ATF Buyer Profile: ABS-CBN

PREMIUM: Leng Raymundo, the head of program acquisition, sales and distribution and DTT channels at Filipino broadcasting group ABS-CBN, is seeking out strong drama series, cost-efficient game shows and transformative reality, among other genres.

What have you required lately that has performed particularly well for you?
ABS-CBN continues to be the home of the biggest format franchises with the premiere season of The Voice of the Philippines this year. It was the country’s number one program nationwide and swept local social media trending topics. The show registered 30.3 percent in national TV ratings for its finale on September 29 (Kantar Media).

Bet On Your Baby, a recently launched format from Electus, is delivering strong ratings during weekends.

The ability to tailor-suit a format to the local needs and taste of the viewers is an important reason for these formats' success. Credit goes to our very competent programming and production team who are able to bring out the human side of formats, making them more relatable to the viewers.

How much do you buy annually?
ABS-CBN Group’s acquisitions budget is approximately $20 million annually for FTV, PTV, and our investments to our digital terrestrial TV platform. This covers dramas, formats, animation, lifestyle and entertainment programs, movies (local and foreign) and sports.

What are the main genres you are acquiring?
For the main free-TV channel, dramas, animation, formats (scripted and non-scripted), movies. For the pay-TV channels, sports, lifestyle and entertainment programs.

Have your programming needs changed significantly over the past year?
The priorities and themes which work for ABS-CBN have not changed. Strong dramas which feature empowering and inspiring contemporary stories of family, relationships and romantic love guarantee the highest ratings. There is preference for young and good looking actors. “Young love” continues to be a trend as evident in the strong ratings of our prime-time drama Got To Believe. The show features the hottest young teen stars of the Philippines today, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. Game shows that combine both skill and luck and are cost efficient to mount are preferred. Reality shows which are transformative and effectively show the journey of participants.

What are some of the slots you currently need to fill?
The programming schedule currently maintains an animation block, an Asian drama slot, game shows on weekdays and reality shows on weekends.

Are you looking to co-produce with international broadcasters?
Yes, we are definitely looking for opportunities in co-production. ABS-CBN has been approached before. The challenge is to find a concept which will work for the territories of both parties. We are not limiting it to mainstream projects on the broadcast space. There is recognition that the internet and digital space are great incubators for concepts which can traverse to broadcast or theatrical space.

ABS-CBN has recently announced that we are willing to work with content producers for new concepts which can be produced into new programs for both the free TV and online platforms.

Do you see any major changes in your acquisitions remit in 2014?
Digital initiatives are becoming increasingly important for ABS-CBN, as we look to launch our mobile platform soon. Programs which have organic extensions into the internet and digital space will be prioritized, and so are content which are produced exclusively for digital platforms.

Are there particular types of shows you're eyeing at Asia TV Forum?
Engaging formats and dramas will complement our programming slate. We are also here to close several deals in the market—both on the acquisition and international sales distribution side.