During NATPE Virtual Miami’s session “The Unscripted Tale,” a crowded panel of leading executives who specialize in the production and distribution of the popular genre of unscripted television series and specials discussed about the roadmap for creating hits, and how they go from “good idea” to being greenlighted.
The first question that arose in the debate was about what are viewers currently asking for. “This moment is something of a challenge, but I would say that viewers want the same kind of involvement that they are not getting from the news channels. Escapism happens in many different ways,” started saying Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP & Head of Programming at A+E Networks.
From a seller perspective, Frank Sinton, COO of Tinopolis & President of Arthur Smith & Co., said: “The world has changed dramatically, but for our perspective, in terms of what we develop, it has not really change. We always try to bring shows with a purpose and offer variety, and all of the shows people like to see, such as game or competition shows, those still work. For us, it is more of a logistical challenge than an audience one".
On the production side, Laura Michalchyshyn, Chief Creative Officer & Co-President of Content at Blue Ant Studios, admitted that the closure of productions in most countries of the world was a difficult moment, although she was optimistic in relation to the countries that currently can produce. “It is all about the partnerships, and access to partners has become much easier, it is easier to talk to each other now,” she added.
Rachel Job, SVP of Non Scripted Content at All3Media International, referred to co-productions and emphasizes in the importance of this model. “Of course, it should not be the default position, as we all want shows made by one company. However, co-production does help to make a difficult show, to finance and develop it. It is a solution, because it makes a show happen,” she indicated.
“It is important to understand the audience and the brands. It is important for the success of a show to find the right fit. It is hard to break through, but if you find that marriage between the right show with the right network at the right time, then is when magic happens,” Sinton concluded.