Jan Salling

Head, Sales & Business Development, Banijay International

Have you seen signs of recovery in Central and Eastern Europe?
We have seen many signs of positive talking – but we are waiting for the spending to start. However we are optimistic that this change is about to happen – I guess they also need to see the money from increased advertising sales in their accounts before they can begin acquiring international programming at higher levels. But at the least the good will is there.

Have you noticed your business in the region strengthen due to an increase in channels?
The increase in channels hasn’t made a huge impact on revenues – but there is definitely more interest in international programming from all over the region. We believe this reflects an overall positive attitude and is sign of future deals to come.

How has your business been overall in Central and Eastern Europe?
Like everyone else we have had limited format sales success in Central and Eastern Europe in 2009. However this has been compensated by an increase in finished programme sales to the region.

What genres have been the strongest performers from your catalogue in the region?
Any genre with a glossy high-quality look – that can be produced for a limited budget – will succeed there right now. And if it has some kind of revenue stream built in or if it comes with a natural sponsor possibility – this will all add to the sales potential. Our new entertainment reality format – which we launched at MIP My Parents are Gonna Love You – has already been picked up in Romania and Ukraine and has sparked a lot of other interest throughout the Eastern European and Baltic region.

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 will be highlighting our Finished programming line-up from Bunim-Murray in the US (A Banijay company). With a special attention on “Love Games” (8 episodes on Oxygen), “Dr Steve-O” (7 episodes on USA Network), “One Ocean View” (6 Episodes on ABC) and “Styl`d” (8 episodes on MTV USA).

Besides this we a have a very strong line-up of brand new and successful formats with “My Parents Are Gonna Love You” topping the list.

Is there anything else that you can share about your plans in the region and/or focus for DISCOP?
Discop is a definitely a market that we are focusing on in 2010. We are optimistic that the much talked of upturn in business in the region is about to happen and we want to be top of mind and first choice to all major players there.