World Screen Video Interview: Remy Blumenfeld

NEW YORK: In this video interview, Remy Blumenfeld, the director of formats at ITV Studios, expresses high hopes for a new format, Coach Trip, as well as ITV’s new partnership with Hunan TV in China.

ITV Studios has increased its portfolio of international format commissions by 42 percent over the last 12 months, under the leadership of Blumenfeld. At MIPTV, the company was not only offering buyers the hits Come Dine with Me and Four Weddings, but also three new major formats, The Door, Popstar to Operastar and Kitchen Burnout. Blumenfeld believes that for a format to travel internationally, it must have at its core a few key ingredients. First, it is must be very clear from its title or a simple one-line description what the format is about. And secondly, it must be relatable, so whether viewers are in New York, London or Beijing, they must be able to relate to the show and think, “This could be me” or “I wish that were me.”