Banijay Rights Chief: Size Matters in TV

Cathy Payne, Chief Executive of Banijay Rights, emphasized the importance of scale in TV distribution, stating that larger entities can achieve greater efficiencies without losing a personalized sales approach. The London TV Screenings have evolved into a key event on the international calendar, fostering more intimate discussions between distributors and buyers about upcoming and recently launched titles.

The industry is currently experiencing a squeeze on commissioning, affecting factual and factual-entertainment producers, with a particular impact on US buyers like Discovery. In the scripted sector, the availability of US co-production funding has diminished, with fewer platforms actively investing. This shift necessitates talent packaging for deals, moving beyond script-based sales alone.

TV distribution is adapting to changes in production and platform landscapes. Banijay Rights is expanding its business with VOD platforms and growing its ad revenue on publishing platforms. The company is also focused on improving ad sales quality and control over FAST channels in certain territories.

As a facilitator of the London TV Screenings, Banijay Rights is committed to ensuring space for smaller distributors alongside major players. Payne stresses the importance of detailed deal reviews and product knowledge, regardless of company size, to maintain Banijay's identity and success.