Eric Vernière

Eric Vernière
VP, International Sales
France Télévisions Distribution

With a constant supply of programming from channels operated by the public broadcaster France Télévisions, its parent company, France Télévisions Distribution has amassed a catalogue of some 5,000 hours across a range of genres: "Documentary, fiction, animation, game shows and formats," says Eric Vernière, the company’s VP of international sales. "We have an incredible variety and launch approximately 100 hours of new programs each year."

Vernière stresses the depth and breadth of the company’s slate, with "big budget event prime-time documentary series" such as Apocalypse, The Second World War, alongside historical and contemporary drama, animated series and game shows.

While the portfolio is varied, Vernière notes that about half of the catalogue is factual fare, with drama accounting for 30 percent, and kids, game shows and other genres making up the remaining 20 percent.

In terms of documentaries, Vernière says that the company is keen pursue more alliances like the one it has with Japan’s NHK. "We have been distributing NHK event documentaries in Europe for years, and we intend to develop this kind of relationship with other international networks."

Building out the animation slate is also a priority, he says. "We are in the process of [taking on the rights to] very strong series, still in production, both from confirmed and up-and-coming producers."

At MIPTV, France Télévisions Distribution’s sales team will be showcasing new offerings such as season three of Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s landmark Earth From Above, the NHK and France 5 co-production Moon the Great Impact—which features HD footage from the Japanese Kaguya satellite—a series of historical prime-time feature films in The Days That Made History collection, animated fare like The Podcats and the game shows Letters and Numbers and My Family vs the Nation.

"Most of these programs are produced and even commissioned by France Télévisions’ channels not only with an ambition of success in France but with the specificities of international broadcasters in mind," says Vernière, who has been with the company since 2006. Having got his start in the industry in theatrical distribution in France, working with Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Vernière relishes the collaborative nature of international TV distribution. He says he most enjoys "working with the producers, and reaching this moment when you feel you are working in partnership with the buyers."

Click to view a clip of Apocalypse, The Second World War.