The Rise of London as a Key Player in the Global TV Market
The 2024 London TV Screenings, held from February 23 to 28, once again solidified London’s position as one of Europe’s top TV markets, alongside Mipcom in October. This year’s event was buzzing with excitement, thanks to the unveiling of highly anticipated series like Paramount’s “King & Conqueror,” Fremantle’s “Sandokan,” and BBC Studios’ reboot of “Walking With Dinosaurs.” These big-budget, must-watch titles drew significant attention, underscoring the market’s ability to attract global buyers and sellers. The event also highlighted a shift in the TV business landscape, with companies increasingly focused on producing content that can resonate with broad audiences, particularly in the U.S. market. Fremantle, for instance, showcased “Sandokan” and “Costiera,” both English-language dramas designed to appeal to international viewers. This strategy reflects a broader industry trend: the importance of creating content that can transcend borders and captivate diverse audiences.
The London Screenings also emphasized the growing relevance of niche genres, particularly crime thrillers, which continue to dominate global scripted orders. According to Ampere Analysis, crime thrillers accounted for 40% of commissions by major streamers in the second half of 2024. This trend was evident in the lineup, with standout titles like Andrew Lincoln’s “Cold Water,” Jesse Williams’ “Costiera,” and Mark Gatiss’ “Bookish” generating significant buzz. These shows not only highlight the genre’s enduring popularity but also demonstrate how creators are innovating within the crime thriller space to stand out in a crowded market. For example, “Bookish” blends procedural elements with deeper character exploration, a strategy that resonates with audiences seeking both entertainment and emotional depth.
The Power of Celebrity in Today’s TV Landscape
Celebrities played a pivotal role at this year’s London Screenings, as their presence continues to be a key factor in cutting through the clutter of today’s competitive TV environment. Stars like Andrew Lincoln, Jesse Williams, and Mark Gatiss were front and center, lending their names to high-profile dramas. Their involvement not only attracts viewers but also helps secure international distribution deals. ITV Studios’ Ruth Berry noted that star power is increasingly important for sellers, as it helps differentiate shows in a saturated market. The strategy seems to be paying off, with titles like “Cold Water” and “Costiera” generating strong interest among global buyers.
David Beckham, a global icon, also made a significant impact at MIP London. His conversation with Netflix’s Bela Bajaria drew a massive crowd, highlighting the enduring power of celebrity in the TV business. While Beckham’s remarks were lighthearted and focused on his personal projects, including his wife Victoria’s upcoming Netflix docuseries, his presence underscored the importance of personality and star power in driving engagement. His ability to command attention and generate buzz is a reminder that, even in a data-driven industry, personality and charisma can make a lasting impression.
The Resurgence of Documentary Content
Beyond high-profile dramas and celebrity appearances, the London TV Screenings also highlighted a resurgence in documentary content. Buyers expressed strong interest in docu-series and unscripted programming, particularly those focusing on environmental issues, technology, and human-interest stories. Sidharth Jain of The Story Ink noted that the demand for non-fiction content is growing rapidly, with several major deals announced during the event. Fox Entertainment Global’s “Billion Dollar Playground” and Keshet International’s “Hitler’s Treasure Hunters” were among the most sought-after titles, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted documentaries.
The success of these shows reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, with audiences increasingly seeking out content that informs and inspires. Documentary series like “The Real Mo Farah” and “The Dawn Wall,” acquired by Blue Ant Studios, offer a mix of compelling storytelling and real-world relevance that resonates with viewers. This trend is likely to continue, as streamers and broadcasters alike recognize the value of documentaries in attracting niche audiences and generating buzz.
Asia’s Growing Influence on Global TV Production
The London Screenings also showcased the increasing influence of Asian creators and producers in the global TV industry. Representatives from China, Korea, and Japan attended the event, demonstrating their growing presence in international markets. Japanese production companies, in particular, are finding new pathways to success through strategic partnerships and adaptations of manga IP for global audiences. The Seven, a Tokyo Broadcasting System company, has already achieved significant success with Netflix hits like “Alice in Borderland” and “Yu Yu Hakusho.” Their collaborations with American and Korean partners highlight the potential for cross-cultural storytelling and underscore the importance of international collaboration in today’s TV business.
This trend is part of a broader shift in the global media landscape, with Asian creators bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. The success of shows like “All of Us Are Dead,” a Netflix zombie series produced in collaboration with Korean director J.Q. Lee, demonstrates the growing appeal of Asian content worldwide. As the TV industry becomes increasingly globalized, the influence of Asian creators is likely to grow, offering new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
The Business of TV: Deals, Partnerships, and the Future of Content Distribution
The London Screenings also provided a glimpse into the business side of the TV industry, with several major deals and partnerships announced during the event. ITV Studios signed a significant agreement with Vice Studios, expanding its digital footprint and reinforcing its position as a major player in global content distribution. The deal highlights the importance of scale and digital delivery in today’s fast-evolving media landscape. ITV’s Ruth Berry described the partnership as a rare opportunity to strengthen both content pipeline and digital reach, underscoring the company’s commitment to adapting to changing consumer habits.
Other notable deals included the global roll-out of Fremantle’s game show format “Ants,” inspired by ant colonies, and Keshet International’s “Hitler’s Treasure Hunters,” which has been sold to 60 territories worldwide. These announcements reflect the ongoing demand for compelling and versatile content that can resonate with audiences across different regions. The success of these shows also highlights the importance of formats that can be easily adapted or localized, a key strategy for international distributors looking to maximize their reach.
As the TV industry continues to evolve, events like the London Screenings and MIP London play a crucial role in shaping the future of global content creation and distribution. With a focus on big-budget dramas, celebrity-driven programming, and high-quality documentaries, the 2024 event underscored the enduring power of television to entertain, inform, and inspire audiences around the world. The deals announced during the week demonstrate the industry’s resilience and adaptability, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for creators, producers, and viewers alike.
