REPORT ON MEET THE COMMISSIONER

PM-P members attended the event presented by Leonie Hutchinson, the Head of Development at Discovery Networks Europe

Leonie began the presentation with clips from television shows produced by a variety of production companies, which have been recently commissioned, to point out the style and content that reach the channel’s target audiences.

Leonie than gave an overview of the structure at Discovery pointing out the two areas that offer commissions, Discovery Real Time, the Lifestyle Channel and Discovery Europe, the Factual Content Channel.

She then enlightened the delegates to the commissioning priorities for lifestyle programming stating that  the target audience as being 30 years plus. The themes covered by the schedule included Entertainment, Grassroots England, Hobbies and Crafts, Pets, Property, Nostalgia, Money Making and Modern Living and Etiquette.

Leonie revealed that 10 series are up for commission in Lifestyle for 2007 and will run from the second quarter. The overall emphasis being a new take on existing subjects

The particular genres the lifestyle channel are interested in commissioning are – Shows that follow a  Lifestyle change for example with the emphasis on stealth green and eco living, however it mustn’t be seen to be preaching. Another area Discovery Real Time is looking at is self-improvement and personal makeovers in terms of modern manners, etiquette and relationships.

A DIY show, there is still an interest in this type of programme but it must be entertaining and fun.

Property- Discovery  Real Time are looking for fresh ways to present a property programme and would consider a magazine style show.  Also there may be a possibility for a definitive build and design series remembering the channel already has Build, Buy or Store.

For commissioning  documentaries the elements must include a format that is long running and populace for example like the current documentary Airline.

There is one slot on offer in 2007 for a fishing content show, but not what has been produced before and also must appeal to non fishing persons.

Leonie revealed that the Discovery Europe  (factual) channel are looking to commission 80 hours of programming in 2008

For factual programming Leonie explained the demographic group the channel is aimed at is the ABC1 male aged 25 years plus and likely to read the Daily Mail. The main theme of the channel is reality; history; science and engineering giving the viewer take away facts. Programmes must be entertaining with real enthusiasm and have a sense of adventure.

She mentioned that there is a move away from the How do they do that and How to style of show. Other styles to avoid are the traditional following of a team such as Formula One; instead they are looking for something with a twist or a new format like Discovery’s Miami Ink.

At the moment they are interested in commissioning a UK documentary version of Blokes at Work. Also there could be a possibility for one off programmes but must have wide appeal; past productions have been on subjects such as Roswell and the Bermuda Triangle. 

Leonie talked about the programme budgets, the typical budget for half an hour of programming for Lifestyle would be  £25,000 and an hour being £50,000. For factual programming the budget is between £100,000 and £120,000 per hour. Discovery is also keen on co-productions and has in the past done co-productions with channels like TLC.

Leonie wasn’t able to comment on rights although she did reveal that in fully funded commissions they would want all rights in perpetuity.

She gave an insight into the commissioning procedures. Initially one would place a proposal idea with Hayley Glass at Discovery, which would then be reviewed. If the team liked the programme proposal they would then ask for more in-depth information and research. If this is successful and is a format programme a pilot will be asked to be made first before going ahead with a full commission. Initial programme proposals may be forwarded to: hayley_glasss@discovery-europe.com

The session ended with the chance to network and with one to one meetings with Leonie.