Jane Root: How Big Can Documentaries Get?

CANNES: Jane Root, the CEO of Nutopia, the producer of HISTORY’s ambitious America: The Story of Us, delivered the keynote address that wrapped up MIPDoc in Cannes today, in a session moderated by Anna Carugati, the group editorial director of World Screen.

AETN International is launching the 12-hour series at MIPTV this week ahead of its April 25 U.S. premiere on HISTORY.

In her presentation, Root used the example of America: The Story of Us in an attempt to answer the question: "How big can and should documentary projects get?"

She also used the example of the relationship between MIPDoc and MIPTV—the intersection between small and niche, large and mass entertainment. "This intersection is my favorite place," she said. "It’s where I want Nutopia to thrive."

Root noted the number of hit U.S. shows today that originated in smaller markets. "There’s a genuine global exchange in formats and ideas going on," she said. "American TV has come along way in embracing the culture of intersection."

Root went on to reference two format-based shows that are faring well in the U.S. at the moment: Undercover Boss on CBS and Who Do You Think You Are, which was recently renewed by NBC. Neither seemed liked subjects that were obvious for U.S. networks, she said; one is a business show, the other about genealogy.

"That intersection is where we hope America: The Story of Us will play on HISTORY," Root continued, noting the efforts made over the course of production of the series to "make this really big." For example, in addition to reenactments and segments with historians, the series uses CGI to imagine what the past looks like, and sees famous citizens talking about what it means to be an American.

So how big can documentaries get? As big as possible, Root says. "Make new hybrids," she urged attendees. "Never be afraid to make it big. The rest of TV culture needs us to do it."

For a full recap of Root’s session and her Q&A with World Screen‘s Anna Carugati, see an upcoming edition of TV Real Weekly.