ATF Buyer Profile: ABS-CBN’s Evelyn “Leng” Raymundo

PREMIUM: Filipino broadcaster ABS-CBN is on the lookout for formats, Asian dramas, movies and animation at the Asia TV Forum, according to Evelyn “Leng” Raymundo, the VP of program acquisition, distribution and DTT channels.

What have been some of your successful acquisitions recently?
Asian dramas with domestic themes or those targeting female housewives were successful acquisitions last year. They are long dramas which delivered good ratings but [were] acquired at a reasonable price, so it is sustainable.

ABS-CBN revamped its morning block by introducing two new dramas timeslots—one Asian and one local production. These new timeslots changed the landscape of TV morning viewing. Both are consistently number one in their respective timeslots. 

How much do you buy annually?
On a group level, for free-TV and pay-TV platforms, ABS-CBN has an average annual budget of $26 million for acquisitions covering dramas, formats, animation, lifestyle and entertainment programs, movies and sports.

What are the main genres you are acquiring?
We buy animation, Asian series, formats, specials and movies for the main FTV channel.

Are you acquiring formats from the international market?
ABS-CBN is home to the biggest franchises in formats. We just finished the tenth season of Big Brother this year, and X Factor season one. Deal or No Deal is a continuing series. The rest of the year will see MasterChef season two. Next year we are looking forward to Got Talent season four, Biggest Loser season two and the premiere of The Voice and Minute to Win It. 

Have your programming needs changed significantly over the past year?
For foreign acquisition, the requirements remain the same except that since our local dramas are exceptionally strong nationwide, especially during prime time, any foreign acquired content should be equally strong and compelling. 

What are some of the slots you currently need to fill?
We have recently opened a new timeslot in the morning for foreign dramas. Our other usual timeslots for foreign dramas are in the afternoon and prime time. We maintain three slots in the morning for animation/kids’ programming. Formats usually come in during the weekends to serve as special programming during prime time. 

Are you looking to co-produce with international broadcasters?
In 2008, we co-produced A Time for Us starring Filipino actor Jericho Rosales and Malaysian actress Carmen Soo together with Double Vision of Malaysia. There are plans to do more co-productions again in the near future for dramas, movies and animation.  

Do you see any major changes in your acquisitions remit in 2013?
At a time when our local productions are exceptionally strong, there is greater pressure to acquire programs which can deliver as strong engagement as our local lineup.

While there is no immediate monetization, new-media rights are becoming more important for us as ABS-CBN explores various ways to deliver content to viewers.

Are there particular types of shows you are eyeing at Asia TV Forum?
New program offerings for animation, movies, Asian dramas and formats for 2013.