ATF Buyer Profile: Universal Networks International

PREMIUM: Marianne Lee, the director of programming and acquisitions at Universal Networks International in Asia, shares her buying strategy for DIVA, Universal Channel and Syfy.

What are the main genres you are acquiring?
DIVA Universal delivers great drama, be it scripted or non-scripted, targeted at the modern female working adult. Programming includes relationship dramas (Smash, Suits, The Good Wife), procedural dramas (Rookie Blue) and reality with a competition element (Top Chef, My Kitchen Rules).

Universal Channel brings viewers character-driven series with big personalities in rich plotlines. Programming for the channel includes procedurals where the central characters are the key hook of the show (Grimm, House) and character comedy built around relatable situations (Whitney, The Office).

Syfy offers entertainment in a wide range of imagination-driven genres, from the supernatural, mystery, the paranormal to fantasy, action adventure and reality. We acquire original series and reality (Alphas, Haven, Sinbad), to original Syfy movies and adventure and fantasy programming.

Are you doing pan-regional versions of any international formats?
In 2012 we created the first international version of NBCUniversal Television Production’s Hot Guys Who Cook format, which first aired in the U.S. We are on the constant lookout for fresh and contemporary formats that would appeal to the audiences in Asia.

Have your programming needs changed significantly over the past year?
We continue to invest in high quality original content as that’s what ultimately drives audiences to the channels. Unique content with greater digital properties will be useful to market the programs.

What are some of the slots you currently need to fill?
Unscripted, scripted and movies.

Do you see any major changes in your acquisitions remit in 2013?
Great entertainment that can engage and appeal to local viewers will always be of interest.

Are there particular types of shows you’re eyeing at Asia TV Forum?
With our bouquet of entertainment channels, we have the luxury of buying a wide variety of shows. The challenging part is to ensure the shows will best engage local audiences.