Josh Scherba

Senior VP, Distribution, DECODE Enterprises

What are some of your top properties for MIPTV? 
Our slate for MIPTV is a mix of new properties as well as new episodes of series which have already found success on international channels – our production houses here at DHX (DECODE Entertainment, Studio B and Halifax Film) have been busy winning recommissions for their shows, and it’s great to be able to offer international buyers a larger volume of hours of proven programming. We’re also striking a balance between preschool and programming for older kids, as well as animation and live action.
Brand new is art-based, CBC-commissioned preschool show Pirates! (36×11’) which is a fun show that teaches kids to be creative. Halifax Film has a great track record in producing preschool, having prior success with Animal Mechanicals and Bo On The Go! which we also represent worldwide, and we’re looking forward to presenting this new Halifax show to buyers in Cannes.
Martha Speaks (140×11’ or 70xh/h) from Studio B and WGBH is a series which has proven to be popular internationally so we are excited to be bringing a brand new season of 60 x 11’ to MIP. The first season has been acquired by many key broadcasters including CBBC, France 5, Nick Australia, and Discovery Kids Latin America among others and in the US it airs on PBS.
Live action tween series How To Be Indie from the Heroic Film Company in Canada (26 x h/h) has achieved major ratings on YTV in Canada and this success is translating into deals in many countries around the world. It’s a comedic series where the action is told through the eyes of 13-year-old Indie as she endeavours to balance the traditions of her South Asian family with her Western lifestyle.
That’s So Weird (13xh/h) is another series performing very well in Canada on YTV. It’s a new live action sketch comedy series from Halifax Film, which we are now beginning to roll out to international markets such as Australia and Latin America.
Also headlining our MIPTV slate is Dirtgirlworld (52×11’) from mememe productions in Australia and DECODE Entertainment. It’s a music-centric series for older preschoolers with an eco-message that encourages kids to get grubby exploring the natural world aided by dirtgirl, an orange-tractor driving, gumboot-wearing girl who grows tomatoes. The series is winning great ratings in the UK and Australia where it airs on CBBC and ABC respectively and we are now looking to roll it out to additional territories worldwide.

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?
These are all series that have come from production houses with a good track record in producing successful kids shows. In addition, it’s worth pointing out that a number of the series such as How to be Indie, That’s So Weird, Martha Speaks and dirtgirlworld are all still in production but have already been proven to connect with audiences and draw ratings in major territories. In other words they are new first run series but with less risk associated because of their track record. In the difficult financial climate we’re currently faced with, this is a big plus for buyers.

What are your goals and expectations for MIPTV?
Over the past six months we have seen steadily improving market conditions for international acquisitions and we are optimistic that this trend will continue at MIPTV. We’re looking forward to showcasing new shows and are excited to have a full slate of diverse series to meet the varying needs of our clients.