Sovtelexport has been representing Russia\u2019s largest media company, Russia Television and Radio, in the international content distribution market for over 20 years. \u201cMajor industry players trust our vast experience in the field and impeccable reputation,\u201d says Julia Matyash, director of Sovtelexport. \u201cOur wide multi-genre catalog filled with high-quality content allows us to know what project to offer to every single one of our numerous partners in order to meet their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite what was a challenging year for the media industry, Sovtelexport managed to increase its sales rate in 2020 by 87 percent. It did so through a combination of optimizing its distribution strategy for the online markets and bolstering its promotional activities.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe pandemic situation worldwide has crucially changed the process of communication with our clients; however, it did not drastically affect buyers\u2019 needs,\u201d Matyash says. \u201cBuyers, as before, are looking for high-quality content, and demand for a certain genre depends on the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says that family entertainment is particularly appreciated at the moment: \u201cIt is a global trend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Action and sci-fi programs remain popular, and Sovtelexport is fielding requests for stories with a criminal component.<\/p>\n
Period dramas and adaptations of classics have long been hallmarks of Russia Television and Radio\u2019s catalog, and both are performing well on the international stage. Highlights on offer from Sovtelexport include the period-set Ekaterina <\/em>and Ekaterina. Pretenders<\/em>, Sophia<\/em> and Godunov<\/em>. Film versions of internationally acclaimed Russian classics include The<\/em> Idiot<\/em> by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anna Karenina<\/em>by Leo Tolstoy, Fathers and Sons<\/em> by Ivan Turgenev, And Quiet Flows the Don<\/em> by Mikhail Sholokhov and The White Guard<\/em> by Mikhail Bulgakov.<\/p>\n Dramas inspired by popular books of modern Russian authors are also prime picks, according to Matyash. The offer includes The First Circle<\/em> by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Blackout<\/em> by Alexey Ivanov and Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes<\/em> by Guzel Yakhina. \u201cTitles based on books are appealing because in most cases, the plot centers on real events and people,\u201d she adds. \u201cTheir messages are simple: love, family and humanity and, therefore, will resonate with viewers of any nationality.\u201d<\/p>\n New programming highlights include the period drama The Terrible<\/em>, a story of the great love and relentless brutality of the first Russian Tsar, Ivan IV. Matyash says that the \u201cbrilliant cast\u201d and attention to detail\u2014with hundreds of extras, over a thousand costumes and 400 elaborate prosthetic makeup designs\u2014will transport viewers to the 16th century. \u201cThe program corresponds to the signature style of Russia Television and Radio\u2019s catalog,\u201d she adds. \u201cOur international partners look forward to seeing this type of content from us every year.\u201d<\/p>\n The Optimists: Caribbean Season<\/em> features a passionate love story that unfolds during the Cuban Missile Crisis. \u201cViewers will witness masterful diplomacy, adventurism and romance taking place while a nuclear war is threatening the world,\u201d says Matyash. \u201cIt is a refined detective story that always resonates with the audience. The series is not limited to one genre only; it is a perfect combination of a love story, spy drama, action and light notes of humor. The Optimists<\/em> is a real high-end film inspired by real historical events.\u201d<\/p>\n Call Me Mother <\/em>is an emotional drama that Matyash believes will \u201ctouch women\u2019s hearts.\u201d In the series, a young woman finds the strength to overcome difficult challenges and finds love, loyalty and endless kindness in her heart during harsh times. \u201cStories about strong women have remained relevant in Russian and foreign cinema since Gone with the Wind<\/em> was released [in 1940],\u201d Matyash says. \u201cDirectors keep finding new ways of telling expressive stories about women\u2019s fates and universal values of life.\u201d<\/p>\n Interest in documentary films is steady, she reports. \u201cPrograms on culture, traveling, history, people and events of modern days are especially popular.\u201d The new documentary slate features a remarkable film made by the famous Russian director Andrey Konchalovsky, Homo Sperans<\/em>, which explores peculiarities of the Russian people\u2019s mentality and their unique ability to be happy in any living conditions. And, of course, the lineup includes programs centered on important historical events of the 21st century, including Beslan<\/em>, The Wall<\/em>, The Victory Parade <\/em>and Kresty.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe Sovtelexport catalog contains over 25,000 hours of diverse content,\u201d says Matyash. \u201cThis allows us to find the right program for every client.\u201d For 2021, the company\u2019s goals are to expand the geography of its cooperations, strengthen international relations with current partners and tie-up with new clients.<\/p>\n \u201cThe pandemic has accelerated the growth in the number of new streaming services worldwide,\u201d Matyash says. \u201cNew companies are actively looking for their own niche in the market without competing with Netflix, for example. They focus on providing their viewers with content that is distinct and different from what\u2019s presented by the major platforms. Also, many online platforms turn to increasing their content rotation. For example, a film remains available for 30 days on the basis of SVOD, and then it gets replaced by a new one and, in case of its high rating, it is transferred to the TVOD category. Thus, the coming year offers significant prospects for distributors, and we expect to take advantage of them.\u201d<\/p>\n