Video Interview: Cineflix International’s Paul Heaney

NEW YORK: Paul Heaney, the president and managing director of Cineflix International, talks about the company’s growth path, as well as what appeals to him for the catalogue based on what broadcasters are currently looking for.

Approaching nearly a decade of being in business, Cineflix International has its sights set on expansion. Heaney cites "huge growth" as the company’s big-picture goal for 2011. He notes that Cineflix Productions has been delivering content at a solid pace, with 250 hours expected to be delivered this year. This programming is complemented by output from a healthy roster of third-party producing partners. Heaney is keen to expand this pool of partnerships.

Heaney is careful to note, however, that Cineflix is not "bulking up just for the sake of bulking up," explaining that the company is looking to grow in a "sensible way." An entry into scripted programming is on the planner, along with building up the format slate.

Heaney says that staying in constant contact with clients is one of his main focuses throughout the year, which keeps him plugged in to what broadcasters are looking for. Given the stiff competition in the factual arena, Heaney says that broadcasters are after "key promotable shows," pointing to the example of Extreme Poodles as fitting that bill. He has also noticed a strong appetite for returning franchises, with broadcasters looking to strip shows across the year. Shows with co-viewing potential, high emotion and strong characters at their core are some of the other traits Heaney puts atop the wish list.