Telewizja Polska

September 23, 2009 World Screen
Szymon Pawlowski
Deputy Director, Program Acquisitions & Sales, International Affairs
 
 

What are some of your top properties for MIPCOM?

 

The Saga of an Ancient Forest is the first in Telewizja Polska history 10 episodes series describing still wild nature in Central and Eastern Europe. The Bialowieza region is the last remains of the low-land forests which used to cover the entire continent of Europe. In the area between Poland and Belarus, everyone will touch his own roots, see the primeval fauna and flora created by the Nature itself.
To present this wonderful story, the filmmakers used sophisticated shooting techniques, consciously ignoring computerized effects. It is with nature sounds that they complete the reflective character of the whole, building up emotions with calls of animals and a sophisticated music, rarely using the voice of the narrator.
 
The Last Action is a dynamic and entertaining comedy, full of action and the final that no one expects. The best maintained in a climate of films of Guy Ritchie and such hits as Ocean’s 11. Told with an extraordinary sense of humor, history of a grandfather who intends to draw his grandson from the so-called oppression.
 
The Scratch is deeply touching psychological family drama, resembling in terms of its atmosphere the films by Ingmar Bergman. A couple, Joanna and Jan have been living together happily for many years. Suddenly something casts a shadow over their relationship, something going back many years, to the times before they had met—the scratch on the shiny surface. The scratch on their relationship is Jan’s supposed collaboration with secret police in the 1950’s and consisted of informing on Joanna’s father. Like a returning wave that original sin hits their marriage, weakening and destroying it.
 
Polish Fairy Tales: This universal, extremely educational and entertaining, but totally violence-free series has achieved triumphs at international festivals (Golden World Medal at the 47th New York Festivals). We can simultaneously praise ourselves for the promising sales results—children from the Middle East and will get to watch the program soon.
 
The Secrets of the Nile Valley: The film reveals the history of ancient cultures as well as the life of contemporary inhabitants of the Nile Valley—the area known as the birthplace of civilization. It’s a fascinating journey along the Nile from Khartoum to Alexandria. The expedition into the depths of time, tracing the imprints left on history by legendary kingdoms and lost civilizations.
 
In three episodes the film presents sensational discoveries made by Polish archaeologists, who have been working in Sudan and Egypt for half a century.
 
 

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?

 

We are proud to offer good quality brand new films that have already achieved a spectacular success among Polish and international audiences. We are offering good movies for the most acceptable price.
 
 

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

 

In recent years, we have been observing huge interest in the main three branches: nature and history documentaries, series and feature films.
Most of our customers are looking for medium or high budged products that may fit into their market and the ones that would be recognizable by audience as fresh and valuable.
 
Second bestseller branch is series and features: especially crime: The Officer three seasons, social: Londoners, family: Giraffe and Rhino Hotel and war: The Days of Honour. This pack is already admired by all European countries and compared to well known American series. The Last Action is a feature, action comedy that will be presented for the first time at MIPCOM.
 
Regarding family productions unquestionable hit of the last few years is The Magic Tree series by Andrzej Maleszka. In 2007, the series received the famous Emmy award and started to become one of icons of Polish Family cinema. What is more, the feature film of the Magic Tree is ready for the new season and it has already been playing an important role among European products for young audience all over the world.
 
As for animations the customers will find cute little blue Fantazy Bear; best for its form and history. We are sure that Fantazy Bear will remain deep in the hearts of children for a long time. It has already been adored by children from countries of former Yugoslavia, Middle East, South America and Western Europe.
 
Among docs, the greatest attention draws the international co-production, such as Saga on Ancient Forest, The Secrets of the Nile Valley and Discovering the Vatican. Two of these titles have just been sold to more than 10 countries all over the world. The Secrets of the Nile Valley is a brand-new high-quality series that will be presented first time this year at MIPCOM.
 
Finally, there was no bigger hit in Polish cinematography than Katyń by Andrzej Wajda; it was sold to more than 60 countries all over the world.
 
 

What are your goals and expectations MIPCOM?

 

 Obviously, there is a huge difference between how the market and deal looked like some years ago and how it looks like nowadays. There are more and more channels, both traditional and web-based ones, which mean more windows and more possibilities for sales.
We have high hopes for VOD distribution, which is growing rapidly together with the increasing number of users of digital platforms and digital cable subscribers. Faster and cheaper Internet access helps, too. We would also like to extend our business services in developing countries of Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America.
 
 

Is there any other information you would like to share regarding your plans for MIPCOM?

In fact, cutting costs is just inevitable. Budget plans are still important, or even more important than they used to be. It means that more flexibility and understanding become essential while negotiating the deals with trusted partners during tough times to come.