Avi Armoza

CEO, Armoza Formats

Have you seen signs of recovery in Central and Eastern Europe?

Armoza Formats has always enjoyed a fruitful relationship with CEE countries. It’s a young and enthusiastic television region eagerly and open in their search for great shows from around the world. During the economic crisis, we did notice a significant downturn in the industry, but we’re pleased to say that it seems as though the CEE is on the upswing, that it’s re-strengthening and gaining back its enthusiasm and momentum.

Have you noticed your business in the region strengthen due to an increase in channels?

How has your business been overall in Central and Eastern Europe (and what territories have been strong in particular)?
Overall, in the five years that Armoza Formats has been selling to the CEE, our business has increased noticeably and significantly. From the start it was a great region for us sales-wise and as far as their enthusiasm for our formats. Each year we are continuing to see an increase in the opportunities there. It’s a dynamic market – the major players shift and give rise to new companies and channels, which provide a constant flow of new outlet opportunities. It’s a young, growing market, with room within its indigenous creative infrastructure for the incorporation of outside material, and for a distribution company it’s a great place to work.

Poland and Romania have always been strong-performing territories for Armoza Formats. We have seen several local versions of shows from our catalogue produced and broadcasted there, including THE BUBBLE, game show UPGRADE, dating shows FOREPLAY and APPROVED FOR LOVE, and financial coaching show OVERDRAFT FAMILY.

We have also had success in Lithuania with OVERDRAFT FAMILY and TASTE CASE.

What genres have been the strongest performers from your catalogue in the region? 

We have seen success with hosted shows in the CEE. All of the above are hosted.

What are some of the titles you’re highlighting for DISCOP and why do you think these will be particularly appealing for the buyers?
We’ll be highlighting the new titles that we launched at MIP –
– Cross-platform reality format THE FRAME
– Reality game show EXTREME WEDDING ALBUM
– Game show THE COMMON DENOMINATOR
– And our newest drama, THE RAN QUADRUPLETS.

Following exciting news about new commissions and broadcasts, we’ll also be highlighting THE BUBBLE (BBC2 UK, SVT Sweden, Ned3 Holland), COMEDIANS AT WORK and UPGRADE, currently on air in Romania.

Is there anything else that you can share about your plans in the region and/or focus for DISCOP?

Yes – ARMOZA FORMATS is pleased to announce a new partnership with HBO CENTRAL EUROPE on the Israeli drama format, WHEN SHALL WE KISS. HBO-CE will develop the series into local versions in the group deal, which includes several CEE territories.