Baywatch, Brenda Blethyn, U.S. Deals, Trends

The London TV Screenings have once again proven to be a major event in the television industry, with stars like Bella Ramsey, Brenda Blethyn, Shemar Moore, and Catherine Zeta Jones gracing the screens with their presence. The latest titles from creators of popular shows like “Adolescence,” “Lupin,” “Narcos,” and “Ozark” have also added to the excitement of this year’s edition. According to Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, the increasing attendance at the London TV Screenings reflects the growing demand for premium storytelling across all genres.

Despite the success of the London TV Screenings, the industry is facing challenges in a market disrupted by major mergers and acquisitions, as well as the fast evolution of business models driven by platforms like YouTube, AI, and microdramas. However, the event still managed to draw a large crowd this year, with 10 key takeaways from the intense week-long event.

One of the highlights of this year’s London TV Screenings was the surge in attendance, with record numbers reported at events like Banijay Entertainment’s Showcase and All3Media Intl. showcase. The event has become a crucial platform for buyers to discover new content and highlights the best of what the UK TV industry has to offer.

The disruption caused by Netflix’s withdrawal from the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery has raised concerns among international distributors, who fear the impact on potential buyers and co-producers in the industry. The uncertainty surrounding mergers like the potential Banijay-All3Media fusion has left industry professionals focused on their immediate tasks of buying and selling.

In terms of content, the London TV Screenings have confirmed trends seen in recent years, with a focus on shows that can reach a wide audience and drive conversations. Big IPs, strong storytelling, and captivating content continue to be in demand, with shows like “Kill Jackie” and “Baywatch” generating buzz among buyers.

In the unscripted genre, scalable franchises that can appeal to both local broadcasters and global streamers are dominating the format landscape. Reality staples like “Big Brother” and “Temptation Island” are still performing well, while emerging hits like “The 50” and “Let’s Play Ball” are gaining traction with buyers.

On the drama front, shows like “The Neighbourhood,” “Two Weeks in August,” and “Tip Toe” have garnered positive feedback at the London TV Screenings. With big names attached to projects like “Baywatch” and “Kill Jackie,” the event has showcased a diverse range of high-quality dramas that are sure to attract viewers.

Asia’s presence at the London TV Screenings was notable, with countries like Japan, Korea, and China making their mark on the event. The pivot towards European co-development and distribution partnerships, as well as the influence of Chinese companies in the industry, highlights the global nature of the television market and the importance of international collaboration.

Overall, the London TV Screenings have once again proven to be a must-attend event for industry professionals looking to discover the latest in premium storytelling and innovative content. With a focus on quality programming and exciting new projects, the event continues to be a key driver of the global television industry. China’s COL Group International made a significant announcement at the market by revealing their coordinated global microdrama network. This network expansion included an increase in their catalogue to over 1,700 titles, in collaboration with regional partners. This move showcased not just the selling of shows, but the development of production ecosystems, IP pipelines, and long-term collaboration strategies. On the other hand, India maintained a more modest presence at the market and did not feature prominently on major stages or headline panels.

The shift towards seeking co-productions in countries like Canada and Australia was evident at the London TV Screenings. Companies are adapting to the changing landscape by focusing on co-producing or pre-selling shows to navigate challenges in the traditional markets like the U.S. Notable examples from the event include A3Media Intl.’s “Careless,” which was created for Channel 4 in the UK and Australia’s Stan, and Federation Intl.’s “Dustfall,” a collaboration between ABC TV, BBC, and Germany’s ZDF. These partnerships are not only expanding the reach of the shows but also promoting talent on a global scale.

In the documentary sector, a sense of resilience was observed at the London Screenings. With budget cuts affecting streamers and pay-TV, factual distributors are turning towards public broadcasters and international collaborations to sustain projects. The emphasis on international co-productions has become crucial for the survival of factual storytelling in a tightening funding landscape.

Several buzz titles captured attention at the event, including franchise spin-off “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” Beta Film’s “Maxima” Season 2, and Welsh thriller “Deadpoint.” Additionally, shows like “Dustfall,” “Pierre,” and “Number One Fan” garnered interest from audiences and industry professionals alike.

Microdramas were a significant highlight at the market, with a panel discussing the evolving landscape of these short-form dramas. The shift towards marketing-heavy budgets and the expansion into genres like thrillers and true crime was noted by industry experts. The rise of microdramas aligns with the increasing consumption of video content on smartphones, highlighting the need for producers to adapt to changing viewing habits.

Several deals were announced at the event, including the sale of “This City Is Ours” to AMC Networks for the U.S., the launch of ITVS’s Studio 55 aimed at digital-first creators, and Fremantle’s scaling of the music game show “Hitster.” Additionally, BritBox acquired the U.S. streaming rights to Banijay’s “A Woman of Substance,” and All3Media International made pre-sales for “Gone” in various territories.

Overall, the London TV Screenings showcased the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, with a focus on international collaborations, innovative storytelling, and the adaptation to changing viewer preferences. Asian players and global networks are leading the way in expanding the reach of content and fostering creative partnerships across borders. The new “Bergerac” series has taken a different approach by focusing on one character-led murder mystery that spans across all six episodes, rather than having a new storyline for each episode. This modern re-imagining of the classic show promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow the twists and turns of the overarching mystery.

In other television news, Hudson Williams, known for his role in “Heated Rivalry,” has joined the cast of the mystery thriller series “Yaga” alongside Carrie-Anne Moss and Noah Reid. The show, which has been presented at the London TV Screenings by Sphere Abacus, is sure to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline.

Meanwhile, Beta Film has announced the expansion of the Dutch Royalty-inspired series “Maxima” with a spin-off titled “The Other Royals.” This new addition to the franchise is set to delve deeper into the world of royalty and intrigue.

COL Group International, based in Singapore, has revealed its plans to expand its global microdrama catalogue to over 1,700 titles. This cross-continental distribution structure aims to bring a diverse range of content to audiences around the world.

PBS Distribution has acquired the U.S. rights to “Trespasses” and “I Fought the Law,” two new series featuring talented actors such as Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, Gillian Anderson, and Sheridan Smith. These shows promise to offer gripping storylines and compelling performances.

Beta Film has also secured international sales for the British hit series “Patience,” with deals spanning across 100 territories worldwide. The show, which has been picked up by networks such as AMC Networks, ABC, and BBC Brit, is set to reach a global audience.

ZDF Studios has obtained sales rights for “Ancient Superstructures” Season 4, which showcases the completion of the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This visually stunning series is sure to captivate viewers with its exploration of historical landmarks.

Banijay Rights has partnered with the BBC on the docuseries “The Clickbait Clinic With Stacey Dooley,” which delves into the world of social media health advice. The show aims to question the validity of popular health trends and offers a fresh perspective on wellness.

Fremantle has collaborated with Tokyo Broadcasting System on the wacky comedy competition “Special Delivery,” promising a unique and entertaining viewing experience. This partnership highlights the global appeal of innovative television formats.

France TV Distribution has introduced the period drama-thriller “Sorority,” a compelling story set in Paris in 1889. The series follows three women as they navigate a male-dominated world, offering a fresh take on historical drama.

“The Traitors” has achieved a milestone with 40 format adaptations in various territories, including new partnerships in Asia and Europe. The success of the series highlights its universal appeal and engaging storyline.

Beta Film has boarded the premium crime drama “Ludwig,” which explores the mysterious death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Produced by W&B Television for German broadcaster ARD, the show promises to offer a gripping portrayal of historical events.

Lastly, the Japanese comedy hit “You Laugh You Lose” has received global recognition as Banijay Entertainment acquires format rights from creator Yoshimoto Kogyo. This humorous series is set to entertain audiences around the world with its lighthearted and engaging content.

In conclusion, the television industry continues to evolve with new and exciting content that captivates audiences across the globe. From gripping murder mysteries to historical dramas and comedy hits, there is a diverse range of shows to suit every viewer’s taste. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements in the world of television entertainment.