1. HACKING SECRETS ON YOU TUBE
In the last issue we spoke about new Channel 4’s You Tube channels and formats (see Friday’s Espresso 2nd Dec). Now we have to talk about Funny Parts - the new digital platform of BBC to showcase shortform comedy and entertainment contents - available via You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Apart from “old” contents, already on air in one of the “traditional” BBC channels, on this new platform it’s possible to find recent pilots from BBC Studios and 3 brand-new, original shows, also produced by BBC Studios: Hack Attack, Little Rants and Sound Off.
The most interesting and “formatized” of the 3 is Hack Attack, a mix of quiz and comedy. Celebrity guests have to answer a series of questions set by a mysterious hacker and every time they give the wrong answer, one of their “secrets” (an embarrassing photo, the awkward list of their recent You Tube search…) taken from their personal devices will be uploaded on internet, where everybody can see them. Easy but effective…
2. IN SPAIN WE SING COVERS
The casting of the brand-new show Cover Night, soon on air in prime time of state-owned public Spanish channel La 1, is officially underway. The format, produced by RTVE (the network La1 is part of) in cooperation with Shine Iberia, is a talent show where, as the title suggests, the best cover performer of Spain will be crowned.
The participants, accompanied by a big live band, will challenge each other singing the covers of the most iconic songs of the century, reinterpreting them in different styles, helped by several musical arrangers that will adapt them.
An easy, straight concept for a show maybe not particular original, but engaging and perfect for the whole family.
3. CONTENT LONDON CALLING
From 28th Nov to 1st Dec the Content London took place. Here is a report from Sarah Coursey, SVP International Content, Happy Accidents.
The 2022 edition of Content London celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary with the biggest turnout yet, packed with fascinating panels and events featuring the industry's most important broadcasters, streamers and producers. Following MIPCOM, it has quickly become the key event of the international production and distribution calendar, where deals are inked, content wish-lists are revealed and awards are bestowed.
Diversity and inclusion remain core values in the minds and hearts of global programmers, as evidenced by the winners of the 2022 Rose d'Or Awards. C21 took over the Awards in 2019, and this was perhaps the most exciting edition, with British TV comedy star Alex Horne hosting to live and streamed audiences.
On the formats side, this year's conference proved that the middle ground is indeed disappearing, with broadcasters such as ITV on the lookout for huge, shiny floor prime time shows and small, low-cost shows with great play-along mechanics. ITV also commented that big social experiments and splashy reality are still king, as well as factual entertainment, such as the prison-leaving format, Life on the Outside. Lastly, it should come as no surprise that quiz and game continue to reign supreme, with the likes of Mediaset and Sky on the lookout for their next big hit.
Content London also revealed an exciting new buyer on the scripted side, the fledgling streamer SkyShowtime. A joint venture between Comcast and Paramount, it is currently available in six territories across Europe, including the Nordics. The service is looking for dramas with dialed-up plot points for co-viewing, 35+ audiences, including action, crime, thriller and drama series that are escapist and unpredictable.
As the industry gears up for 2023, with Content London as a strong indicator, this coming year will be a hot one for production and distribution, with a new crop of talent emerging, established players who remain nimble and eager to learn and experiment, and the industry itself having made a total and complete comeback post-COVID. The best is truly yet to come - and the revolution will be televised.