Elizabeth Guider Reports: Buyer Feedback on SPT, NBCU Slates

PREMIUM: New procedurals from Sony Pictures Television and NBCUniversal were given high marks by several buyers as they near the end of the screenings in Los Angeles.

After sessions on the Sony lot, multiple buyers throughout the week have told World Screen Newsflash that procedurals are the best bet for their linear channels back home and thus are pleased that Sony scored with a pick-up on NBC of spin-off Blacklist: Redemption, while several other acquisitions execs over at Universal have given high marks to the fourth installment of Dick Wolf’s Windy City-set dramas, Chicago Justice.

Moreover, a number of buyers pointed to this or that “little gem,” as one called them, that they will earmark for discussion once back home.

“Start-Up for Sony’s digital platform Crackle was really good,” suggested Anette Romer, the head of acquisitions and formats at Denmark’s TV2. The hour is set in Miami and toplines Martin Freeman of Fargo and Sherlock fame.

And at Universal several buyers, from Britain, Scandinavia and Asia, all averred Thursday over lunch that Falling Water, from producer Gale Anne Hurd, had something “really haunting and arresting,” in the words of one. The psychological drama is from the late Henry Bromell and will air on USA Network.

All in all, no buyer expressed dismay or disdain for any major studio’s offerings, on or off-the-record, though few were willing to hazard a sole standout.

“Overall this has been a satisfactory Screenings, albeit lacking particular peaks or troughs,” said Mediaset’s head of acquisitions, Zelda Stewart. (She did single out Lethal Weapon for praise, which she called a really funny show.)

“At Mediaset we need another House or Grey’s Anatomy for our flagship Canale 5 or a show that changes the game the way CSI did,” she added. “And, please Hollywood: can we forget about time travel for the next decade?!”

Italy’s Mediaset has historically been a major buyer of U.S. series and movies, mainly through output or volume deals with the majors.

“I’d say this year represents solid offerings, there being something good at practically every studio,” said Mike Sneesby, the CEO of Australia’s year-old digital player Stan. Backed by Channel Nine and Fairfax, his service launched with American fare like Billions and Better Call Saul, and will be picking up other new titles via its SVOD deals with several U.S. studios, Showtime and Sony, among them.

“I think it’s indisputable that the investment in creative writers, directors and producers is at an all-time high in Hollywood, and visible on the screen,” said Keith Le Goy, the president of international distribution at SPT. “Binge-viewing, for example, suggests a level of engagement with TV product we’ve not ever seen before.”

Of Sony’s current crop of pick-ups, Le Goy emphasized the commitment by the relevant networks (who share the rights) to making them work on air. The sitcom Kevin Can Wait is slotted right behind number one comedy The Big Bang Theory on CBS. The aforementioned Redemption has landed the prized (albeit competitive) slot of Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC. Notorious slips into the 9 p.m. Scandal slot on the ABC’s Thursday lineup.

While very happy with the number of pilot pick-ups achieved this go-round, Le Goy said there is a corporate strategy at his company to “continue to grow” series commitments on broadcast television. He also suggested that several other pilots or projects, including one called Cruel Intentions, are still in consideration for greenlights over the summer.

Meanwhile, over at the Universal backlot, Belinda Menendez, the president of NBCUniversal International Distribution and Universal Networks International, told World Screen Newsflash that the company’s procedurals—including the brand-new Criminal Justice and Midnight, Texas—appeal to a broad audience and continue to perform very well internationally, whereas serialized series tend to drive pay TV and SVOD.”

International buyers, she added, are also drawn to “well-established brands and existing IP as these series come with a built-in awareness and fan base. The key is to stand out from the crowd with quality writing, compelling characters and great visuals.”

The Screenings wrap on Friday, though a few buyers said they would be staying for additional meetings into the weekend.