ATF Buyer Profile: Universal Networks International’s David Gunson

November 23, 2011 World Screen Top Stories
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PREMIUM: As the VP of channels for Southeast Asia at Universal Networks International, David Gunson is keeping an eye out for quality content to “fit the DNA” of brands such as Syfy, DIVA Universal and E!

What are you looking for across the UNI portfolio of brands?
Our bouquet of entertainment brands—Universal Channel, Syfy, DIVA Universal, E!, Style and The Golf Channel—have well-defined channel environments that viewers recognize for [their] great entertainment value. We are always on the lookout for quality content that fits the DNA of these channel brands as our viewers have come to expect that they can tune in to our channels and find something that they like at all times.
 
What have been some of your most successful acquisitions recently?
DIVA Universal’s top shows are: Merlin, Covert Affairs, Fairly Legal, The Biggest Loser Asia, Law & Order: SVU, Top Chef and The Good Wife. Downton Abbey also has a strong following particularly in Singapore. Universal Channel’s top shows: Flashpoint and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Syfy’s top shows are: Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files, Haven, Destination Truth and Sanctuary. E!’s top shows are: Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Khloe & Lamar, E! News, E! News Asia and Kourtney & Kim. Style’s top shows: Ruby, Giuliana & Bill, Clean House, Jerseylicious, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Tia & Tamera, How Do I Look? and Whose Wedding is it Anyway?
 
What are the main genres you are acquiring?
We are investing in must-watch, first-run content on our bouquet of channel brands. For DIVA Universal, this includes highly successful dramas that are current with strong leading ladies. For Universal Channel, our audience continues to love character-driven comedies and dramas as well as crime series. We are expanding our Syfy genre to incorporate ‘live’ web-driven talk shows that are current and up-to-date and are also looking for the latest imagination-driven content as well as original formats. For E!, we continue to acquire the latest reality programming and original formats that’s all about entertainment and celebrities. Style has delivered on strong lifestyle and makeover shows to Asia audiences.
 
What are some of the slots you’re currently looking to fill?
Primetime and weekends.
 
What kinds of formats are you looking for?
Smart and sassy dramas; fun-filled and glamorous reality series; inspiring makeover and home improvement programming; and the latest must-watch Syfy shows. 
 
Are you interested in co-production opportunities?
We are always interested in co-production and format franchise opportunities. DIVA Universal delved into local production in 2009 with the Asian format of weight-loss reality show, The Biggest Loser Asia to great success.
 
Is there anything specific you’re looking for at ATF?
Quality Asian productions.