Live Shows in the Spotlight at MIPFormats

In a MIPFormats session moderated by World Screen’s Kristin Brzoznowski, ITV Studios Global Entertainment’s Cecilie Olsen, MTV International’s Matt Risley and A&E’s Elaine Frontain Bryant discussed the challenges and opportunities for live shows.

Frontain Bryant, executive VP, head of programming at the A&E network, discussed the megahit Live PD, which follows eight police forces across the U.S. It will hit the 200-episode mark this month. The show airs Friday and Saturday nights in a three-hour block. “We have an incredibly rabid audience,” she said. “They are very loyal. They call themselves Live PD Nation. They’re incredibly active on Twitter. We are about to launch a spin-off that will follow first-responders in the EMT/medical space.”

Frontain Bryant conceded that it’s a show that doesn’t format easily given the subject matter. She added that that the show repeats well. “We do have a cut-down version called Police Patrol, which does remarkably well.”

Olsen, senior VP of global content, non-scripted, at ITVS GE highlighted the company’s Operation Live, from The Garden, which airs on Channel 5 in a two-hour block. “You get to watch [surgeries] uninterrupted, unedited, for two hours solid.” Season two launches next week.

Risley, managing editor of MTV International, spoke about the partnership with Facebook Watch for the game show MTV Stax. “It’s a live, interactive pop culture quiz you can play through the Facebook app. We broadcast three times a week live.”

On the appeal of live shows, Risley commented, “When something is live, it makes you want to be part of it.”

The panelists also weighed in on the loyalty these shows engender. “There is a cycle of interactivity,” Frontain Bryant said. “We’re trending every week.”

Key element in pulling off live shows, the panelists noted, are robust technology, trust among the crew and preparedness.

On format opportunities for live shows, Frontain Bryant conceded that Live PD is a challenge. For Operation Live, Olsen said that securing the trust of the local hospital is paramount.