Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios

September 23, 2009 World Screen
Gary Marenzi
President, Worldwide Television
 
 

What are some of your top properties for MIPCOM?

 

SGU, Pink Panther & Pals, The L-Word, Quantum of Solace and James Bond features, The Cabin in the Woods and MGM’s new feature slate.
 
 

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?

 

These are established franchises with recognizable stars and expanded appeal beyond just niche audiences. SGU re-invents the Stargate franchise and becomes accessible to fans beyond its traditional sci-fi base. The Pink Panther is iconic and welcome wherever he goes! The L-Word has built momentum and heat as it goes, and now the entire series is ready to take its place as a perennial favorite. And what would the world be without Bond, James Bond?!?
 
 

What are some of the trends you’re currently seeing in this market?

 

Buyers are more selective than ever, but they still need to compete for top programming. Quality library continues to provide good value for broadcasters and cable channels by drawing consistent audience ratings. Established programming franchises are more important than ever in breaking through the clutter, and they give a channel an advantage in the battle for the viewers’ attention. Notwithstanding the economic downturn, channels are still launching all over the world and creating new programming opportunities. And we’ve only just begun to see the growth of electronic-sell-through, IPTV and other forms of digital media in most of the world’s major markets, so there will be lots of frenetic activity in those areas.
 
 

What are your goals and expectations MIPCOM?

 

To continue to do what we’ve always done: work closely with our customers to meet their needs. With over 4,000 titles to work with, we have a one-stop solution to just about every programming challenge. We also want to show the global broadcasting community that SGU is “not your father’s Stargate,” that with Robert Carlyle, Lou Diamond Phillips and Ming Na in the leads, this is a star- and character-driven action drama that is accessible to a new generation of viewers. It’s always a great market to cover a lot of territory in just a few days, and we always look forward to it.