Inside Content - The TV Industry Podcast

What is the impact of the potential Channel 4 privatisation on the independent production sector? John discusses how if the channel is sold, it would have a detrimental impact on the creative sector.John speaks with Jack Davison, EVP of 3Vision on a wide range of topics including Pact’s mission and services and the independent production sector.John McVay OBE is the Chief Executive of Pact the UK’s leading Trade Association for Film, TV, Animation, Children’s and Digital production companies. John contributes to many UK government and international policy fora on the creative industries, broadcasting, trade and investment. He also has extensive experience of policy development across all aspects of broadcasting and television production and leads on all Pact policy development in the UK and Europe. 

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:
[2:00] What is Pact’s mission?
[7:49] What support and services does Pact provide?
[10:31] Pact’s policy and regulatory work
[12:05]  Pact’s accelerator programme
[16:07] The evolution of the independent production sector and the importance of IP
[19:44] The impact of the potential Channel 4 privatisation

FREE webinar on-demand ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’: https://info.3vision.tv/d2c-streaming-wars-webinar
3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv
3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

What are the next big trends in digital distribution? Pete discusses his predictions for the future, Sony Pictures ‘arms dealer’ approach and in-car entertainment.

Pete speaks with Hayley Bull, director of 3Vision on a wide range of topics including their focus on communities of interest and the importance of theatrical distribution.

Pete Wood serves as Senior Vice President, New Digital Distribution at Sony Pictures Entertainment. Wood currently is part of the Global Distribution Group within Sony Pictures Television and is responsible for New Formats & Technology, One Sony Collaboration, B2B partnerships and New OTT Distribution.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[1:23] How do you define ‘new’ media distribution
[4:00] How do Sony Pictures Entertainment view in-car entertainment as a distribution opportunity?
[5:24] What are the challenges faced by car manufacturers in the in-car entertainment sector?
[8:45] The in-car entertainment access model versus creating unique elevated experiences 
[19:11] The ‘arms dealer’ approach of Sony Pictures Entertainment
[21:39] Sony Pictures commitment to theatrical distribution
[25:26] The importance of specific communities of interest and their D2C services, Crunchyroll and Pure Flix 
[28:36] What are the predictions for next big trends in digital distribution

FREE webinar on-demand ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’: https://info.3vision.tv/d2c-streaming-wars-webinar
3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv
3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

How has the TV distribution market evolved? Cathy discusses how the growth of D2C and AVOD are key focuses and opportunities for the business. 

Cathy speaks with Toby Russell, CEO of 3Vision on a wide range of topics including their upcoming slate and the recent Endemol Shine acquisition. 

Cathy Payne serves as Chief Executive of Banijay Rights, setting and executing the business’ global distribution strategy for Banijay’s burgeoning catalogue of 110,000+ hours, which includes landmark brands, Survivor, Big Brother, MasterChef, Temptation Island, Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, and many more.N.B this episode was recorded prior to MIPCOM.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[2:40]  Banijay Rights and Endemol Shine’s catalogue and the merger
[4:41] Is your content coming from in-house or third parties, what is the percentage split?
[8:00] How has the TV distribution market changed in relation to rights, exclusivity, new services and windows?
[9:44]  Does Banijay Rights see the new shift to D2C and vertical integration as an opportunity for the business?
[14:13] How important is IP retention to Banijay Rights?
[15:21] How do you see the TV distribution market changing in the next five years and do you think more consolidation will happen?
[17:51] Is AVOD and FAST a key opportunity for Banijay Rights?
[21:48] What are the key challenges of the AVOD market?

FREE webinar on-demand ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’: https://info.3vision.tv/d2c-streaming-wars-webinar
3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv
3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

Is Struum’s unique credit based system the solution for reducing subscription fatigue and driving content discovery? Lauren and Paul discuss their approach to SVOD aggregation and the importance of data for discovery, recommendations and bundling across their platform. 

Lauren and Paul speak with Jack Davison, EVP of 3Vision on a wide range of topics including their expansion plans, different partners and their new managed services approach.

Lauren is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Struum.  As an award-winning senior executive in the digital media and entertainment industries, she has successfully led businesses for some of the world’s largest consumer brands including The Walt Disney Company and Microsoft. 

Paul Pastor, an earlier leader in Direct-To-Consumer services, is currently co-founder of Struum and co-founder and Chief Business Officer for Firstlight Media, a leading OTT platform provider. Prior to his more recent entrepreneurial path, Paul powered brand, channel and show success at Discovery Communications and The Walt Disney Company.Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[5:53] SVOD subscription fatigue
[06:47] Struum’s unique credit based system
[9:29] The importance of data to drive discovery, recommendations and bundles
[10:28] Struum’s full ingest model
[14:13] Benefits of Struum to content platforms
[19:55] Struum’s managed services approach to SVOD subscriptions
[25:02] Struum’s unique selling point - access, discovery and value 
[26:36] Struum’s expansion plans and key areas of focus

FREE webinar on-demand ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’: https://info.3vision.tv/d2c-streaming-wars-webinar
3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv
3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

Is free ad-supported content (AVOD and FAST) driving the transition to streaming? Rob Holmes discusses Roku’s content acquisition strategy for the Roku channel as well as their partnership and expansion plans.

Rob speaks with Jonathan Nickell, COO of 3Vision on a wide range of topics currently impacting the TV industry. These include Roku’s platform and operating system, content discovery and their role as a video service aggregator.

Rob is the Vice President of Programming at Roku. He oversees the development and growth of The Roku Channel, a leading free ad supported service on the platform, as well as the overall programming strategy for America’s #1 TV streaming platform.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[02:52] The Roku hardware business  
[03:39] The different business units at Roku 
[04:49] What is the difference between the Roku channel and Roku platform?
[07:03] What is Roku’s global roll out plan?
[11:22] The transition to streaming and power of free content 
[12:44] Roku’s content acquisition strategy
[14:26] Roku’s acquisition of Quibi
[15:35] Are there plans to do other Roku originals?
[16:39] How do you aid consumer discovery of content on the Roku channel
[18:40] AI and ML for content recommendations on Roku channel
[21:21] Roku and its role as a video service aggregator
[24:15] What are the future trends for the TV industry and streaming? Resources:

3Vision Webinar: ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’ on 7 October at 16:00 BST https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5816322514564/WN_D3S7D_eLTTis6XOfq9dnvA

3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv

3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

Is collaboration the key to success for independent studios and entrepreneurs? Gary Marenzi discusses the benefits of a hybrid model with global streamers and local broadcasters.

Gary speaks with Toby Russell, CEO of 3Vision on a wide range of topics currently impacting the TV industry. These include the evolution of content acquisition rights, AVOD, the Amazon and MGM merger and how the D2C approach by studios is an opportunity for the independents. 

Gary Marenzi is the founder and CEO of Marenzi & Associates, which provides creative collaboration, strategic management advice and implementation for the media and entertainment industry. Prior to this, Gary held senior executive positions at ENDEAVOR CONTENT, MGM and Paramount Pictures.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[04:20] How important is collaboration for independent players?
[06:02] What are the benefits of working with a global streamer?
[06:32] What is the upside of co-production deals with local broadcasters and players?
[10:15] How are TV content acquisition rights evolving?
[11:39] How difficult is to achieve second windows with other SVODs?
[16:52] What were the learnings you took from working at Endeavour in relation to packaging high level global dramas? 
[19:27] How have output deals changed?
[21:03] Do you see the D2C approach taken by studios as an opportunity for independents?
[22:35] What is the development market like at the moment?
[26:36] What are your thoughts on the Amazon and MGM merger?
[29:46] What is the future for AVOD and FAST?

Resources:
3Vision Webinar: ‘The D2C Streaming Wars: Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Beyond’ on 7 October at 16:00 BST https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5816322514564/WN_D3S7D_eLTTis6XOfq9dnvA
3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv
3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision
3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

How have content licensing deals changed? Kelly and Rose discuss the impact of new D2C streaming video platforms, digital-first distribution strategies and windowing.

Jack Davison, EVP at 3Vision sits down with Kelly and Rose from Keshet International to discuss the growth of international formats, AVOD and the recent media conglomerate mergers.

Keshet International is a leading global content producer and distributor and part of the Keshet Media Group, Israel’s most successful media company.  Kelly Wright is the SVP of Distribution and New Business and Rose Hughes is the VP of sales.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[02:52] Introduction to Keshet International

[06:08] How has the distribution market evolved?

[13:58] How has the surge of new D2C streaming video platforms impacted the TV market?

[15:58] What are the key challenges of these new D2C vertically integrated models?

[18:55] How have content licensing deals changed in respect to exclusivity and windowing?

[19:27] How has the shift to digital-first distribution strategies impacted your business?

[24:51] Can you tell us about the growth of the international format business?

[34:10] Do you consider AVOD to be a major growth area?

[42:08] What impact do you think the media conglomerate mergers are having on the TV landscape?

Resources:

Podcast show notes  - https://www.3vision.tv/news-insights/inside-content-kelly-wright-rose-hughes-keshet-international/

3Vision Webinar: ‘The Future of TV - Global Content Distribution Trends’ 6 May at 16:00 BST https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2416189989404/WN_u9UIPe5xQjq4aKLDkcCrRQ

3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv

3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision

3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

Why is the Israeli TV export market so successful? Danna explains that Israeli’s are natural storytellers and discusses how the regulation of the Israeli TV production market has allowed them to take bigger creative risks.

Hayley Bull, director at 3Vision sits down with Danna Stern, managing director of Yes Studios to discuss the importance of original programming, the changing landscape of distribution as well as their two critically acclaimed shows Fauda and Shtisel.

Danna is in charge of sales, distribution and development of premium Israeli content for international platforms. She is an international television veteran, having managed all aspects of programming, content acquisitions, channel creation and branding in her previous role at yesTV.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[03:29] How has the media landscape changed in relation to acquisition and original content programming?

[05:50] What were the key learnings from your partnership with Netflix on Fauda?

[09:23] How has the distribution landscape changed?

[15:04] How has vertical integration and D2C services impacted Yes Studios?

[17:29] Why is the Israeli TV export market so successful?

[19:13] How does the regulation of the Israeli TV production impact your business?

[26:25] Can you tell us about your engaged social media communities, in particular Shtisel?

[35:11] What impact has COVID-19 had on local productions?

[40:01] What upcoming shows are you most excited about?

Resources:

Future of TV Webinar

https://www.3vision.tv/news-insights/free-webinar-the-future-of-tv

3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv

3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision

3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

What is StarzPlay’s ‘partner-first’ approach? Darren discusses the importance of working collaboratively and their different business models.

Toby Russell, CEO of 3Vision sits down with Darren Nielson, SVP of Starz to discuss StarzPlay’s positioning in the market, their relationship with parent company Lionsgate and the need for streaming video aggregators.

Darren Nielson is the SVP of Business Development at Starz. He has been responsible for launching StarzPlay in over 30 countries, including building dozens of distribution partnerships across global OTT platforms, local telcos and retail partners.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[01:33] What is StarzPlay’s content curation strategy?

[07:07] What is StarzPlay’s partner distribution approach?

[13:15] What are the different partnership business models that StarzPlay offers?

[14:00] What is your managed service approach for partners?

[15:52] Do you have access to partners data?

[17:40] Do you think there is a need for streaming video aggregators in the market?

[19:55] Can you tell us about Starz relationship with Lionsgate? How important is that in-house content relationship?

[25:17] There is a lot of consolidation happening in the industry such as the Amazon and MGM merger - will this impact your strategy?

[28:00] What shows have you got coming up that you are excited about?

Resources:

Future of TV Webinar: https://www.3vision.tv/news-insights/free-webinar-the-future-of-tv

3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv

3Vision Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision

3Vision Twitter: @3Vision

Are streaming video aggregators the answer to subscription fatigue and navigating a world of too much choice? Rose Adkins Hulse discusses their ScreenHits TV app and their content curation strategy.

Rose speaks with Jack Davison, EVP of 3Vision on a wide range of topics currently impacting the TV industry including the importance of search and discovery, SVOD churn, bundling and the future for Pay TV.

Rose Adkins Hulse is the founder of technology company ScreenHits TV, a streaming video aggregator app that allows consumers to access different streaming services (free, SVOD and live online TV) together in a single interface. . Prior to this, Rose worked at noted organisations including The Hollywood Reporter, NBC Universal and The Sundance Institute.

Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this episode:

[02:24] What are the key benefits to the consumer for using a streaming video aggregator app like ScreenHits TV?

[05:21] How is discovery and search functionality enhanced by using a video service aggregator?

[09:10] How important is bundling to ScreenHits TV strategy and will you be working with any global streamers?

[11:37] Can you tell us about ScreenHits TV business model?

[16:37] How does ScreenHits TV help reduce SVOD churn for its partners?

[17:47] What is your content curation strategy for your platform?

[20:01] Do you think there is room for other video service aggregators in the market? What about niche aggregators?

[24:36] What is the future for Pay TV and are they well placed to take on the role of the the super aggregators?

Resources:

Super Aggregators of TV Content White Paper: https://www.3vision.tv/news-insights/super-aggregators-of-tv-content

3Vision Website: https://www.3vision.tv

3Vision LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3vision

3Vision Twitter: @3Vision