AUTENTIC DISTRIBUTION, IN THE SEARCH HIGH-QUALITY CONTENT WITH UNIQUE NARRATIVES

The German distribution company Autentic Distribution had an excellent 2020 and has intensified its factual catalog with new acquisitions. "We noticed a higher demand for documentaries and factual content last year, and in fact, it was one of the best years for Autentic due to the increased demand. We can already see this trend continuing in 2021," said Mirjam Strasser, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Autentic Distribution, to Señal News.

Autentic Distribution focuses on a broad portfolio ranging from wildlife, nature, science, and technology to history, travel, and escapism programs. "We are looking for high-quality content with unique narratives fitted for a global audience," Strasser stated. Despite the ongoing restrictions in the world due to the pandemic, Autentic Distribution was able to add new programs to its spring slate that it will debut at MIPTV. "Our production partners did an amazing job in wrapping up their productions during the pandemic," the executive commented.

One of the Autentic Distribution's main titles is the current affairs documentary "In Search of Monsters" by filmmaker Poul-Erik Heilbuth and production company Hoferichter & Jacobs. It follows a formerly imprisoned and officially exonerated alleged al-Qaeda terrorist searching for his torturers to take revenge by forgiving. "Just in time to commemorate this year's 20th anniversary of this shocking moment in the history of humankind, the production delivers a different approach to the tragedy," Strasser indicated.

Another highlight is the crime mini-series "Kings of St. Pauli – The Rise and Fall of Hamburg's Pimp Gangs," which is also part of MIPTV's Factual and Documentary Showcase. The mini-series dives deep into the almost forgotten and suspenseful world of Reeperbahn in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, where pimps like 'Lamborghini-Klaus,' 'Karate Tommy' and the 'Nutella Gang' brutally dominated the "most sinful street in the world". Autentic Distribution also has two factual entertainment productions on the "Stone Men" in Apuan Alps and the "Snow Lords" in Brento Dolomites. "We have also added a few history series and one-offs like the two-part 'Europe's forgotten Dictatorships,' 'Claude Dornier – The Aviation Pioneer,' and 'The Nazi Whaling Squadron'. We have many new travel, people & places, and escapism titles to offer; that's our best-selling genres," she added.

FOCUS ON DIGITAL
As an international player, Autentic Distribution always tries to evaluate the entire rights business. "We focus more on digital sales now," pointed out Strasser. In the last two years, the distribution company has increased its AVOD and SVOD sales and established new partnerships with global platforms and players. "Together with tailored marketing and distribution strategies for each title, we can offer a full-service program and create a sustainable life cycle for each program," Strasser explained.

Thinking about the future, the Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Autentic Distribution expressed that the company will put a more strong focus on the acquisitions side. "Our main goal is to find the most suitable programs for our catalog with the best possible amount of available rights for distribution. We are working hard to get hold of bespoke and exciting new titles so that we can continue to successfully entertain people all over the world in their homes with our programs until this pandemic is over and beyond," Strasser concluded.

By Romina Rodríguez