Western Europe: a wellspring of original idea
During the 2016-2017 season, Western Europe is a wellspring of original idea, with 52% of all new launches being original creation on the channels covered by NoTa. The leading format inventors are UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. The UK is the most prominent programme exporters, whether in their original format or in an adapted version. The island nation exports its format to Western Europe countries, but also to Eastern Europe, Scandinavia or Oceania.
Trends for imported formats, factual and fiction programmes in Western Europe
Despite the prevalence of original creations, imported formats still accounts for 42% of all new launches in the region this season. The most active importers of formats are Austria (82%), Belgium South (71%) and North (64%).
Generally, factual programmes continue to dominate this season, with 53% of Western Europe’s total new launches being factual programmes on channels covered by NoTa. Most popular are documentaries, representing 55% of all new Factual shows. Docu-soap, magazine and reality show each account for 13% - 14%, while talk show represents only 5%. The leaders of the factual trends are the Netherlands, the UK and Belgium North.
Fiction programmes are the second most popular genre, representing 27% of all new launches. Series and mini-series account for the overwhelming majority of all fiction launches at a combined 88%. Belgium South, Austria, France and Germany are the regional leaders in Fiction launches, with Fiction programmes representing over a third of total new launches.
Next, entertainment formats represent the smallest part of the launches this season at 20%, down 2 points from last season. Italy, UK and the Netherlands launched the highest number of entertainment formats, mostly reality and game shows. Some are original formats such as “Get the F*** out of my house” in Netherlands, while most others are adaptations of hit international game shows, such as the Japanese obstacle-course competition format “Ninja Warriors”.
Western countries are ambitious investors in series production
Furthermore, France, Italy and the UK have proven to be ambitious investors in series production. The trio has developed many co-productions, most notably the mini-series The Young Pope. Co-produced by preeminent companies from France, Italy, UK and US, the series was an international success. It was the top audience-booster programme in Italy for the fall season, and boosted Sky’s market share for all individuals in the UK by 280% for its premiere. The mini-series has since then traveled to France, the Netherlands, USA, Australia and many more countries.
Another recent co-production project for series is Ransom, inspired by the real-life professional experiences of the world-renowned crisis negotiator Laurent Combalbert and his partner Marwan Mery. Co-produced by France, UK, Canada and US, the series had a good performance in Germany, boosting Vox’s audience share by 34% over 6 episodes.
Strategic moves: networks are investing in channels
The alliance does not stop with just Fiction though. Prosieben’s multi-channel network Studio 71 has recently seen a minority of its stakes bought by TF1 Group (France) and Mediaset (Italy). In addition, an ambitious alliance between France Televisions and Italy’s RAI has been announced, with the aim of co-producing a wide range of high-end English-language content for international distribution. This strategic move to offset the increasing influence of US streaming services in Europe would include TV dramas, documentaries, animation series and entertainment formats.
All the facts and figures of these programmes (and much more!) can be found in the NOTA Trends report. The report was released in July.
Sources: Eurodata TV Worldwide - Relevant partners / NOTA International TV Trends Mid-Season 2016-2017.
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