stations among other films, Lawrence of Arabia, to acquire Newsday from the currently under Murdoch’s thumb are the City Lights and The Man Who Wasn’t Tribune Company, Rupert fourth- and sixth-largest in New York. There, were shown. A Murdoch seems poised to pose the The new deal comes to light at the (Continued from Page 6) Other festivities included a British first challenge to the U.S. Federal same time that Congress is taking up a comedy festival, a celebrity soccer match Communications Commission’s (FCC) measure that could restore the old hosted by David Beckham’s Galaxy recently adopted media ownership rule. ownership rule, which barred companies L.A. Welcome soccer team, and an appearance by rock Even before the Newsday deal, from owning both a newspaper and a group Duran Duran. Special “U.K. Murdoch had been in the process of TV station in the same city — unless U.K.’s Colonialists maps” highlighting Hollywood’s British seeking waivers that would allow him to granted a waiver from the FCC. enclaves and U.K.-owned shops were continue to control two newspapers Under the old rule, Murdoch managed inseltown honored its British distributed to tourists. (The New York Post and The Wall Street to control two local TV stations through population during the last week of The event organizers hoped the festival Journal) and two TV stations (WNYW one permanent and one temporary April, with its annual Brit Week served as a reminder of the importance of and WWOR) in New York. While those waiver. The renewal of both stations’ T celebration. For the second year in British creatives in the American requests are still pending at the FCC, the licenses has been under review since 2006 a row, the festival paid tribute to the entertainment industry. British producers Newsday deal would mean that Murdoch and has oft been challenged by groups contributions of Hollywood transplants and directors have an impressive history in would now have to apply for a waiver to who oppose the consolidation of media. own two stations and three papers — all from the U.K. Sponsored mainly by American TV, with recent credits spanning Murdoch’s News Corp has already in the same market. U.K.-based Virgin Megastores, the event such hits as Survivor, The Apprentice, joined a host of broadcasters and featured screenings of a variety of films Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. The new rule, which was passed in newspaper companies in a lawsuit that challenges the ownership restrictions as a violation of their First Amendment rights. Industry lobbyists have said that Murdoch would most likely say that his THE STORM RAGES ON ownership of multiple papers and TV stations would pose no problem in New York since it’s the most diverse media market in the world. But critics say that should News Corp be permitted to control two stations and three newspapers in the same market, it would render the rule meaningless.

Letters to the Editor

I enjoyed your article “Arrested Development” at MIP-TV. Excellent reading! Andrew Berman TMS Entertainment, Encino, CA

I’ve been hoping to run into something similar to your magazine for years; detailed and professionally written and focusing on the business of film. I don’t get that in Video Business. I feel like I’m reading press releases, which I sort of am. I love the video market and have written about it a bit in the past. I’m currently writing a book on the direct- to-video industry during the video age, and I’m sure those back issues you have up are going to be a huge help. Greg Conley YourVideoStoreShelf.com, Medford, N.J.

Famous Quotes

“The only place where success comes before work is in a dictionary.” Vidal Sassoon

“TV has brought murder back into the home where it belongs.” Alfred Hitchcock GmbH. Programmvertrieb member of german united distributors is a corporate Media Television Bavaria MEET US AT DISCOP J UNE 2008 SUITE NO. 326 www.bavaria-media.tv VISIT US AT DISCOP • MEZZANINE, BOX 13 Contact: [email protected] • T:212-485-8500 F:212-485-8511

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with the agency’s “suggestions” were fined $25,000, the equivalent of approximately $300,00 in today’s money. Book Review Breen’s censorship was ruled by four key principles: the sacredness of the bonds of matrimony, the suppression of “things of the flesh,” the veneration of women, and the respect for authority. The PCA staff considered these standards to be sacrosanct, and the code was constructed Hollywood Drama Behind to enforce them as strictly as possible. The most amusing portions of the book outline some of the code’s more ridiculous regulations. In addition to the obvious The 1930s Production Code rules governing sex and profanity, all foreign words had to be translated into English, babies in diapers were classified as “bathroom humor” and forbidden, and oday, the Production Code even showing a cow being milked was that policed morality deemed too provocative for impressionable in motion pictures from audiences. 1930 to 1968 looks like plain old censorship. By Needless to say, Breen was a thorn in the modern standards, the rules side of the lion’s share of Hollywood writers, governing suggestive content, directors, and producers. Getting script Tcontroversial subject matter and vulgar approval from the PCA was an arduous language in American cinema appear process that often spanned many months. stuffy and prudish, not to mention One anecdote recalls legendary director unconstitutional. Will H. Hays, the head Alfred Hitchcock’s first run-in with Breen, of the Motion Picture Producers and during the pre-production of the film Distributors of America (MPPDA) –– Rebecca. Any movie involving a murder was the precursor to the current Motion always judged a “tough nut to crack” by the Picture Association of America –– agency, and commanded extra attention. during Hollywood’s golden age, has long Thus, the approval process of Rebecca taken the rap as the villain behind the limped along at an infuriating snail’s pace. code. But outside of film history buffs When asked to comment on his battle with and those who have researched industry the censors, a jovial Hitch responded, arcana, few realize that Hays was actually “Breen wants Rebecca to die of cancer, and I just a figurehead, more concerned with want her to be shot with a gun.” New Deal era politics than the minutiae of big screen regulation. Hitchcock’s attitude was not the norm, however. Filmmakers chafed under In Hollywood’s Censor (2007, Breen’s regulatory hand. Yet despite Columbia University Press, 427 pages, grumbling from producers, the U.S. $29.50), author Thomas Doherty Production Code did give the box office a debunks the popular misconception that much-needed jolt. Churchgoers returned Hays was Tinseltown’s watchdog, to the movies and stern Chicago opened revealing that the real man behind the its movie house doors to anything with its curtain was irrepressible Irish-American Joseph I. Breen. Although he is all but golden boy’s stamp of approval. forgotten to history, Breen exercised vast Doherty catalogues the upside of the control over the motion picture industry, Production Code with enthusiasm. It with an influence in standardizing world saved films from the over-critical eye of thinking that was likened to “Mussolini, local censors and boosted ticket sales. Hitler, or Stalin” by Liberty magazine, a Additionally, the Code provided trade rag of the day. For better or worse, filmmakers with a set of regulations under it was Breen and his staunchly which they could better hone their art. conservative tastes that scrubbed the enclaves like Catholic-heavy Chicago Breen, a former journalist, public The Code called for an increased subtlety relations man and bureaucrat, had made silver screen of sex and blasphemy. and Baptist-laden Atlanta were having a in screenwriting that is all but unheard of field day banning movies. a name for himself as one of Chicago’s The Production Code was instituted today. Gone is the subversive sexual With box office numbers at a low, the prominent Catholics. During the 20s for a variety of reasons. By the early 30s, and 30s, Chicago was, paradoxically, a tension that lies just below the scrubbed talkies had revolutionized the industry entertainment industry was discovering surface of a Code-approved Billy Wilder or that it was not immune to the gangster haven and Catholic hub. Due and were pushing the boundaries of to its booming population, the city’s Frank Capra film. The sheer inventiveness what was deemed acceptable in the Depression. By the time Breen arrived in of the films that were forced to disguise Los Angeles in 1934, the religious censorship board actually wielded a good media. Doherty, who often takes the side deal of power over Hollywood. If a film sexuality, bawdy humor and violence of the censors, describes the period of zealots, Hollywood producers and the appears masterful alongside today’s Roosevelt administration were all, for was banned in Chicago, chances were it relative screen freedom preceding the would not be a box office hit. Being a outright scatological box office hits. Code as a time when “trigger-happy once, in agreement: the system needed a major overhaul. squeaky-clean Chicago bigwig with an Still, Doherty’s insistence that the PCA gangsters, wisecracking dames, and understanding of PR and the way the subversive rebels, male and female, ran Will Hays, a former post-master general was an ingenious system of “self- film industry operated, Breen was the regulation,” rather than censorship, or even wild through the lawless territory of under the Harding administration, had ideal man to head the PCA. American cinema.” Sound had opened attempted to institute a method of propaganda, comes off as suspect. Joseph the floodgates to the possibilities of industry self-regulation in 1930 through When Breen took the helm at the Breen may have been a good guy who was spoken vulgarities and a whole new level the MPPDA, but his attempts were PCA, Hollywood got the renovation just doing his job, and Hollywood may of innuendo. Women’s Societies and impotent, due to a lack of government conservatives were looking for. Breen have even benefited from the PCA in the Temperance Unions, as well as Catholic backing and industry clout. It wasn’t until and his staff “vetted storylines, blue- short run. But Breen and his ultra- and Protestant organizations were the government interceded in an attempt penciled dialogue, and exercised final cut conservative cronies were still responsible scandalized by the new raciness of the to revive dwindling audiences, that the over hundreds of motion pictures a for enforcing a system of draconian and old- movies, and they weren’t afraid to lead Production Code Administration (PCA) year.” The PCA had government fashioned regulations that crippled artistic boycotts. Censor boards in religious was created. backing, and those who did not comply expression in America for decades. ES

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L.A. SCREENINGS 2008

KEY ACQUISITION EXECUTIVES

ARGENTINA Skibo: Jim Reid, Paul Sweeney Canal J: Julia Tenret GREECE Artear: Walter Sequeira, Bernardette Del Sun TV: Don Gaudet, Jim Nelles Double V: Vincent Desforges, Valerie Alpha: Bokolis Panagiotis Mas Superchannel: Malcolm Knox, Dandy Peschels Alter: Costas Giannikos, Alexandra Playboy: Ariel Taboada Perkins France2: Cecile Negrier, Helene Goujet Theodoris Telefe: Claudio Villaruel, Bernarda TeleAstral: Dominique Bazay, Judith France3: Caroline Got Antenna: Lindy Isherwood, Athina Llorente, Julian Rodriguez Montero Brosseau, Di-Ann Laurier, Jacques Mathieu, France4: Frederic Prallet-Dujols Kyriakou, John Latsios, George Levendis AUSTRALIA Josee Mignault, Elaine Mourez, Pierre Roy M6: Bernard Majani, Remi Jiminez, JTTV: John Triantafyllis Foxtel: Stephen Baldwin, Jamie Campbell, TLN: Aldo DiFelice Berangere Terouanne Mega: Nassos Katakouzinos, Dennis Deb Darby, Duane Hatherly, Brian Walsh, TVA: Maxine Bissonette, Sylvie Gaudreault, MCM: Olivier Richard, Cecile Mercier Kinigos Penny Win Claire Syril Monteleone, Sylvie Tremblay NBC Uni: Laurent Dumeau, Pauline Skai: Dimitris Koliodimos, Elpida Kallinteri Seven: Tim Worner, John Stephens, Angus Vision: Beverley Shenken Dauvin, Francois Roux Star: Gina Dimitriadi, Eleni Paschalidou Ross, Zane Bair CHILE NRJ12: Gerald Brice Viret, Olivier GUATEMALA Showtime: Tony Pollitt, Peter Rose, Glen Chilevision: Jaime de Aguirre, Pablo Fernandez, Julien Figue Latitud TV: Alejandro Botran, Pamela Kinging Morales, Sebastian Pinera Telecom: Mark Cutten, Bernard Tani Urrutia, Maria Botran Ten: David Mott, Beverley McGarvey, Peter Megavision: Alfredo Escobar, Francisco TF1: Mara Sorbera, Andre Beraud, HONDURAS Andrews Henriquez, Baltazar Sanchez Elisabeth Durand, Remi Jacquelin, Canal 11: Cinthia Nehring, Gabriela TV1: Justin Arnall, Selena Crowley, Peter TVN: Vicente Sabatini, Eduardo Tironi Capucine Lallemand, Sophie Levaux Rodriguez, Cesar Rosenthal, Erika Seevers Hudson, Danielle Rowland Univ Catholica: Maea Garcia, Carmen TF6: Vincent Broussard, Thomas Crosson, Televicentro: Anamaria Kafati, Rosina AUSTRIA Gloria Lopez, Paulo Ramirez Christine Hodanger Pastor, Rafael Villeda ORF: Andrea Bogad-Radatz, Alexander VRT: Ana Maria Nuñez Toledo GERMANY HONG KONG Wrabetz, Wolfgang Hoefer, Elisabeth CHINA ATV: Martin Gastinger, Roman Rinner Promo: Lanny Albina Huang, Ko Ping Mayerhoffer, Werner Taibon Shanghai Media: Chen Lei, Sun Wei, AXN: Ute Reichel, Robert Niemann Yeung BELGIUM Wang Yan, Jimmy Zhang Beta: Christian Gockel, Patrick Keller, Star: Donovan Castillo, Todd Lituchy Comedy: Evert van der Veer, Maurice COLOMBIA Nataly Kudiabor, Peter Norrenbert, Stefan TV Broadcast: Cecilia Tan, Nancy Lai Hols, Victor Coolman (MTV) Caracol: Camilo Acuna Raiser, Claudia Sihler-Rosei, Eric Welbers HUNGARY: NBC Uni: Jon Farrar, Martin Heaton City: Olga Navarro, Lorencita Santamaria Degeto: Kristina Dubin, Hans-Wolfgang AXN: Katalin Joboru, Marietta Temesvari Cooper Provideo: Luis Stipanovic, Andres Jurgan, Thomas Weymar, Jana Brandt, HBO: Judit Minda RTBF: Valerie Lardinois, Emmanuel Tourpe Marulanda Botero Barbara Dusek, Marc Gabizon, Angela MTV: Attila Lengyel RTL-TVI: Stephane Rosenblatt, Erwin RCN: Ricardo Cruz, Carolina Angarita Gilbert, Claudia Grassel, Benny Kiser, RTL Klub: Dirk Gerkens, Peter Kolosi, Tibor Lapraille, Patrick Vandenbosch, Maria Pia Recall: Juan Jorge Jaeckel Whitney Oliver, Conrad Schoeffter, Corinna Forizs, Tamas Rakosi Defourny Zebracom: Amanda Garay Sarasti Scholz, Oliver Schuendler, Gunter Struve, TV2: Zoltan Vardy, Bence Gyongyossy SBS: Esther van den Brink COSTA RICA Philippe Van Doornick, Hubert von Spreti, ICELAND Skynet: Ingrid De Coninck, Didier Lupfer, Teletica: Rene Picado, Sr., Rene Picado, Jr., Rosemarie Wintgen, Jessica Young, Doris 365: Palmi Gudmundsson, Skarphedinn Ramzi Malouki Zaida Jimenez, Mario Gonzalez, Luis Castro Zander Gudmundsson Telenet: Piero Cavaliere, Paty Colemont, CROATIA DMax: Michael Grubinger, Katja Hofem- RUV: Erna Kettler, Gudmundur Ingi Anouk Mertens Nova: Nina Mikola, Drazan Mavric, Zranka Best Kristjansson VMMA: Luc Janssens, Nico Nulens Jankoev Grundy-UFA: Rainer Wemcken INDIA VRT: Hilde Debackere, Jean-Luc Sterckx RTL: Christoph Mainusch, Eckard Stressig ITTC: Katie Caprio, Klaus Hallig, Cornelia Entv: Ajay Trigunayat BOLIVIA CYPRUS Liebig-Marciniak Inx: Richard Platt, Indrani Mukerajea ATB: Daniel Cruz, Jose Luis Penaranda, Lumiere: George Xinaris Kabel1: Guido Bolten, Karin Bombe Zee: Deblina Chakravarti Carlos Villazon CZECH REPUBLIC Kinowelt: Achim Apell INDONESIA ECOR: Ernesto Monasterio, Carlos Novaro, Czech TV: Alena Blahosova-Polednakova, MTV: Catherine Muehlemann, Stephan Indosiar: Triandy Suyatman Alberto Wichtendal Michael Malek Schwarzer, Elmar Giglinger (Comedy), LPP: Yon Anwar, Antar Merau Sianturi Red Uno: Jessica Kuljis, Julio Romero Prima: Hannes Nothegger Karin Schrader (Comedy) RCTI: Nana Putra BRAZIL DENMARK NBC Uni: Roger Schneider SCTV: Soemijato Muin, Vita Intan Bandeirantes: Goyo Garcia DR: Steen Salomonsen, Kaare Schmidt Plus TV: Dominik Kaiser, Torsten Prenter IRELAND Globo TV: Roberto Buzzoni, Suzy Ubing SBS: Tina Moreton Polyphon: Hubertus Meyer-Burckhardt Channel 6: Michael Murphy Globosat: Claudia Macedo, Wilson Cuhna TV2: Anette Romer, Feline Munck Premiere: Hans Seger, Rainer Ingber, RTE: Dermot Horan, Brian Walsh, Andrew NBC Uni: Paulo Barata, Andre Audler TV3: Peter Slot Martin Calsow, Sebastian Lau Fitzpatrick Record: Paulo Calil, Honorilton Costa, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ProSieben: Andreas Bartl, Thilo Proff, TG4: Deirbhile Ni Churraighin, Lis Ni Tereza Franco, Rosana Oliveira, Manoel Colmed: Nicolas Rodriguez, Jordan Juergen Hoerner Dhalaigh Silva Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez ProSiebenSat1: Guillaume De Posch, Jan TV3: Ben Frow, Catherine Mackin, David Rede TV: Marcelo Carvalho, Luciana ECUADOR Frouman, Ruediger Boess, Thomas Lasarzik, McRedmond Gimenez, Monica Pimentel Gamavision: Iti Donoso, Nicolas Vega Claudia Ruehl ISRAEL SBT: Nelson Akira Sato EL SALVADOR RTL: Kaspar Pflueger, Holger Andersen, DBS: Ron Eilon, Yona Wiesenthal, Danna Teleamazonas: Maria Eulalia Eguiguren, Canal 2: Juan Carlos Eserski, Salvador Klaus Henning, Manuela Huhn, Dirk Stern Margarita Davalos Gadala Schweitzer, Christoph Mainusch, Eckhard Hot: Karni Ziv, Simone Hesselberg BRUNEI Canal 12: Raimundo Alonso, Pedro Stressig Keshet: Avi Nir, Muli Segev RTB: Haji Hamiddon Bin, Haji Ibrahim, Haji Cabanas RTL2: Jochen Starke, Axel Kuehn, Minea Orange: Shay Gissin, Erez Paz, Yael Scop Mohd Isa Dzulkifli ESTONIA Bauer, Claudia Schorr ITALY CANADA Kanal 2: Olle Mirme Sat1: Matthias Alberti, Frank Schnelle All Music: Giovanni Brasca, Elisa Corus: Joanna Webb, Ted Ellis FINLAND SuperRTL: Claude Schmidt, Carsten Ambanelli, Antonio Visca CTV: Ivan Fecan, Susanne Boyce, John Ch 4: Pirjo Airaksinen, Tiina Karo, Goettel, Frank Dietz AXN: Susanna Vitelli, Andrea Paoletti Gossling, Ed Robinson, Mike Cosentino, Karoliina Kytomaa, Elina Pentinsaari TeleMuenchen: Carlos Hertel, Herbert Babelgum: Gabriella Ballabio Brian McCluskey, Tracey Pearce MTV3: Jani Hartikainen, Marko Karvo, Kloiber, Bernd Schloetterer Comedy: Eve Navarro Global: Leonard Asper, Errol Da-Re, Kathy Liisa Stenberg, Jorma Sairanen Turner: Anke Greifeneder, Hannes Fox: Paola Acquaviva, Laura Carafoli, Gardner, Andrew Janik, Walter Levitt, Phil YLE: Tarmo Kivikallio, Johanna Salmela Heyelmann Maria Laura Mozzetti, Fabrizio Salini, Piazza, Arthur Reinstein, Michael Serafini, FRANCE UFA: Thomas-Peter Friedl (Cinema), Joerg Agata Spatola, Mauro Torrente, Diego Christine Shipton, Peter Viner, Barbara AB: Fabrice Bailly, Nathalie Biancolli, Winger Londono Williams, Cathy Young Xavier Gandon, Richard Maroko Universum: Anja Pallasch Jimmy: Antonella Attenni, Giusto Toni Highway: Adam Ivers, Michael ARTE: Nicholas Deschamps Vox: Ladya Van Eeden La 7: Alfredo Moroni, Gianluca Foschi, McLaughlin, Sherry O’Neil BETV: Christian Loiseau, Alexandrine Duez ZDF: Thomas Bellut, Norbert Himmler, Alberto Rossini NTV: Jesse Stirling, Judith Stirling, Scott Canal+: Sandra Ouaiss, Franck Legrand, Klaus Bassiner, Hans Juergen Steimer, NBC Uni: Luca Cadura, Giorgina di Santo Stirling Rene Saal, Laurence Blaevoet, Catherine Alexander Coridass, Susanne Mueller, RAI: Giorgio Buscaglia, Patrizia Cardelli, Rogers: Hayden Mindell, Dawn Morden, Comte (Jimmy), Diane Reunald, François Reinhold Elschot, Jutta Lieck-Klenke, Leslie Sole, Alain Strati, Tony Viner Mergier Daniel Fiedler (Continued on Page 16)

J UNE 2008 VIDEO • AGE 15 aaaBuyers 15 16 5/14/08 9:29 AM Page 2

L.A. SCREENINGS 2008 ACQUISITION EXECUTIVES

(Continued from Page 15) Adriano Coni, Guido Corso, Paolo Del Brocco, Rick Friesen, Andrew Szusterman, Brent AXN: Yan Jong Wong UKRAINE Francesco Di Pace, Erika Esposito, Cesare Impey MediaCorp: Chang Long Jong, Kenneth Liang, ICTV: Elena Belik-Sakhatskaya, Viacheslav Genolini, Vincenza Gentile, Luca Macciocca, TVNZ: Rick Ellis, John Kelly, Jeff Latch, Andrew Joy Olby-Tan Ostapenko Bianca Maria Pontillo, Guido Pugnetti, Donatella Shaw, James Wilson Singapore Comm: Selena Ho, Katheryn Lim Inter: Alexander Bilkun, Sergiy Demyanchuk Saroli, Angelo Teodoli, Cristina Villoresi NICARAGUA SLOVAKIA Kanal Ukraina: Iryna Kurchakova, Maryna RTI: Guido Barbieri, Francesco Mozzetti, Zelda Televicentro: Octavio Sacasa, Marta Sacasa, Joj: Zuzana Aichova, Eva Dzurovcinova, Erika Myrgorodska Stewart, Sonia Danieli, Lucia Del Prete, Imma Alejandro Sacasa Tothova New Channel: Olexander Bohutskyy, Victoria Petrosino, Maurizio Colombo, Aldo Romersa, NORWAY STV: Alica Cincarova Levchenko, Iryna Lysenko, Olga Zadorozhna Marco Costa, Piercarlo Guglielmi, Paolo NRK: Fredrik Luihn, Trine Fossan, Elisabeth Mjoes SLOVENIA TET TV: Iryna Chernyak, Maria Pinchuk, Grygory Paggetta, Carlo Panzeri TV2: Nils Ketil Andresen, John Ranelagh, Anette Pop TV: Tomaz Krzicnik, Gorazd Slak Tychnya Sky: Luisa Borella, Stefano Orsucci, Kathryn Fink With, Dennis de Alme Visscher, Pat Quinn, SOUTH AFRICA U.K. JAPAN Marianne Boge MNET: Jan Du Plessis, Pauline Cunningham, AXN: Tom Davidson, Ross Hair AXN: Masato Ito, Satoko Minagawa, Hiroko TV3: Trygve Ronningen Helen Smit BBC: George McGhee, Sue Deeks, Jana Bennett, Ozawa TV Norge: Nina Lorgen Flemmen, Bente SPAIN Jane Trantor, Danny Cohen, George Dixo, Angie Broadmedia: Ai Morizane, Naoki Nakamura, Engebretsen Antena 3: Mercedes Gamero, Mikel Lejarza Stephenson, Paul Telegdy Yoshihiro Seki, Shu Watanabe, Akiko Yoshikawa PANAMA AXN: Carlos Herran, Natalia Lorenzo BSkyB: Sophie Turner-Laing, Richard Woolfe, Cente: Sonoko Fuji, Taka Ito, Manabu Kameya, Medcom: Yolanda Eleta, Maria Helena Paniza, Canal Sur: Lidia Lorente David Smyth, Rebecca Segal, Jason Jacob Shizuka Koike Lorena Sanchez, Michelle Simons, Magali Urrutia Cosmopolitan: Laura Abril, David Nunez BT: Kate Dean, Ian Moss Dentsu: Daisuke Fukuoka Televideo: Analida Lopez, Ignacio Barrera ETB: Jesus Higuera, Jose Luis Blanco Channel Four: Jeff Ford, Kevin Lygo, Crispin Hanaro: Stephen Kim, Sangsu Park TV Nacional: Armando Guerra, Laura Lan, Fox: Pilar Jimenez, Gonzalo Moura, Jesus Leuser Jupiter: Yuko Hirota, Hiroyuki Nakatani Sandra Motta, Luis Mouynes, Analisa Ortega Perezagua, Pablo Vinuales Comedy: Jill Offman, Matt Tombs, Sarah Medianet: Fuminori Isono PERU FRM: Adolfo Fernandez Martinez Mahoney Mico: Chie Muto America TV: Luis Guillermo Camacho, Kimberly IB3: Olga Vizcaino Five: Hannah Barnes, Vanessa Brookman, Katie NHK: Yukihiro Shibata, Kiyoshi Umibe Jurgensen, Eric Jurgensen La Mancha: Carmen Summers Keenan Nikkatsu: Yusuke Kurokawa Frecuencia: Alberto Cabello, Cecilia Gomez, La Sexta: Sergio Ramos, Andres Varela, Luis Fox: Jason Thorp, Jason Simms, Toby Etheridge, NTV: Koji Kashiwagi, Hajime Takeuchi Baruch Ivcher, Ricardo Tokuda Fernambuco Emma Mason Super: Tatsuo Suzuki, Kiyoshi Tokumaru PHILIPPINES NBC Uni: Carolina Godayol, Rocio Centurion ITV: Jay Kandola, Jonathan Vandermeer, Zai Toei: Hideyuki Baba, Masayoshi Endo, Masahiro ABS-CBN: Leonardo Katigbak, Evelyn Raymundo, Sogecable: Ignacio Campo, Alejandro Florez, Bennett, Emma Tennant, Dave Fewings Kimura, Taro Minami, Natsuko Morita, Yusei Robert Labayen, Richard Reynante, Carlos Mori Fernando Jerez, Silvia Lama, Angel Lopez, Miguel MTV: Heather Jones, David Booth, Louise Nagamastsu, Yumiko Sato Rodriguez, Maria Cecilia Imperial, Ronald Salvat, Elena Sanchez Benham, Philip Sissons (EMEA), TFC: Ryuji Hayashi, Masato Kashiwagi, Kyoko Arguelles, Jose Ramon Olives Telecinco: Ghislain Barrois, Alberto Carullo, NBC Uni: Roma Khanna, Mark Lawrence, Greg Kato, Keiichi Kosaka, Hiromichi Sato, Kazuki CPI: Macie Imperial, Monchet Olives Gemma Cuadripanis, Patricia Marco Matson, Colin McLeod Tokunaga GMA: Roxanne Barcelona, Manuel Quiogue, Joel Telefonica: Lali Bachs, Alberto Ennis, Vicente Nickelodeon: Jules Borkent, Debbie Macdonald, Wowow: Aya Kawaguchi, Keiko Nakazono, Jimenez, Vicky Pacis, Marivin Arayata, Lilybeth Munoz, Alfonso Pajuelo, Pedro Rolla Howard Litton Tetsuya Nasuno Rasonable, Gigi Santiago-Lara Telemadrid: Yolanda Ausin, Sandra Gayarre Programs4Media: Nicole Schlagman, Michael YTV: Takeshi Kita NBN: Rosario Alberto, Maria Gatan Teuve: Fernando Riera, Daniel Perez, Adria Schlagman, Michael Stolerman KOREA RMN: Eric Canoy, Manolito Cruz, Roger Oriel Mones Tiscali: Jonathan Sykes, Hugh Williams Asia TV: May Leung, KK Leung Solar: Cora Adorador, Neenu Khemlani, Peter Turner: Domingo Corral, Guillermo Farre, Rafael U.K. TV: Sarah Wright, Christian Drobnyk, Steve CJ Media: Shang Hwi Ahn, Chul Yeon Kim, Won Chan Liong, Tess Pascual, Edel Pepito, Gidget Portela North Pil Shim, Ae Sohn Policarpio, Ronald Tieng TV Aragon: Jaime Fontan, Elisabeth Lopez Viasat: Alexander Holland, Jakob Mejihede, Dramanet: Tae-Hui Kim, Gyeong-Min Moon, In- POLAND TV Asturias: Arturo Somoano Camilla Hammer, Camilla Thornberg Drenos, Ilze Cheol Som ITI: Maciey Sojka, Tim Horan, Grzegorz Pfaza TV Catalunya: Carles Blanch, Carme Baste Korjusa, Joe Lupo, Elvyra Dunauskaite- Fox: Sung-uk Cho, Sofia Kim, Taehee Kim MTV: Monika Chojnacka, Daniel Reska TVE: Jose Antonio Anton, Carlos Fernandez, Lola Gaideliene, Max Taylor KBC: Hyun Jeong Hong, Jun Bum Park TVN: Anna Borys, Renata Mecina Molina, Javier Pons Virgin: Amy Barham, Claudia Rosencrantz, KBS: John-Sun Na, Seung-Jae Suh TVP: Slawomir Cyra, Katarzyna Bojarska, TV Galicia: Encina Ramos, Benigno Sanchez, Johnny Webb, Chris Collie, Daniella Newman Kim: Se Ung Kim Magdalena Chajewska, Jacek Kozlowski Jesus Iglesias, Jose Rey-Cabarcos URUGUAY MBC: Kwang-Han Ahn, Ji-Sou Kim TV Puls: Kasia Bukowska, Dariusz Dabski, Piotr TV Valenciana: Vicente Suberviola, Michael Ch. 10: Lucia De Feo, Gabriel Inchausti, Cecilia OBS: Dong-Ho Choi, Hayeon Shin Radziszewski Koven, Jose Angel Quintanilla Presto Orion: Dae Hyun Cho, In Hee Choi, Eun Jeong PORTUGAL VEO: Jaime Gutiererz Colomer, Melchor Miralles, Montecarlo: Alberto Gossweiler, Hugo Lorenzo Kim, Hyun Sung Kim, Jey Hyun Kim, Choong Hyo RTP: Fatima Cavaco, Helena Torres, Jorge Fernando Quintela, Miguel Torrente Romay, Marcelo Viscarret Lee Wemans, Bruno Santos SRI LANKA Teledoce: Eduardo Radio, Eugenio Restano SBSI: Sangsu Kim, Kevin Kim, SIC: Pedro Boucherie Mendes, Nuno Santos, Vanguard: Lakshaman Bandaranayake U.S. LITHUANIA Vanessa Tierno SWEDEN AFN: Larry Marotta Viasat: Leva Govedaite TV1: Margarida Victoria Pereira, Jose Eduardo Canal Plus: Line Mykland, Mats Orbrink Arief: Dato Raun Atmosumarto, Eling Raun MALAYSIA Moniz, Maria Ana Borges de Sousa, Paulo Soares Kanal5: Karin Krafft, Katarina Eriksson Fox Lat Am: Emiliano Saccone, Mauricio Rios, Gama Taktik: Illi Nadiah Ibrahim, Nik Razali PUERTO RICO SVT: Goran Danasten, Thomas Nilsson, Agneta Patricia Daujotas, Gonzalo Fiure, Katia Murgel, Jusoh, Mohd Azhar Khalid Telemundo: Hilary Hattler, Ibra Morales, Ileana Perman, Gunnar Carlsson, Per Ogren Diana Puentes, Gabriela Gil Juita Viden: Peter Foo, Francis Foo, Daphne Lim Santiago TV3: Anders Knave HBO Lat Am: William Benshimol, Helena RTM: Jamal Abdullah, Zainal Abidin Asri WAPA: Jimmy Arteaga, Alan Sokol TV4: Clara Scherman, Helena Forsman, Asa Bernardi, Gaston Comas, Gustavo Grossman, Jose Solimac: Jaslinda Ahmad ROMANIA Sjoberg Manuel Pagani, Luis Peraza, Roberto Rios, TV3: Dato Amrin Awaluddin, Dato Anthony ABC Plus: Anamaria Diaconu, Dan Diaconu, SWITZERLAND Alexander Salas Bujang, Lam Swee Kim, Ahmad Izham Omar, Larisa Mohut, Carmen Purle RTSI: Silvana Carminati, Gea Marina-Montorfani LAPTV: Richard Rohrbach Shareen Ooi, Farisha Pawanteh, Dato Ahmad Kanal D: Hatice Kolat, Romana Suciu TSR: Yves Menestrier, Isabell Hagemann- LATTV: Jaime Penaranda Farid Ridzuan, Airin Zainul Prima: Veronica Sorescu, Ioana Popescu Pouliquen, Barbara Karkin, Alix Nicole NBC Uni: Steve Patscheck, Angel Gomez, Fabian Vision Plus: Lim Beng Teck, Ho Poh Lin Zone Vision: Alina Florea TAIWAN Vasques MEXICO RUSSIA Tempo: James Chang, Nancy Zee Nickelodeon: Tatiana Rodriguez, Migdalis Silva Cadena 3: Ernesto Rivera, Roberto Salmeron, Amedia: Tatjana Belichenko, Mikhail THAILAND Ole: Eddy Ruis, Daniel Alvarez, Beatriz O’Higgins, Erik Zuckerman Bondarenko, Eleanor Safonova, Diana Shishkina UBC: Arthit Prompasit, Attaphon Na Bangxiong Isabel Quintero En Pantalla: Rodrigo Ruiz, Julio Ruiz Channel One: Konstantin Ernest TRINIDAD Skyrider: Sharone Melamed, Katie Callahan MVS: Alejandro Vazquez-Vela, Claudia Morales Cinemotion: Pavel Lipanovsky, Kate Martynova, CNC3: Cyntra Achong Turner: Rick Perez, Angel Zambrano, Cindy Kerr, Televisa: Alberto Ciurana, Adrian Ortega, Carlos Dmitry Nesterov TV6: Rhonda Ottley Pablo Corona, Marcelo Tamburri, Joy Ross, Sandoval CTC: Alexander Rodnyansky, Vyacheslav TURKEY Mariano Cesar TV Azteca: Rodrigo Fernandez, Pedro Lascurain, Murugov, Oleksiy Zyunkin, Anastasia Calinos: Asli Serim Univision: Otto Padron, Alfredo Schwartz, David Martin Luna, Erika Macin, Mario San Roman, Byalobzheskaya, Natalia Myshkina, Evguenia CNBC: Asli Arihan, Cem Aydin, Pinar Rayon, Barski Guillermo Zubiaur Belyaeva, Bogatyrev Vasily Gorkem Yasayan VH1: Dean Broadhurst Tycoon: Benito Villarreal, Rosinda Garcia MTV: Nikolay Golovin, Olga Tsygankova Digiturk: Ezgi Inci Ozer, Esra Ozaral Warner: Alfredo Duran, Wilma Maciel, Kyrenia (THE) NETHERLANDS NTV: Zoya Bado, Inga Koshavtseva, Ilya Ognev Fox: Yadigar Belbuken Saavedra NPB: Frank Mulder, John van der Klauw, Paul Ren TV: Stanislav Pribylov, Alexander Marchenko Turner: Sarp Batur, Efe Onbilgin VENEZUELA van der Niet, Timo van der Niet, Mignon Report: Svetlana Litvinova, Pavel Tsarvoulanov UAE Televen: German Perez Nahim Huisman RTR: Ekaterina Efanova, Olga Koshkarova, Dubai Media: Najla Al Awadhi, Sarah Al Venevision: Miguel Dvorak, Manuel Fraiz- RTL: Inge Lubsen, Harold Oomes, Gijs Tulleken Alexander Koushaev Jarman, Lina Matta Grijalba, Carlos Noguera, Soledad Leiva, Karolina SBS: Rozan Hamaker TNT: Alexander Dulerayn, Vladimir Voronoff EVision: Humaid Sahoo, Kamal Nassif Carrillo NEW ZEALAND TV3: Alexander Karpov, Julia Vinokurova, MBC: Jemma Yates VIETNAM SKY: Karen Bieleski, Travis Dunbar, John Fellet Serguei Spiridonov, Julia Mirnaya Showtime: Carlie Goode, Pia Maria Hakka, Eric Thaole: Hong Ling Phan TV3: Kelly Martin, Jan Gubbins, Mark Caulton, SINGAPORE Preven, George Sayegh

16 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 at DISCOP 2008

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June Ads.indd 18 5/14/08 11:56:05 AM May Ads.indd 33 5/6/08 5:25:07 PM aaaNEW Who's June08 5/14/08 9:39 AM Page 1

L.A. SCREENINGS 2008 Who’s Screening

20th Century Fox TV Tel: (818) 460-7960 Lionsgate Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1414 Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1917 Craig Cegielski, Amanda Spiral International Fox Studios Distraction Formats Cordner, Tim Stuart, Hana Zidek, Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 718 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1022 Teri Fleming, Tori Crotts Tandem Motion Picture Tel: (310) 369-8870 Dori Media 2700 Colorado Avenue, Ste 200 Studios Adness Entertainment Nadav Palti, Michal Nashiv, Santa Monica Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1214 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 914 Celina Amadeo, Jose Escalante, Tel: (310) 255-3700 Telefe International Alebrije Entertainment Juan Fernandez, Elena Antonini, LucasFilms Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1711 Andres Santos, Tali Fink Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1018 Alejandro Parra, Michelle Alfred Haber Distribution Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1160 Mediaset Distribution Wasserman, Diana Coifman, Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1208 Endemol c/o Comarex Jesica Stescobich, Alomi Productions Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1706 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1924 Gonzalo Cilley, Guillermo Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1705 Entertainment Studios Mel Giniger & Associates Henrich, Meca Salado Pizarro America Video Films Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1708 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1214 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1802 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1216 Film Independent MGM International TV Telefilms S.A. American Cinema Intercontinental Hotel, 10250 Constellation Blvd. Tomás Darcyl, Ricardo International Mezzanine 207 Los Angeles Tel: (310) 449-3376 Costianovsky, Alfredo Andreotti, Chevonne O’Shaughnessy Fireworks International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1002 Humberto Delmás, Alejandro Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1707 Greg Phillips, Saralo MacGregor, Mondo TV Spain Carballo BBC Worldwide Melissa Wohl, Diana Zakis Maria Bonaria Fois, Migdalia Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1902 Century Plaza Hotel, Suite 660 1337 Third Street Promenade, Inocencio, Jacqueline Lopez Bender Media Services Suite 302 Silvero Telemundo International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 860 Santa Monica Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1723 Marcos Santana, Xavier Beta Films Tel: (310) 576-1059 MTV Networks Aristimuño, Carlos Bardasano, Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1923 Frecuencia Latina Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1202 Karen Barroeta, Mariano Calasso, Beverly Hills Entertainment International Limited NBC Universal Int’l Television Luis Daniel Capriles, Esperanza Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1901 Miki Ivcher, Patricia Jasin Universal Studios Garay, Adriana Ibañez, Joysette Caracol Television Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 902 100 Universal City Plaza, Rivera, Eddy Vivas Angelica Guerra, Lisette Osorio, (The) Fremantle Corporation Universal City Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1918 Pedro Davila, Monica Ramon Irv Holender Tel: (818) 777-4534 Televisa Internacional Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1909 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1421 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1460 Fernando Perez Gavilan, Carlos Carsey-Werner International FremantleMedia Enterprises Nelvana Enterprises Castro, Claudia Sahab, Mario Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1260 Sheila Aguirre Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 721 CBS Paramount Int’l TV Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1722 Polar Star Castro, Jose Luis Romero, Oscar Paramount Studios Globo TV International Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 916 Belaich, Cecilia Galeana 5555 Melrose Avenue, Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1860 Power Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1915 Hollywood Granada International Pepe Echegaray, Ericka Arango- Televix Tel: (323) 956-5000 Flavio Medeiros Rojas Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1907 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1402 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1102 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1928 Toei Animation CCI Entertainment GranCine Premium Media/Artear Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1427 Fred Vargas Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1716 Blanca Ponce, Luciana Egurrola, TV Film International Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 918 HBO Natalia Affranchino Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 802 CDC Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1757 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1660 Venevision International Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1910 Invision Entertainment RAI Trade Luis Villanueva, Cesar Diaz, Jose ChinaTV Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1005 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1424 Antonio Espinal, Cristobal Ponte, Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 727 Laguna Productions RCN Comarex/TV Azteca Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1021 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1906 Miguel Somoza, Daniel Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1924 Lain International RCTV International Rodriguez Comcast/E! Networks Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 908 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1905 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1702 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1921 Latele Novela Network Record TV Network VIP 2000 Cookie Jar Entertainment Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 927 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1502 Century Plaza Hotel, Suite 1728 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1713 (The) Latin Flower Company Rive Gauche/Dinter Vision Films/KO Films Cube International Silvana D’Angelo, Carolina Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1725 Brittany Mullikin, Lise Romanoff Phill Catherall Garcia Rose Entertainment Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1730 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1214 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 960 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1560 Warner Bros. International TV DIC Entertainment Ledafilms Salsa Entertainment 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank Dan Waite, Daniel Uribe Pedro F. Leda, Sebastian Leda, Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1717 Tel: (818) 954-600 Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1760 Moira McNamara, Fernando Sony Pictures TV Int’l Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1915 Discovery Paduczak Sony Pictures Studios Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1418 Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 716 10202 West Washington Blvd. World Wide Entertainment Disney-ABC International TV Liberman Broadcasting Culver City Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1014 The Walt Disney Studios Century Plaza Hotel, Ste 1721 Tel: (310) 244-3977 World Wrestling 500 South Buena Vista Street Lightworks/SCG Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1416 Entertainment Burbank Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 921 South Winds Intercontinental Hotel, Ste 1221

20 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 June Ads.indd 21 5/9/08 4:19:29 PM June Ads.indd 22 5/9/08 4:20:48 PM aaaPilots Pg 23.qxd 5/16/08 12:31 PM Page 23

L.A. SCREENINGS 2008 2008-09 Season’s New Series

By International NBC UNIVERSAL INT’L Production Team: Christina Jennings, Coyote? Or will they end up seeing TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION Scott Garvie, Michael Amo, Russ stars? Distribution Company Date My Ex (Bravo) Cochrane, Glen Davis, Bill Laurin The Mentalist (CBS) Production Team: Douglas Ross, Format: One-hour drama Production Team: David Nutter, Bruno CBS PARAMOUNT INT’L TV Gregory Stewart, Kathleen French A suspenseful series that follows a para- Heller 90210 (CW) Format: One-hour reality medic who can read people’s minds. Format: One-hour drama Production Team: Gabe Sachs, Jeff Judah, Follow a Real Housewives of Orange SONY PICTURES TV INT’L About a former celebrity psychic- Mark Piznarski County alum as she looks for love in Los Sit Down, Shut Up (FOX) (midseason) turned-detective, who uses his skills of Format: One-hour drama Angeles. Production Team: Mitch Hurwitz, Kim observation to “read” people and solve Contemporary spinoff of the Aaron Kath & Kim (NBC) Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum, Paul crimes. Buccieri, Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein Spelling classic. Production Team: Michelle Nader, Paul Surviving the Filthy Rich (CW) Feig, Wil Calhoun, Mark Koops, Format: Half-hour comedy Harper’s Island (CBS) (midseason) Production Team: Rina Mimoun, Leslie Howard Owens, Gina Riley, Jane Turner, Animated show that centers of the faculty Production Team: Jon Turteltaub Morgenstein, Bob Levy Rick McKenna at the most dysfunctional school in Format: One-hour drama Format: One-hour drama Format: Half-hour comedy America. Murder mystery that unfolds as friends Recently fired tabloid journalist is Molly Shannon and Selma Blair star in a TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX and family attend a destination wedding offered a position as a tutor for twin 16- sitcom about a 40-something divorced TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION on a secluded island. year-old billionaire sisters. mom and her self-absorbed daughter. The Cleveland Show (FOX) (midseason) Stylista (CW) Truth in Advertising (TNT) Based on an Australian series of the same Production Team: Seth MacFarlane, Rich Production Team: Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, Production Team: Greer Shephard, name. Appel, Mike Henry Eli Holzman, Desiree Gruber, Jane Cha Michael M. Robin, John Coveny, Hunt Kings (NBC) Format: Half-hour comedy Format: One-hour reality Baldwin Production Team: Michael Green, Animated series that follows The Family Aspiring fashion assistants vie for a much- Format: One-hour drama Francis Lawrence, Erwin Stoff Guy’s Cleveland Brown as he moves to coveted editorial job with Elle magazine. About two talented ad men whose jobs Format: One-hour drama Stoolbend, Virginia. and friendship are increasingly on the Worst Week (CBS) David and Goliath set in a meta modern Dollhouse (FOX) (midseason) Production Team: Matt Tarses, Jimmy line. world. Production Team: Joss Whedon INT’L DISTRIBUTOR TBA Mulville Knight Rider (NBC) Format: One-hour drama Format: Half-hour comedy Angel City (TNT) Production Team: David Bartis, Doug From the mind of Joss Whedon comes Production Company: Mandalay TV About a man who’ll do anything to please Liman, Gary Scott Thompson this action series about a female Jason his girlfriend’s parents… but becomes a Format: One-hour drama Format: One-hour drama Bourne. Features six cops in three cars during a human wrecking ball whenever he’s A modern take on the original series with Do Not Disturb (FOX) around them. single shift. a brand-new KITT and cast, but all the Production Team: Abraham Delta Blues (TNT) DISNEY-ABC INTERNATIONAL TV Higginbotham, Howard Owens, Carolyn sexiness of the original. Production Companies: Warner Project Gary (CBS) Bernstein, Paul Young, Peter Principato, My Own Worst Enemy (NBC) Horizon TV, SmokeHouse Production Team: Ed Yeager, Ric Brian Dobbins Production Team: Jason Smilovic, David Format: One-hour drama Swartzlander Format: Half-hour comedy Semel Tells the tale of an Elvis impersonator/ Format: Half-hour comedy Format: One-hour drama Multi-camera sitcom focusing on the help cop who lives with his mother. About a dad trying to navigate new waters A middle-class executive lives a double at a hip New York hotel. Leverage (TNT) with his kids, his ex and his newfound life as a government agent. The Ex List (CBS) Production Company: Electric Ent. romantic life. The Office Spinoff (NBC) Production Team: Diane Ruggiero, Format: One-hour drama Raising the Bar (TNT) Production Team: Greg Daniels Jonathan Levin Timothy Hutton stars as a former insur- Production Team: Steven Bochco Format: Half-hour comedy Format: One-hour drama ance investigator who turns against cor- Format: One-hour drama Spinoff of the hugely successful sitcom Focuses on a woman who is surprised to porate America. A public defender tries to help the down with new faces and a new location. learn from a psychic that she’s already The Goode Family (ABC) (midseason) and out. The Philanthropist (NBC) dated her future husband. Production Companies: MRC, 3 Arts FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES Production Team: Charlie Corwin Life on Mars (ABC) America’s Toughest Jobs (NBC) Format: One-hour drama Production Team: Josh Applebaum, Animated comedy about a family Production Team: Thom Beers, Gail About a billionaire who uses his resources Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, Jane obsessed with doing the “right” thing. Berman, Lloyd Braun to help those in need — often at great Featherstone, Stephen Garrett, David E. Momma’s Boys (NBC) Format: One-hour reality risk to himself. Kelley Production Companies: Ryan Seacrest Twelve people leave their safe jobs for The Rachel Zoe Project (Bravo) Format: One-hour drama Productions, Glassman Media demanding ones. Production Team: Charlie Corwin, Jamie Adaptation of a BBC series about a cop Format: One-hour reality Merlin (NBC) Patricof, Rachel Zoe who wakes up 30 years in the past. Moms select brides for their complacent Production Team: Julian Murphy, Johnny Format: One-hour reality WARNER BROS. INT’L TV sons. Capps, Jake Michie, Julian Jones Celebrity stylist Zoe gives a fly-on-the- Eleventh Hour (CBS) Morse Code (TNT) Format: One-hour drama wall look at how she juggles it all. Production Team: Jerry Bruckheimer, Production Company: Warner Horizon Fantasy series set in Camelot about the The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Bravo) Jonathan Littman, Danny Cannon, Cyris Format: One-hour drama early days of Arthur and Merlin. Production Team: Sirens Media Voris, Ethan Reiff, Mick Davis, Paul About a young war hero/Drug Shark Taggers (NBC) Format: One-hour reality Buccieri Enforcement Administration officer in Production Team: Thom Beers, Gail The McMansions and lavish lifestyles of Format: One-hour drama Boston. Berman, Lloyd Braun some of New Jersey’s wealthiest wives. Focuses on a government agent who Opportunity Knocks (ABC) Format: One-hour reality POWER investigates scientific crises and oddities. Production Companies: Katalyst Films, Marine biologists track down and investi- Crusoe (NBC) Fringe (FOX) 3 Ball Productions gate ocean predators. Production Team: Justin Bodle, Michael Production Team: J.J. Abrams, Roberto Format: One-hour reality GRANADA INTERNATIONAL Prupas, Genevieve Hofmeyr Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Bryan Burk, Alex A game show that shows up on Chopping Block (NBC) Format: One-hour drama Graves, Jeff Pinkner America’s doorstep. Production Team: David Barbour, Julian New twist on Daniel Defoe’s classic tale. Format: One-hour drama Untitled Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks Cress RDF USA Sci-fi series about an FBI agent, an insti- Project (ABC) Format: One-hour reality Secret Millionaire (FOX) (midseason) tutionalized scientist and a Mensa mem- Production Companies: Bankable Couples are tested in various restaurant Production Team: Chris Coelen, Greg ber/high school dropout who team up to Productions, Katalyst Films, Warner challenges. Goldman, Bruce Toms identify paranormal activity. Horizon TV LIONSGATE Format: One-hour reality Man vs. Cartoon (truTV) Format: One-hour reality Tough Trade (TNT) Unscripted series that follows million- Production Team: Craig Piligian A beauty pageant unlike all others. Production Team: Chris Offutt, Sean aires who go undercover to some of Format: One-hour reality Untitled Joel Surnow Project (TNT) Furst, Bryan Furst America’s most disadvantaged areas in Real humans attempt stunts like those Production Team: Joel Surnow Format: One-hour drama search of everyday heroes. done by Looney Tunes characters. Will Format: One-hour drama Dramatic but humorous look at the SHAFTESBURY FILMS these humans have more success than The life of an agent with the Bureau of Nashville music scene. The Listener (NBC) classic Warner Bros. icons like Wile E. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

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that is about to expire. for acquired programming would fall, outlets and they are not going to just get Future for If anyone doubts that this is a valid and that the price it demands would also up and walk away. It will be incumbent point, he need look no further than last drop accordingly.” on existing broadcasters and cabsat Program year’s announcement by the U.K.’s He then continued: “Five years or so operators to stake their claim to be major Channel 4 that it would cut £10 million ago a lot of international broadcasters distributors of product.” Syndication (U.S.$20 million) from its annual thought they could make a lot of Finally, if somewhat prosaically, acquisitions budget because, per head of studio/reality shows that were much Marenzi asserted that “it would be a Programs Julian Bellamy, “they no longer cheaper, and, for a while, popular. But (Continued from Cover) mistake to underestimate the laziness of deliver value for money.” Director of then they fell off and broadcasters realized the viewer,” going on to reveal that, Television and Content, Kevin Lygo that shows of the quality of Stargate, Lost, growing evidence that broadcasters have “when I get home I like to flip through added: “Every small digital channel has CSI and Desperate Housewives were the an equally diminishing appetite for the dozen or so channels I know I like one or two U.S. shows, making American real ratings winners, and they are still a lot buying. The cost differential between and pick something that’s on. I really programs in general, less special.” cheaper to buy than they are to make.” production and acquisition is shrinking, don’t want to have to remember the name and shrinking to such an extent that Gary Marenzi, co-president, Worldwide “As a content seller, we are,” he of that hip new sci-fi series and hunt even in drama broadcasters are looking Television Distribution at MGM, is insisted, “very much up for the game of down the website that has it.” to do scripted format deals rather than prepared to accept that “there will be selling our content to other platforms, While all of the above are strong straight pick-ups. And this makes sense. fragmentation, and, as this continues, and, right now, with the dollar so weak, arguments for believing that distribution Television is a parochial business. there will be shrinkage between the cost of and demand so buoyant, there are some Audiences always prefer local shows. production and acquisition. And,” he pretty decent prices to be had. Also, as we have come to know it will be around And not only does local production acknowledged, “if local broadcasters step many of the companies that own these for the foreseeable future, Marenzi did deliver higher ratings, it also leaves the up their local production, then it would platforms are large companies that have end sounding one note of caution. broadcaster with an asset — not a license seem logical to assume that the demand invested millions, if not billions, in these “Certainly,” he conceded, “it is the case that, if you are in the content business you have to be good at it. There is now very little room for anything less than A-rated content. But,” he concluded, “there will always be a place for top content.” One company that sits in an interesting position in this debate is New York-based VOOM HD Networks, and this is true for two key reasons. First, the company is only four years old, and so it could be said to be a child of the new era. Second, it works exclusively in high definition, of which, as senior vice president Glenn Oakley observed, “there is a global void.” This means that VOOM must produce, or co-produce, the bulk of its programming. In fact, about two-thirds is sourced in this way to feed the 15 HD channels it operates in the U.S. under the VOOM brand, as well as its international channels available in China, South Korea, England, India, Japan, Romania, Hungary, Thailand, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and throughout the Middle East. So many might be relieved to hear Oakley’s blunt assertion that he “does not see the distribution business dying.” Instead, Oakley believes that, “the creation and distribution of content is now progressing to the next stage.” And while he accepted that “vertical integration is altering the landscape,” Oakley also concurred with MGM’s Marenzi that “there is a need for proven and high quality content for broadcasters everywhere.” Much has been made over the last few years of the impact of new media such as mobile and VoD. However, when considering the future of distribution, it seems clear that the technologies that are having the biggest impact on this particular business are those that are reducing the cost of production, and thereby narrowing the gap between it and the cost of acquisition. Of course broadcasters will always need to acquire content they could never make for themselves, such as movies and sport. But what the future holds for purveyors of other television genres is much less clear.

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L.A. Screenings PhotoPlay L.A. Screenings

their trips short. Overall, buyers spent less time in the studios’ screening rooms and more time at shopping malls, with the remaining time spent visiting independent distributors, who, as usual, breakfast meeting produced neither a camped out at the Intercontinental and general consensus nor a road map for the Century Plaza hotels in the Century future. There, VideoAge editor Dom City area of Los Angeles. Serafini posed the question: How will Because of this past winter’s writers’ the TV industry proceed? strike, this year’s total number of pilots According to America Video Film’s Fireworks' Diana Zakis and Saralo CCI Entertainment’s was reduced to 65, from the traditional Nicholas Bingham, “the studios’ TV MacGregor screening at their Santa Federico Vargas 110-plus. And some of them, like Fox’s business is driven by the networks and Monica, CA office. Virtuality, got network commitments the L.A. Screenings are driven by the even before a pilot was shot. From those studios.” few pilots produced by U.S. networks, a Mel Giniger, who has celebrated 50 total of 44 were picked up. Last year the years in the TV business, noted that if number of pilots picked up was 66. the upfronts turn out well, then we will Adding some glamour to these likely see shows introduced throughout Screenings were 81 independent the year. companies (compared to 88 last year), John Cuddihy of Lightworks added: which, with 10 small parties scattered “We’re trying to find out what the during May 14-17, managed to bring studios are doing. But what are they some excitement just before the studios doing? We [the independents] are the reclaimed the buyers May 18-23. tail wagging the dog. We are confused Talk around L.A. was that this is the because the networks drive the studios’ U.S. TV industry’s new paradigm. business, yet the studios and networks DIC Entertainment’s Pedro and Alex Leda heading to However, many reported that the show are often the same company.” Dan Waite Ledafilms’ screenings isn’t over until the fat lady sings — “Will buyers come twice, once in May meaning that all depends on the results and again in October?” asked Serafini of the upfronts. If, indeed, these turn “That depends on the buyers,” said out to be just as rewarding as previous Cuddihy. “If it will make or break their years, the results will be what we are primetime then they will come in May currently witnessing. If, on the other and in October. hand, the lack of excitement and “This all depends on what the enthusiasm results in a disappointing networks do,” said David Nuñez of upfronts, you could bet your bottom Lightworks. “We’ll have to figure out dollar that, next year, the industry will what we’re great at,” he added. return to the excesses that usually Another unanswered question raised generate its traditional windfall. was: Should there be a fall L.A. With so many pilots yet to be Screenings, will this be a Latin market produced, the networks will be picking (as indicated by the cover photo) for the up shows in August and September, independent distributors, much like the which has studios considering asking May Screenings is? Dori Media’s Jose Escalante(r.) and Nadav Palti (l.) buyers to make another trip to L.A. after Finally, guest speaker Octavio Marin with Celina Amadeo MIPCOM, which some of them, of the U.S. National Association of Latin including the Italian contingent, have Independent Producers explained his already committed to doing. Said David association and how he goes about Smyth of BskyB U.K., “People are getting distributors for his pool of planning all sorts of things, from talented Latino filmmakers. His nine- hosting local screenings to inviting year-old organization was formed to buyers back to L.A. It’s not clear how it’s represent Latin producers, writers and going to happen yet. We always knew directors, develop training programs for that there would be a fair amount of the Latin community, and bring them pilots that would be shooting over the together with worldwide film and TV summer, so things would be different distributors. this year.” Asked if another trip to L.A. would be inconvenient, Smyth answered: “We’re going to take it as it comes. We go there very open-minded. Contributing to this report were Valerie We’re willing to get involved, but we’ll Milano and Dom Serafini in Los Angeles, Globo’s Raphael Correa Netto and Telemundo International’s only buy something that we absolutely and Erin Somers in New York. Marcos Santana at the press conference announcing the have to have. If we have to wait a couple Photos by Sarah Rinde. remake of Globo TV’s El Clone, a coproduction with of months to see everything that’s being Telemundo. offered, then that’s how long it’ll take.” VideoAge’s annual L.A. Screenings

26 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 4:56 PM Page 27

smaller Eastern and Central European precursor. Carter Global in January, and looks markets, the stations cannot afford to use Koehnen also added that although it’s forward to the opportunity to show the all local productions.” been tagged an “emerging market,” industry what the expanded company is Telenovelas Bavaria will also be selling children’s Eastern Europe is actually already very really about. “The goal for this DISCOP is at DISCOP series Rudy the Racing Pig, teen series established, especially from the point of to introduce people to the new Einstein High and some feature-length view of neighboring European countries combination,” said Kilim. She went on to horror movies, which represent the like Germany. “Some people talk about explain that prior to the merger, company’s new direction. “We’re trying to Central and Eastern Europe as an Lightworks had a spiritual focus. In (Continued from Cover) get a bit more involved with genre emerging market, but it’s nonsense,” he absorbing Sandra Carter, which movies,” said Koehnen. “Especially said. “They have already become incorporates all genres, the new firm hopes thrillers.” completely emancipated and they are very to a create a brand that Kilim described as be better than ever. “This year’s edition important.” will once again highlight the strong In addition to closing deals, Koehnen “life from every angle.” health of Central and Eastern Europe’s and his team plan on taking advantage of Daniella Kilim, director of Sales, Additionally, Kilim noted that while television marketplace,” he said. Indeed, the co-production market put on by Europe for New York-based Lightworks Sandra Carter Global is a DISCOP DISCOP the day before the conference. Program Distribution Incorporating the numbers reflect that business will be veteran, Lightworks is new to the market. For the second year in a row, the mini- Sandra Carter Global, has plans for booming in Budapest, with about 400 Part of the company’s mission in Budapest sellers in attendance, including between event known as DISCOPRO will offer DISCOP other than selling programs. In keynotes and panels geared toward addition to pushing titles such as docu- is to learn the ropes. Kilim noted that is 50 and 70 sales and distribution important for the firm to get its bearings at organizations that will be doing business companies looking for production drama Florence Nightingale about the DISCOP because “the Eastern European in the region for the first time. In terms partners. The co-production market also iconic nurse, miniseries The Quest for market is crucial to Lightworks’ success and of buyers, about 1,200 were registered at facilites meetings between small Sunken Warships, and weekly press time, up 150 from last year’s companies and TV networks, which is the newsmagazine Red Carpet Reporter, international image.” She also added that, figures. The buyers represent 33 occasion’s biggest draw. Bavaria is just one Lightworks intends to use the market to as always, the company aims to use the countries throughout Central and of a growing contingent of companies launch its new brand. Lightworks conference to explore sales opportunities Eastern Europe, including a small which will make use of the DISCOP acquired distribution company Sandra for existing and new platforms. delegation from Central Asia and India. To accommodate the large turnout, the market will occupy a sixth level for the first time ever. Jucaud pointed out a number of other factors that indicate the region’s recent progress. “Not only is there a growing number of companies from Central and Eastern Europe coming to DISCOP East to sell product,” he said. “Many new thematic channels have been launched over the past year to meet the needs of digital platforms.” Additionally, he noted, to many international distributors, Central and Eastern Europe is already a top marketplace, and telenovelas continue to reign supreme. Israel-based Dori Media’s Jose Escalante is banking on the previous success of his company’s novelas in the region. Dori has a big presence in Latin America through Escalante’s Miami, Florida-based operations, distributing a wealth of telenovelas and other programming throughout the region. Escalante and his team are bringing three new programs to Budapest, a game show entitled The Game of Love, and two experimental telenovelas called The Rainbow Girl and Violet. A more traditional telenovela entitled Rich and Famous completes its slate. However, Escalante cautioned that the heyday of foreign soaps in Eastern Europe will not last forever. “Business is growing, but we’re finding more competition,” he said. “What we’re discovering more and more in Eastern Europe is that they’re producing their own local content.” Nevertheless, Escanlante predicted that the region will continue to become more important in the international arena. The Latins won’t be the only ones cashing in on the telenovela fad. Helge Koehnen, head of Eastern European Affairs for Germany’s Bavaria Media Television said that his company also does well with soaps at the conference. This year, it brings 200 new episodes of its popular novela about romance and intrigue, Storm of Love, to DISCOP. Koehnen explained that despite the fact that local productions are gaining speed in Eastern Europe, foreign-made telenovelas aren’t going anywhere. “The demand for telenovelas will continue because they present an inexpensive way to fill a time slot for a long time. In June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 2:13 PM Page 28

Questions & Answers

Craig Cegielski Reveals The Secrets of Lionsgate’s Success

from the decreased number of pilots Lionsgate embodies so many unique library of approximately from the majors, which in turn should qualities that resonate from the top down. 12,000 motion picture mean the buyers have more time to meet We have incredible leadership and such a titles and television with other distributors. But truth be committed workforce. It’s a well-balanced episodes in just four years. told, if the indies don’t have the content, company that continues to improve upon This could be sufficient to they won’t get the time. perfection. introduce Lionsgate, an independent producer and VAI: What do you think of this new VAI: If it can be revealed in general distributorA of quality filmed season with fewer pilots? terms, what is the secret of your success? entertainment. But VideoAge wanted to CG: It will tell an interesting story, CG: I answered that in the above know more, and thus fired off a few that’s for sure. While cable companies statement. But if I were to expand, I’d questions to Craig Cegielski, Lionsgate’s such as AMC, USA and F/X have have to say it’s Jon Feltheimer and executive vice president, Programming operated from a successful position of Michael Burns. These two executives live and Sales, international TV. “fewer and better,” this year the broadcast and operate what they preach. Their true Traded on the NYSE and based in networks were forced to make decisions open-door policy and commitment to both Vancouver, Canada and Santa based on a limited number of developed support new innovative ideas has Monica, California, Lionsgate reported projects due to the strike. It’s tricky from continually been one of our strongest revenues of U.S.$976.7 million and a buyer’s standpoint, as most of the assets. In addition, Kevin Beggs pretax income of $43.9 million in 2007. majors will screen presentation pilots or (president of Programming & Craig Cegielski Financial results for 2008 are to be shortened segments of programs that may Production) and Sandra Stern (COO of announced May 30. Last February the Cheadle. This 13-hour series for Starz or may not work when fully produced. Television) have blazed a trail in television company reported revenues of $290.9 production and development that allows begins shooting in late May and will be VAI: Next year, will we go back to the million and net profit of $2 million for for Lionsgate to continually deliver ready to broadcast mid-September 2008. way things were before or will the studios the third quarter of fiscal 2008. In 2007 amazing series such Weeds and Mad Men. We’ll also be continuing to talk about continue to make fewer pilots? television sales, including international, Kevin and Sandra not only deliver series our latest acquisitions The Guard and were $109.3 million (up 50 percent CG: The number of pilots produced that excel creatively, but do this within Chandon Pictures. The Guard is a 22- next year will be greater than this year, such a disciplined financial model that from 2006), while television production episode one-hour action/drama about a revenues were $118.5 million. not because of a correction in the benefits the company and participants Pacific Northwest search and rescue development cycle, but simply because alike. VideoAge International: Why are these team. Chandon Pictures is our raucous of the level of competition. The ability Screenings exciting for you? half-hour comedy from Rob Carlton that of the consumer to get quality series no VAI: Do you consider Lionsgate a mini- features the lead character Tom Chandon major? Craig Cegielski: Of course, every year longer rests in the hands of the broadcast and his documentary film company during L.A. Screenings we’re thrilled to networks. Therefore, the need to develop CG: I consider Lionsgate the “Next Chandon Pictures, working to fulfill his and produce competitive programming Generation Studio.” I think everyone at host our international clients in sunny obsession with capturing the human Santa Monica. This being our third L.A. will challenge the nets to try a wider Lionsgate feels this way. Each individual condition through the magic of variety of programming ideas. Pilots at Lionsgate moves the needle with Screenings, it has been incredible to be documentaries. The problem is that he’s able to quickly become a key destination have been the safest way for networks to everything they do — from the assistant forced to finance his passion projects make the decision on whether or not an to the CEO. It’s a powerful position to be in the minds and busy schedules of the through various odd video jobs — which buyers, and we’ve continued to deliver idea goes to series, and I don’t see this in; to recognize that the decisions we turn out to be hilarious test subjects only radically changing. make today matter today. No one here each year. This year, we’re showcasing our he can film. new broadcast anthology series Fear has the belief that “whoever is sitting in And we can’t forget about Paris. Yes, VAI: At the Screenings, are you focusing this chair 10 years from now can deal Itself. This primetime anthology series on any particular territories? debuts on NBC June 5. Each episode is Lionsgate is going to deliver a 10-episode with it.” We own our work and take pride series from our new reality production helmed by amazing talents from the CG: With Fear Itself, Crash and the in our success as a company. company Ish Entertainment. Specializing horror genre, including John Landis Paris Hilton project, we’re not narrowing in celebreality, Ish is busy creating the the field this year. We aim to reach out to VAI: What lies ahead for Lionsgate in the (Twilight Zone: The Movie), Breck Eisner newest series Paris BFF: I Want to be Paris every territory with equal vigor to ensure future? (Creature From the Black Lagoon), Stuart Hilton’s New Best Friend. our product remains on the air worldwide. CG: If you look over Lionsgate’s Gordon (Re-Animator), and Ronny Yu movements for the past four years you (Jet Li’s Fearless) just to name a few. VAI: Will this year be particularly good VA. Many new companies want to can see our pursuit to expand our From the Academy Award-winning for the indies? become the “next Lionsgate.” How does it business. Whether it’s self-distribution in film of the same name, Crash the series is CG: It’s always about the content. feel to be in this unique position? the U.K. and Australia, investing in Web another project that is currently Lionsgate has always positioned the CG: I love to hear that new companies portals like Break.com, acquiring an underway here at Lionsgate. Glen series we were producing and want to become the “next Lionsgate.” incredibly successful syndication business Mazzara (The Shield, Standoff) has been distributing front and center. This might When I hear that I ask the question, do in Debmar/Mercury, acquiring Mandate hired to be the showrunner, while the be counter to the larger competitors that they want to mirror our ability to be Films, or our recent announcement of the series will be executive produced by the lead with their logo, as if to say because decisive or our ability to set precedents launch of a new pay-TV channel in same team that brought you the amazing it’s from this company, therefore it must in the marketplace, or perhaps be as conjunction with MGM, Viacom and film — Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco, be good product. And that simply has diverse in the businesses we operate in, Paramount, Lionsgate is poised for Tom Nunnan, Bob Yari and Don not been the case. Indies might benefit or is it our entrepreneurial spirit? further diversification and growth.

28 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 June Ads.indd 29 MEDIASET GROUP Creative and Image Coordination Department TV-MOVIES SERIESMINI-SERIES SOAPOPERAS CLASSICFILMS SITCOMS mediasetdistribution.com [email protected] DRAMA IIEISSRE 100’or12x50’ x 6 MINISERIES/SERIES THE TRUE STORY DISCOP Suite#324 BEST FICTION 5/12/08 6:06:03 PM June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 2:12 PM Page 30

an expensive show to make. The cost of making it effectively confines the show to major markets and even then Formats territories such as Germany trim some of the more expensive games such as jumping out of helicopters, despite the format’s runaway success on RTL. Although,” said Harrington, “we are (Continued from Cover) looking at the possibility of ‘packaging’ markets. For instance, we have just every part of that spinning globe. signed a deal with Zodiak for a pan- Formats, it seems, are the new black. Scandinavian version.” But can all formats be made? And if In fact, that version, which will be shot not, what are the likely causes of a in Mexico, makes the show possible by failure to get past the starting post? using a “carousel” production in which And, were there any in the past that the various local versions share a failed for reasons which would now not common set and key production bar their success? VideoAge decided to equipment. This will be handled by find out. Zodiak Line Productions, a new entity In the view of Rob Clark, senior just launched at MIP-TV, and, said head El Factor, Colombia’s version of The X Factor executive vice president, Worldwide of Formats and Acquisitions, Sarah Entertainment, Entertainment and Coursey, “Zodiak Line Productions will Italian format, Il Protagonista. “We launched,” recalled Rodrigue, “the Production at the U.K.’s go beyond Scandinavia and offer this picked up Il Protagonista from system simply couldn’t handle the FremantleMedia Enterprises, “What can means of producing ambitious shows at a Magnolia, which had placed it with or cannot be done with a format very price that conforms to individual volume of computer traffic generated [TV network] Italia Uno. It was a great much depends on what that format is.” markets, to Zodiak Group companies, and it crashed. Now, however, the idea involving major stunts, such as Whereas for Michel Rodrigue, CEO of producers and other broadcasters technology exists to handle that level of convincing some guy that his girlfriend Canada’s Distraction Formats, “In a worldwide.” traffic and we are, in fact, relaunching it had been kidnapped. But,” said sense all formats are doable, because if an with TVP Poland.” To explain the importance of the cost Rodrigue, “it was too difficult and too idea is not doable then it really isn’t a factor in a format’s international rollout, costly to do, and there was no realistic And while technology appears to offer format. After all, a significant part of Harrington highlighted the success of way of scaling it back.” new opportunities to develop formats, for formats’ attraction is that they work! Granada’s Come Dine With Me. “When I Indeed Rodrigue believes that, “one of instance through the use of UGC (user But,” he conceded, “If an idea that is first saw the show,” she recalled, “I was the major advantages game show formats generated content) from mobile phones, otherwise a great format idea is going to bowled over by it, in part because it had have over reality is that they are almost fail, it will almost certainly be because of received no hype at all, and I hadn’t such as what website www.quik.com is always studio-based and the real cost is the cost.” heard of it. But it has gone on to rack up already doing, there is a range of just in the prize, and there is not ever a This is a view very much shared by sales in numerous territories including problems with this idea. For a start, there problem in scaling that back!” Jennifer Harrington, head of Formats the U.S., France and Germany, where it is the technical issue of sound and picture and Entertainment at U.K.-based has run to over 500 episodes on Vox and However, there was at one time a quality. This, for now at least, is a major Granada Television International. Cost, has even spawned a spin-off. Which,” she problem in scaling that element up. issue and would be difficult to deal with. believes Harrington, “is the most concluded, “illustrates that a format can Rob Clark of FremantleMedia recalled But it is not the only issue. Even if the obvious inhibitor to a format’s roll- be very successful without necessarily that, “in the past, there would have originators of the material are happy to been no way Who Wants To Be a out.” By way of illustration, Harrington being large, expensive and headline- put the material into the public domain, cited the Granada format, I’m a grabbing.” Millionaire could have played in the U.K. as, until the late ’90s, there was a this does not mean that they are entitled Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Harrington’s earlier illustration of the to put it into the public domain. Anyone Although successful in the U.K., where cap of £20,000 (U.S.$40,000) on the difficulty of scaling back the production appearing in such footage would have to it is now in its eighth season, it has not, of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, amount of money that could be offered give their permission, which explains all she revealed, “been massively successful is echoed by Distraction’s Rodrigue, as a prize.” Nor is that the only hit internationally, purely because it is such who recalled his experience with an format that would not have made it to the family members and pets on clip the screen in times past. “Shows such as shows such as You’ve Been Framed. And Idol and [the similar] X-Factor,” any background music would also have to continued Clark, “could not have been be cleared. made, because camera technology and lighting rigs were simply not up to it. Problems such as these aside, both And,” he went on, “Big Brother is Rodrigue and Clark were pretty another format that would not have unanimous in what they look for in a been possible because it demands a format. “For a format to really stand out,” channel that can stream, and even then, suggested Rodrigue, “it has to be clean, before the arrival of editing system simple and easy; everyone has to get it the Avid, a daily strip like this would have first time. It also has to be fresh, and that’s been impossible to edit. In the past, the tough. Ideas that are simple, fresh, clean rule was you shot as little as possible and that work, are not that easy to come and used it wisely; now, you can shoot up with.” as much as you like and the use made of it is not always that wise.” On the other hand, formats are a Technology was also the cause of the genre that are subject, more than demise of Distraction format All anything else, to “push the envelope” Against One. This format has one player syndrome, and, if potentially popular, based in a studio playing against the TV one suspects that neither money, audience, who enter their responses via technology nor legal matters could stop Granada’s Come Dine With Me computer. “When it was first one from being made. BJ

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New York, N.Y

Promax and Licensing: So Unhappy Together Promax’s Jonathan Block-Verk

BY LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER generate news. added prestige. s for the past several years, In addition to doing business, Expo Last year’s coup was a keynote speech this June, two New York attendees will be able to attend a slew of delivered by former president Bill television-related events will, licensing-related conferences. Sessions once again, capture the Clinton. This year’s speechmakers are a include “Licensing Valuation & Royalty shade less high profile. “Clinton was a big attention of executives in the Rate Trends,” “Case Studies of licensing, programming, get,” said Block-Verk, “but this year, we’re Successful Licensing Programs,” “Basic focusing on attendees and their marketing and promotions Training for First Time Licensees” and worlds.A First comes the 28th annual “How to Maximize Your Brand Presence fundamental business concerns.” Licensing International Expo, a three- and Penetrate the Potential Chinese Despite this, there will be a few day conference for merchandising rights Market via Hong Kong.” familiar faces among the attendees at holders that will be held June 10-12. Promax. Civil rights leader Reverend Then, after just enough time to dry Asked whether he believes that the clean your best suit, on June 17, comes Licensing Expo, which directly precedes Jesse Jackson will be on hand to discuss the 53rd edition of Promax/BDA, which Promax, will cross-pollinate, Ekstract the blurred line between news and touts itself as the world’s largest responded that, “Promax is for promotions entertainment and the impact that has marketing conference. Since they’re both guys who create on-air promos and on global culture. James Lipton of held in New York City and both are TV- Licensing is for licensees and retailers.” Bravo’s Inside the Actors Studio will host related, it seems natural that Licensing Jonathan Block-Verk, president of “Inside the Design Studio,” conducting and Promax would attract a good Promax/BDA, which will be held June interviews with some of the world’s portion of the same audience — but in Licensing’s Steven Ekstract 17-19 at the Hilton New York Hotel, most accomplished branding and design reality they draw mostly different crowds concurred: “There really isn’t an artists. Michael Klein, president of (despite the fact that many trade Ekstract believes that, “From an overlapping clientele with Licensing,” he Hustler TV, will participate in a panel publications will hit both events and entertainment licensing point of view, said. discussion entitled “Q&A on T&A: some program distribution people will Disney is on fire right now,” he said, Regardless, the devaluation of the Insights into Marketing Adult be peeking into both shows). Either way, noting the soaring popularity of such dollar, which is bringing a global Entertainment,” which will reveal the the dollar’s plummeting value ensures properties as Hannah Montana and High audience to Licensing, should also bring ins and outs of marketing an industry that each of these events will draw a School Musical as well as good advanced in a much-needed international hefty contingent of foreigners. In effect, buzz for WALL-E, an animated film that generates over $1 billion a year in constituency to Promax. And another subscription and on-demand revenue. the dollar weakness is compensating for about a lonely robot due out later this result of the U.S. recession is that Block- the shows’ weaknesses. For Promax, the year, and Toy Story 3, which is slated for And Vince McMahon from the WWE Verk and company have decided to will receive a Lifetime Achievement crisis started during the chairmanship of release in 2010. change things up a little this year. “We’re Londoner Glynn Brailsford around the “Disney tends to avoid over-licensing really reaching out to local [U.S. and Award recognizing the wrestling year 2000, and for the Licensing Show, movie properties,” said Ekstract, noting foreign radio and TV] stations and impresario’s contribution to the global with the various changes implemented that the Mouse House often adopts a creating incentives for them to come,” TV industry, as well as his prowess in by Advanstar Global Licensing Group, wait-and-see approach to see how films he said. “We’re tailoring a lot of the marketing the pseudo-sport. the show organizer on behalf of the perform before doing the licensing. content for them.” In the past, the Last year’s Promax/BDA event drew International Licensing Industry “With Cars, for example, they waited to presence of local radio and TV outlets Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). over 3,500 attendees from around the see how it would fare,” said Ekstract. “It harnessed Promax’s strength. globe, including more than 700 local turned out to be a really big hit, and the “Europeans, especially, have a lot of In fact, a number of sessions are station executives from over 150 TV spending power now,” said Steven licensing, in turn, performed really specifically geared towards increasing markets in the U.S. Block-Verk expects Ekstract, group publisher for License! well.” local stations’ bottom lines. “Breaking Global Magazine, mentioning that BBC similar numbers this year. “We want our Another entertainment powerhouse that the News” will give local stations attendees to walk away with fresh new Worldwide and Hit Entertainment are should receive ample attention, according advice on how to immediately increase just a couple of the many Europe-based to Ekstract, is Warner Bros., which is ideas that will immediately build their revenues. “One State, Two State, Red bottom line and generate new revenues,” firms that will be exhibiting at the Expo. dusting off its Looney Tunes series. “It’s a State, Blue State: New Approaches to he said. “We want them to be informed “Europeans love going to New York to classic property,” said Ekstract, mentioning Election Promotion” will introduce shop, anyway,” he said with a laugh. that with children’s series, older shows are election-coverage marketing strategies and inspired.” “This event gives them the perfect evergreen since there’s always a new since the U.S. presidential election will However, despite all the best efforts, excuse to come here.” audience. “Classic properties always do well be held this year. And “The DTV the basic structural problems of both Licensing International Expo, which from a licensing perspective.” Transition Symposium: Ratings, organizations remain. Many execs will be held in the hard-to-reach Jacob Ekstract also expects big licensing Revenues and Repercussions of the believe that Licensing should seek K. Javits Convention Center, features things from Yo Gabba Gabba!, a series Digital Television Switchover” is another firm to structure its event — 600 exhibitors, representing more than from San Francisco, California-based aimed at the thousands of local one more attuned to the show-business 6,000 properties for consumer products Wild Brain that airs on Nickelodeon in stations that will be most impacted by nature of the industry, such as in categories including corporate brands, the U.S. The show, which has been the impending DTV switchover. ReedMidem, perhaps. And Promax is sports, publishing, lifestyle, and of described as a bizarrely appealing mixture Another thing Block-Verk hopes will course, entertainment. Reps from of club music and edgy animation, has boost Promax’s profile in this recession said to be in need of a more high- Hollywood studios, publishing giants become a big hit. “It came out of nowhere era, is that the NBC, ABC and CBS profile management that’s active in all and designers will be on hand to to become a ratings juggernaut,” he said. TV networks are holding their affiliate aspects of the U.S. and international introduce their products to the 25,000 “It’s getting great buzz in the licensing meetings in conjunction with Promax. entertainment business, specifically attendees from 82 countries that’ll be world.” Bella Sara, a hot new property for In the past, this particular activity not with a presence at the major present at the Expo. girls from Granada Ventures, should also only brought energy to Promax, but international TV trade shows.

32 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 See us at DISCOP

Suite 117

June Ads.indd 33 5/15/08 6:06:15 PM June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 2:21 PM Page 34

LICENSING INT’L EXPO JUNE 10-12 Conferences & Events News New York City, U.S. TEL: (212) 532-1660 FAX: (212) 951-6749 www.licensingexpo.com HOTEL CANCELLATION VideoAge bonus distribution PENALTIES NCTA CABLE SHOW BANFF WORLD TV FESTIVAL In the convention trade, hotel MAY 18-20 JUNE 8-11 PROMAX New Orleans, U.S. Banff, Canada cancellation penalties are dumped into JUNE 17-19 an entry called “ancillary spending.” But, TEL: (202) 222-2430 TEL: (403) 678-1216 in companies’ wallets, they’re known as New York City, U.S. FAX: (202) 222-2431 FAX: (403) 678-3357 “ouch!” In order to monetize everything TEL: (310) 789-1509 that moves or stands still, hoteliers have www.thecableshow.com www.banff2008.com quietly increased room cancellation fees FAX: (310) 788-7616 for block reservations. In some cases, www.promax.tv these can reach $10,000 for a 170-room FORUM BRAZIL MONTE CARLO TV FESTIVAL contract. In the view of some planners, JUNE 3-5 JUNE 8-12 VideoAge bonus distribution this fee should be reduced proportionally São Paulo, Brazil Monte Carlo, Monaco to “other” ancillary spending, such as TEL: (55 11) 3138 4648 TEL: (377) 9310 4060 DISCOP restaurants, lounges and spas. This little known aspect of the hotel business FAX: (55 11) 3257 5910 FAX: (377) 9350 7014 JUNE 18-20 surfaced during the Hollywood writers’ www.forumbrasiltv.com www.tvfestival.com Budapest, Hungary strike, when there was the possibility that VideoAge bonus distribution VideoAge bonus distribution TEL: (33 1) 4229 3224 the L.A. Screenings might be postponed. FAX: (33 1) 4229 3474 www.discop.com VideoAge bonus distribution

SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC JUNE 24-27 La Rochelle, France TEL: (33 1) 7735 5300 FAX: (33 1) 7238 9858 www.sunnysideofthedoc.com

MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL SOULS ON THE RUN AUGUST 21 – SEPTEMBER 1 (TV MOVIE) 156’ Montreal, Canada TEL: (514) 848-3883 FAX: (514) 848-3886 www.ffm-montreal.org

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 6 Venice, Italy TEL: (39 041) 521 8882 FAX: (39 041) 522 7539 www.labiennale.org WOMEN PORTRAYING ART VideoAge bonus distribution (DOCUMENTARY) 29’ TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 4-13 Toronto, Canada TEL: (416) 967-7371 FAX: (416) 967-9277 www.torontointernationalfilmfestival.ca VideoAge participation

LE RENDEZ-VOUS SEPTEMBER 8-12 CROMOSOMICS Biarritz, France (VIDEODANCE) 15’ TEL: (33 1) 4053 2300 FAX: (33 1) 4053 2301 www.tvfrance-intl.com

MIPCOM JR & MIPCOM OCTOBER 11-17 Cannes, France TEL: (212) 284-5130 FAX: (212) 284-5148 www.mipcom.com TWINS - OUTSIDE THE LINE VideoAge bonus distribution (DOCUMENTARY) 30’ At DISCOP Suite 217

June Ads.indd 35 5/14/08 12:08:45 PM June_2008_Issue 5/12/08 2:07 PM Page 36

My Two Cents MAIN OFFICES 216 EAST 75TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10021 TEL: (212) 288-3933 FAX: (212) 734-9033 et’s review the prerogatives of today’s marketing executive: Go to work for the post office, VIDEO AGE WEBSITES: volunteer for active duty in Iraq, or stay put with the same company with the task of www.videoage.org managing more trade shows with less money. There’s no doubt that trade shows are www.videoagelatino.com increasing in number, but not because they are multiplying — indeed some have been www.videoage.it closed down — but simply because the market is becoming more fragmented and one needs P.O. BOX 25282 to cover all grounds: Film and TV rights, Internet rights, licensing, etc. Plus, there are LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 markets that focus on Latin America, Eastern and Central Europe, the new TV season… TEL: (310) 914-4450 LAnd, of course, there are the all-encompassing markets such as MIP-TV and MIPCOM. FAX: (310) 444-3189 Another reason that trade shows are becoming important is that traveling is no longer fun. Instead VIALE ABRUZZI 30 of being constantly on the road as we used to do prior to 9/11, nowadays, it is cheaper, less 20123 MILAN, ITALY burdensome and more effective to meet clients and content providers at regular intervals on the TEL/FAX: (39 02) 204 3029 yearly calendar. YUKARI MEDIA Unfortunately, as sales staffs rejoice, marketing execs are proportionally dismayed: “How YMI BLDG. 3-3-4, UCHIHIRANOMACHI is it possible to add yet another market to my budget, without increasing it? Plus I have to CHUO-KU, OSAKA JAPAN be grateful if they don’t cut it!” And this is without taking into consideration that costs to TEL: (816) 4790-2222 attend the traditional trade shows increase every year, be it because of the exchange rate, inflation or one thing or another. EDITOR DOM SERAFINI Since the cheapest and fastest way of getting things done right in the marketing division is to do them oneself, these execs end up having no life. We’ve reached a point where someone ONLINE EDITOR putting in just 12 hours of work a day risks being accused of working only half a day! LEAH HOCHBAUM ROSNER Try to explain that you have a family and would like to see your kids for a few minutes, and one will surely get the question: ASSISTANT EDITOR “What are ya goin’ to do with the rest of the day after that?” ERIN SOMERS At trade shows, I’ve seen marketing execs get calls on their cellulars from associates who cannot figure out how to make overseas EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS calls from their hotel rooms. And what about the crying calls from co-workers who cannot get a taxi? This is without taking into DIETER BROCKMEYER (GERMANY) consideration all the missed deadlines because people above cannot make up their minds. ENZO CHIARULLO We in the publishing world tend to value and appreciate the work of marketing execs. Personally I’d like to see more of them at MARINA DEL RIVERO trade shows because, more than anyone else, marketing people can save their companies lots of money. They know how to position JANET FINE CARLOS GUROVICH a product, how to evaluate the effectiveness of individual trade journals and how to leverage a show’s strengths. BOB JENKINS (U.K.) As a service to promo execs, I’d like to suggest a way to better allocate marketing budget money on the basis of the Audience AKIKO KOBAYACHI (JAPAN) Interest Factor (AIF) obtained at each market. AIF VALERIE MILANO is the percent of a trade show’s attendees who have LEVI SHAPIRO shown an interest in the company’s product. By DAVID SHORT (EASTERN EUROPE) knowing AIF one can more accurately predict their LIANNE STEWART exhibit-marketing results at a show. AIF was KATHY TRACY created by Dick Swandby, the now-retired founder CORPORATE AND of Red Bank, New Jersey-based Exhibit Surveys, CIRCULATION OFFICE Inc., a research firm specializing in trade show data. 216 EAST 75TH STREET According to Ian Sequeira, executive vp at Exhibit NEW YORK, NY 10021 Surveys, the average AIF rule of thumb for an TEL: (212) 288-3933 exhibitor with one type of product is 16 percent, FAX: (212) 734-9033 meaning that at a show such as MIP-TV with its 13,000 plus attendees, some 2,000 people have an PUBLISHER interest in the exhibitor’s product. Which, in our MONICA GORGHETTO case, represents about 52 percent of the people BUSINESS OFFICE listed by MIP-TV organizers as buyers. This factor, LEN FINKEL however, increases for companies with multiple LEGAL OFFICE products, like a studio, which could have an AIF of ROBERT ACKERMANN 50 percent. STEVE SCHIFFMAN Swandby also developed the “density” formula to WEB MANAGER determine the average number of attendees per 100 MIKE FAIVRE square feet (9.29 sq m) of exhibit space, which in effect determines floor traffic. A show with less than DESIGN/LAYOUT a 3.0 density factor has cause for concern. Exhibit CARMINE RASPAOLO Surveys’ Sequeira walked me through the complexity of calculating the density factor for MIP, which involves exhibition area (20,974 ILLUSTRATIONS sq m), daily and cumulative hours of exhibition time (nine and 44 hours, respectively) and total number of participants (13,000). BOB SCHOCHET According to his calculations, MIP’s density factor is 1.2, which is not too great but on par with larger shows such as NAB in Las Vegas. FOUNDED IN 1981 In this case, because MIP has a high AIF level, a low-density factor could be due to the various seminars that take participants MEMBER OF NBCA off the floor and to the conference rooms. (CIRCULATION)

The presence of marketing people at TV markets is important because some trade shows are ad-driven –– meaning they require VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 0278-5013 USPS 601-230) IS heavy trade advertising and promotion –– with little market costs (such as the L.A. Screenings and DISCOP) and others are stand- PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES A YEAR: JANUARY, FEBRUARY/MARCH, APRIL, driven like MIP and MIPCOM. However, according to a study by Exhibit Surveys, only 27 percent of trade show attendees MAY, JUNE/JULY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER. PLUS DAILIES BY TV TRADE MEDIA, INC. SINGLE COPY U.S.$9.75. remember the booth, while 54.8 percent remember the company name, which indicates that it is not savvy to spend lots of money YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION U.S.$45 (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO); U.S.$60 (U.K. on the booth and neglect advertising in order to save two to three percent of that particular trade show’s total budget. AND EUROPE). Finally, the presence of marketing people is now more important because there are so many new people coming out of the © TV TRADE MEDIA INC. 2008. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF VIDEO AGE INTERNATIONAL ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT IN THE U.S., U.K., AND woods. This is something difficult to explain to the old timers who are used to the usual faces that made up our industry when ALL COUNTRIES SIGNATORY TO THE BERNE CONVENTION AND THE it was simple. But now it takes an IBM mainframe computer just to keep track of Internet-rights buyers. Plus, just when one has PAN-AMERICAN CONVENTION. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO VIDEO developed a good database of potential clients, these leave the companies, never to be found again. AGE INTERNATIONAL, 216 EAST 75TH STREET, SUITE PW, NEW YORK, NY 10021, U.S.A. Implementing all new strategies and service tools to save money and to make trade shows more effective and efficient for their PURSUANT TO THE U.S. COPYRIGHTS ACT OF 1976, THE RIGHTS OF ALL companies is the job of marketing execs, especially now that trade shows are becoming more important than ever. Let’s not lose CONTENT DONE ON ASSIGNMENT FOR ALL VIDEOAGE PUBLICATIONS ARE sight of this. HELD BY THE PUBLISHER OF VIDEOAGE, WHICH COMMISSIONED THEM. Dom Serafini

36 VIDEO • AGE J UNE 2008 June Cover Ads.indd 3 5/15/08 5:48:46 PM June Cover Ads.indd 4 5/14/08 9:43:31 AM