Factual Finds at DISCOP

A number of distributors heading to Budapest for DISCOP are betting on reality series, lifestyle programs, documentaries and other nonfiction content to attract buyers.

So far in 2011, A+E Networks has seen increased activity and interest from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), having closed volume deals in Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine. “Our overall success across CEE has been with a mixture of traditional historical programming (Ancient Discoveries, Clash of the Gods), conflict (WWII Lost Films, Battles BC), Biography episodes and two-hour HISTORY specials,” says Jo Lovell, the director of program sales for Europe. “Additionally, we’ve also seen a shift towards more character-driven series like Pawn Stars, Ice Road Truckers and Storage Wars.” A+E is hoping to continue its sales momentum with the real-life series Beyond Scared Straight and Heavy, the entertainment show Seriously Funny Kids and the documentary Gettysburg.

Passion Distribution also reports solid business across CEE, with a slate of new lifestyle, fashion and doc series to present to buyers in the region. “For the past 12 months, looking at the number of hours that we’ve licensed, it’s been a very good market,” says Beatrice Rossmanith, regional sales manager. “We’ve got really solid relationships in Poland, Russia, Hungary, and at this market I’ll be focusing on Ukraine, Romania and other territories that are picking up.” Rossmanith will be showcasing the DIY show Over Your Head, a lifestyle series with a practical edge, as well as Meteorite Men, taking viewers on a scientific treasure hunt. Quirky, a Sharp Entertainment production for Sundance Channel, spotlights a business dedicated to unique technology innovation. Also for Sundance Channel, Unleashed by Garo follows a couture fashion designer who enables his clients to unlock their true selves. Supersize Grime, produced for Channel 5, looks at filth and grime on an industrial scale.

Character-driven reality shows and entertainment-led content are two genres Cineflix International believes CEE buyers are looking for, says Caroline Schroeter, regional sales manager. “We have recently launched several fresh, edgy and entertaining shows and formats, including Instant Cash, In-Law Wedding Wars and Cash & Cari, which I believe have great potential in Central and Eastern Europe.” Other highlights are the house-renovation format My Dream Home and the high-concept documentary Dambusters. Formats are a new focus for Cineflix, notes Schroeter, and the company will be exploring the area further at DISCOP. “The economic downturn took its toll on CEE, as it did everywhere,” she says, “but there are still great business opportunities in the region, especially in terms of format sales. The CEE territories are eager for content with a national flavor and identity—and we believe that many of Cineflix International’s shows…offer the perfect solution.”

Documentaries about current events are often in demand, and the recent nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton is one such topic sure to drum up interest. The royal wedding thrust Kate Middleton’s sister, Pippa, into the public spotlight. Target Entertainment is offering In Search of Pippa Middleton, a documentary that tells her story. The factual-entertainment series What Did I Do Last Night shines a light on the drinking habits of seemingly “normal” drinkers. Target is betting on these titles to bolster the success the company has had in the region. “CEE is a key market for Target Entertainment, and we have seen huge growth in the region in the last 12 months,” says Kanwal Hayer, regional senior sales executive. “This is something we intend to build on in the future.”

While Mediaset Distribution has been successful for some time with its fiction series, Manuela Caputi, the international sales manager, says the company is looking forward to presenting clients with lifestyle fare at this market. “For the first time ever we are able to bring our lifestyle programming, with topics for which Italy is famous worldwide like cooking and fashion,” notes Caputi. Beyond Fashion looks at trends, events, and what’s new in fashion, design, cars, art and architecture. Italian Cooking Presto teaches viewers ideas for simple and tasty traditional Italian dishes.

Lifestyle is also on the slate for Beyond Distribution. Debbie Travis has fronted a number of home-improvement shows that have made their way across Europe, and Beyond is hoping this will help drive sales on the new series All for One with Debbie Travis. “In the new series, we see Debbie relying on volunteers to complete a home-renovation project for a community hero, and the result is both humorous and heartwarming,” says Karen Connell, the VP of regional sales. “We’ve had a terrific response to The Hunks from Scandinavia post-MIPTV and we feel both the U.K. version and format will perform well throughout Central and Eastern Europe,” continues Connell. Other highlights for Beyond’s DISCOP slate include Rodeo: Life on the Circuit, which Connell says is “action-packed and full of excitement while remaining family friendly.” I Don’t Have Time for This tells the story of young women building their lives despite challenges thrown their way.