Last week I went to a diversity debate in Malmo called Eye to Eye – Reflecting Childrens Reality. On the panel was a commissioner from the Swedish Film Institute, the head of the Kids Film Fest BUFF, and an animation producer from Norway, to discuss diversity in films for children and young people. Moderated by Cecilie Stranger-Thorsen,… Continue reading Diversity is not an option, it’s the mainstream
Murder (and other dramas) in the cathedral
A couple of weeks ago at BBC Worldwide’s annual showcase in Liverpool that I attended for SBS, drama was to the fore. The big programme being promoted was Wolf Hall, the six-parter which became the biggest drama launch on BBC2 for years. At Showcase, BBC Worldwide laid on a dinner in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. This is a… Continue reading Murder (and other dramas) in the cathedral
Australia’s going to Austria for Eurovision
In other news this week… Australia has been granted a wild card entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, being held in Vienna at the end of May. It’s been a long held aim of the SBS MD Michael Ebeid, as the channels been the official broadcaster for the past thirty years. For the past… Continue reading Australia’s going to Austria for Eurovision
Money for nothing and your flicks for nearly free
Berlinale! BAFTAs! The Golden Globes! The Oscars! February seems to be the most concentrated period in the film calendar, especially the ‘award-winning film’ calendar. But how do all these star-laden and artistically challenging films get funded these days? And why do the plots often include scenes in unlikely countries? Step forward into the spotlight the unsung hero… Continue reading Money for nothing and your flicks for nearly free
Are games the way to reach TV audiences?
Still on my Transfer Deadline theme, yesterday the BBC had a couple of outside experts giving their views on the players who might be on the market.Fifa Interactive World Cup 2014 Grand Final competitor David Blytheway and Football Manager expert Alex Stewart provided insight and analysis of players involved in deals from a gamer’s perspective.Got me thinking… Continue reading Are games the way to reach TV audiences?
A transfer window for TV production companies?
For me today is going to be a challenge to focus on work while keeping an eye on the info-fest that is Transfer Deadline Day. For those that aren’t into football, it’s one of the two days in the year (the other is the end of August) when the transfer window closes, and clubs are… Continue reading A transfer window for TV production companies?
My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea
I’ve just spent a few days at FIPA in Biarritz, France. That’s the Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels. A few thoughts from my time there. There’s something about waves, beaches and lighthouses that is very inspiring. Even though I didn’t actually get to the beach. Being in a beautiful venue with big windows, the Bellevue, made… Continue reading My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea
The factual shows in 2015 that I haven’t seen yet
I know It might be a bit late to do some predictions for 2015, but here they are anyway. Some thoughts on what I’m looking forward to in 2015. If they exist already, please send me a link! Something that uses the visceral thrill of stunt bike descents and builds a proper story around it.… Continue reading The factual shows in 2015 that I haven’t seen yet
What happened on my first day at SBS
I arrived for my first day of a visit to SBS, based in a nondescript business park in the north of Sydney, at 9:30am on Monday 15th December. I’m working from London as their content consultant. Half an hour after I got there and started introducing myself to my new colleagues, there was a sense that… Continue reading What happened on my first day at SBS
I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching
Last week’s Asia TV Forum was my first visit, and my first visit to Singapore. Plenty of channels, distributors, funding organisations and producers in an airy exhibition floor in the huge Singapore Convention centre. The event was organised by Reed Midem, with support from the impressive Media Development Authority of Singapore. It was good to… Continue reading I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching