Calinos on Scripted Formats’ Streaming Future

Fırat Gülgen, CEO of Calinos Entertainment, on the strengths of scripted formats.

At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, unscripted formats and reality programming emerged as the most coveted content in the marketplace. Cost-effective and easy to produce, those titles were the obvious answers to efficiently fill programming gaps. As the industry continues to adapt and adjust, other content, including scripted formats, is once again finding its foothold.

“As we are starting to slowly see the light at the end of the tunnel with regards to the pandemic, the entertainment industry has slowly begun to rise back on its feet,” says Fırat Gülgen, CEO of Calinos Entertainment. “Nonetheless, its impact will continue to be felt in the coming years as the media trends continue to change; the media industry has always been quick to adapt, and this time around, it’s no different as it continues to evolve despite the challenges.”

Gülgen adds, “Format production is still mainly driven by linear broadcasters, but streaming platforms, too, are increasingly turning to formats for new original productions. However, research has shown that subscribers’ preference for scripted content has remained stronger than the demand for reality formats.”

To meet this sizable demand for scripted programming, streaming platforms have been compelled to invest in original content. “In the case of SVOD platforms, for example, only original content can truly justify a monthly subscription fee, with the original exclusive content being used as a marketing tool,” explains Gülgen. “Streaming platforms are emerging as the new players within the scripted format industry.”

While the interest in scripted formats has been on a gradual but considerable uptick, what hasn’t changed are the genres most favored by viewers and those catering to them. “Drama, romance and crime are the main genres buyers and producers look for,” says Gülgen.

No matter the genre, in order to connect with audiences around the world, a global scripted format needs to have “engaging storylines, multi-dimensional characters, family values, unforgettable love stories—narratives that people from every corner of the world would be able to identify with,” according to Gülgen. “The storyline may evolve and be adjusted to the nuances of the local market, but it needs to have the same identifiable structure and values at its core.”

On Calinos’ slate is That’s My Life, which it sold to Antena 1 Romania to be produced by Dream Film Productions with the local name Adela. The company is also negotiating the sale of other series in its catalog with partners in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Balkans.

The light at the end of the pandemic tunnel for Calinos includes “increased cross-border co-productions as well as partnerships with TV channels and streaming platforms, with the aim of creating fresh and high-quality content for global audiences,” says Gülgen.

“As long as we are able to adapt and successfully identify the consumer trends, the entertainment industry will continue to thrive, overcoming all obstacles along its way,” adds Gülgen. “At Calinos, we are positive that the pandemic has and will continue to bring new opportunities and trends, and we will continue to provide top-quality content to our clients and audiences around the world.”