Focussing Scripted Formats

Michel Rodrigue is giving his evaluation of the international Format Market in the actual newsletter from FRAPA:

"(...) We could feel it coming during last MIP but this past MIPCOM was definitely where the establishment of the genre became noticeable the most. Even tracking agency The Wit featured a full section to the rising popularity of scripted formats around the world. This undoubtedly confirms that far from being a fad, formats are an important part of many broadcasters’ chase for higher ratings and they are expanding into genres that go well beyond light entertainment series. In an environment where audiences are fragmenting and embracing new ways to watch their favorite shows, producing and broadcasting drama series on primetime also comes with its share of challenges for many broadcasters around the world. Scripted formats offer an alternative to mitigate the financial risks and to increase the probability of success: in scripted comedies, the international success of Love Bugs after nine years and 30 countries, has paved the way, and others have made their way since : The Office, Betty, la Fea (Ugly Betty, which hits the #1 spot on US television) are now the driving force on the back of which the US studios are stretching their production arm into the scripted format market. NBCU’s Law & Order is being remade in Russia and France, any a slew of US dramas including telenovelas are being shopped by Fox World. (...)"

What elements does a reality show need in order to be successful?

"You have to make a lot of noise in reality. It helps to have a very interesting set of concepts to begin with. Whereas for a sitcom or a drama sometimes you can grow the audience over the course of a few episodes, in reality TV it works better if you have a provocativ or talked-about concept before you even get the show on the air. After that, it's important that the show does the same as a scripted show - entertain and pull emotions out of you. It has to make you feel sad, happy, excited or terrified, the same way that comedies and dramas work to pull those emotions out. I've always thought that reality shows have to do the same thing."

said Mike Darnell (executive VP at FOX Broadcasting Company) in World Screen 10/06 p 352