Tim Mutimer

SVP for Sales & Distribution, EMEA, BBC Worldwide

What are your top properties for MIPTV?
Luther, Human Planet, Married Single Other, Misfits, ZingZillas

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?
Each of the titles we are bringing to MIPTV offer foreign broadcasters and audiences something new, exciting and intriguing. With Luther it is a new take on the classic maverick detective. This 6 x 50” drama is a psychological crime thriller that is shot with cinematic brilliance. The series promises passion, drama and intrigue with stellar performances from a world-class cast led by Idris Alba (The Wire).
Human Planet offers a completely new take on Natural History programming. This is the first time the BBC’s NHU have turned their cameras on ourselves and explored the complexities and triumphs of the human existence. The co-production between the BBC, Discovery and France Televisions also features an original score by world-class composer Nitin Sawhney. Four years in production and filmed in 70 locations around the world, this series offers insight into the extraordinary ways the human race has adapted and thrived in even the toughest habitats.
Married Single Other explores the complexities of modern day relationships in this funny and touching series by Left Bank Pictures. The 6 x 50” series explores the lives and loves of three couples who struggle to preserve their relationships – whether they are married, single or other.
Misfits is like nothing else on television at the moment. E4’s runaway hit taps into the supernatural phenomenon that is proving popular around the globe. However, this is not your run of the mill superpower programme. The five kids are extremely unlikely superheroes who inherit their powers from a freak explosion while they are starting their community service punishment.
A refreshing new pre-school programme, ZingZillas is a musical show produced in-house by CBeebies for the BBC. Set to become the new name in
music for the under-6s, the show follows the musical adventures of the primate band mates. With its Spring 2010 launch, ZingZillas will have pre-schoolers across the country rocking, jumping and jiving to a new beat.

What are your goals and expectations for MIPTV?
We have just concluded a hugely successful BBC Showcase so I am very optimistic about MIPtv. More than 500 buyers from all over the world came to our annual market in February and we have already concluded some fantastic deals and will use our meetings in Cannes to conclude more. If Showcase is any indicator for MIP then I think we will continue to have a great deal of interest in our new titles, not just the ones I have mentioned but also the hotly anticipated Sherlock starring Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch for BBC One later this year. The most played fictional detective has been given a contemporary makeover and promises to enthral and entertain new audiences. We also have some fantastic factual titles such as the Louis Theroux documentaries on Lagos and Medicated Kids.