C21Podcast

C21's Jordan Pinto reports from the Banff World Media Festival on renewed optimism in the Canadian TV industry [01:36]; screenwriter Samantha Strauss on her Netflix dramas Apple Cider Vinegar and Grown Ups [20:12]; and Łukasz Kłuskiewicz, director of film and content acquisitions for Netflix in Central and Eastern Europe, details the streamer's content strategy across the region [39:20].

CONTENT WARSAW: As Content Warsaw 2025 wraps in the Polish capital, C21's Ed Waller and Neil Batey discuss the topics top of mind for execs at this year's event and give their perspective on the issues shaping the Central and Eastern European TV market right now [01:12]; while Warner Bros Discovery Poland's Dorota Eberhardt and Bogumił Lipski share their views on the return of the HBO Max brand and their programming strategy [17:46].

With Poker Face returning on Peacock, creator Rian Johnson discusses the case-of-the-week crime drama and collaborating with star Natasha Lyonne [01:39]; Spotter president Nic Paul on working with Dude Perfect and Mr Beast to help build the creator economy [18:32]; former ITV Studios exec Pascal Dalton shines a spotlight on new formats venture Shimmer Media [39:28].

LA SCREENINGS: C21's Jordan Pinto and Cveintiuno's Pina Mezzera deliver their verdict on this year's event [02:37], while former Channel 4 acquisitions and coproductions consultant Crispin Leyser offers his analysis [20:57], and Lisa Kramer details Paramount Global's slate and her take on shifting buyer-seller dynamics [41:24].

LA SCREENINGS: C21's Jordan Pinto [02:16] and Parrot Analytics' Alex Cameron [16:40] preview this year's event, discuss US programming trends, buzzworthy new titles, and shifting market dynamics; while buyers Sofie Schütt from TV4 Media [26:22], HBO Max's Ragnhild Thorbech [38:52], and UKTV's Melanie Rumani [48:48] share their expectations and the kind of shows they're looking out for.

LA Screenings: ITV Studios' exec VP of global content Julie Meldal-Johnsen [01:28], writers Matthew Barry [07:57] and Catherine Moulton [18:38], and Lingo Pictures exec producer AND founder Helen Bowden [27:05] discuss new shows The Guest, Code of Silence, Watching You and more, being presented to buyers for the first time at this week's LA Screenings. This episode is brought to you by ITV Studios.

C21 North American editor Jordan Pinto delves into Donald Trump's vow to impose 100% tariffs on films produced outside the US and 'special ambassador' John Voight's proposals to help 'make Hollywood great again' [02:38], while former X-Files showrunner and Big Light Productions CEO Frank Spotnitz offers his reaction [26:09], and ACF Investment Bank dealmaker-in-chief Thomas Dey gives his response [47:25].

C21 editor-in-chief and managing director David Jenkinson details the US$6bn in unrealised value that exists in the Indian entertainment business and reflects on last month's inaugural Content India Summit where Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India's Deepak Dhar, ITV Studios' Augustus Dulgaro, Lionsgate's Anugrah Joshi, All3Media International's Louise Pedersen and Warner Bros Discovery's Andrew Zein discussed how they're doing business in India and what opportunities exist for international coproduction, sales, acquisitions and development.

With Earth Day having taken place this week and new landmark David Attenborough documentary Ocean out next month, we investigate how the TV industry is performing in terms of its commitment to addressing climate change, as part of C21's own Big Picture initiative, hearing from Climate Spring's Lucy Stone [17:44] and Picture Zero's Steve Smith [40:00].

BBC Studios' Andrew Cohen on the return of Walking With Dinosaurs 25 years after the original [01:58]; writer Mona Masri and director Ahmed Abdullahi discuss new drama A Life's Worth, about the first Swedish UN troops to reach Bosnia during the war [28:53]; Banijay Rights' Simon Cox on glimmers of hope in the present marketplace [39:27].

Ireland continues to punch above its weight as an animation powerhouse, but can it withstand the multiple threats of YouTube, 'AI slop' and the broader economic challenges being felt across the sector? Jam Media's John Rice, Piranha Bar's Nicky Gogan, Turnip AND Duck's Colm Tobin and Little Moon's Vanessa Robinson speak with C21Kids editor Karolina Kaminska.

SERIES MANIA: Actor Amanda Seyfried, showrunner Nikki Toscano and writer Liz Moore on new Peacock crime thriller Long Bright River [02:43]; Sheila Nortley, producer of Bafta-nominated Netflix drama Supacell on her concerns over Donald Trump's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies [12:31]; and Sky's Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Meghan Lyvers and Nils Hartmann on The Day of the Jackal and more [27:48].

James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky, co-founders of Rabbit Track Pictures, plus Lindsey Martin of CBS Studios, discuss new BBC historical drama King and Conqueror – among the shows to be spotlighted at Series Mania in Lille [32:00]. Banijay Entertainment's Johannes Jensen looks ahead to the event and what else the company has up its scripted sleeve [12:23].

Director Philip Barantini discusses the making of new Stephen Graham/Jack Thorne single-shot Netflix drama Adolescence, tackling the topic of teenage knife crime [11:30]; and C21 investigates concerns over an 'apocalyptic' outlook for those hoping to get new ideas away in the unscripted TV marketplace [01:35].

Fifth Season's Jennifer Ebell, the Royal Television Society's Theresa Wise and OUTtv's Lauren Whitelaw celebrate International Women's Day 2025 and discuss the challenges that still face the industry [15:24]; and C21's Nico Franks investigates how the UK's secondary TV rights landscape is changing as producers, broadcasters and streamers increasingly embrace YouTube [01:59].

LONDON TV SCREENINGS: Banijay Rights' Cathy Payne [01:25], Fremantle's Jens Richter [17:57], ITV Studios' Ruth Berry [36:09], BBC Studios Tom Fussell and Zai Bennett [49:44], and Keshet International's Kelly Wright [58:48] reflect on the 2025 event and issues top of mind for distributors and buyers who flocked to the UK capital this week.

With the 2025 London TV Screenings taking place across the UK capital next week and the industry facing multiple challenges, Parrot Analytics' Brandon Katz, Hat Trick International's Sarah Tong, DCD Rights' Nicky Davies Williams and APC's Emmanuelle Guilbart discuss the wavering popularity of British shows on the global stage, withdrawal of US streamers, public broadcaster shortfalls and potential merger of All3Media and ITV Studios.

C21's Mark Rowland investigates the trail from Survivor through The Apprentice to Donald Trump appointing Mark Burnett special UK envoy [01:27]; Drama Quarterly's Michael Pickard previews U AND Drama's reimagining of Bergerac [13:20]; and Lara Taylor details the work of the Andy Taylor Foundation [26:42].

C21 North American editor Jordan Pinto on the impact of US president Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada [01:57]; reaction from Pantheon Media Group's Jodi Flynn, Cineflix Productions' JC Mills, and Critical Content's Jenny Daly in Miami [24:05]; and Drama Quarterly editor Michael Pickard gives the lowdown on new Dan Fogelman Disney+ drama Paradise [13:18].

A government inquiry into UK high-end TV hears from BFI chair and Apple TV exec Jay Hunt and Sister's Jane Featherstone [01:06]; the DQReview picks PBS Masterpiece/BBC costume drama Miss Austin [13:32]; and Anonymous Content's David Levine, North Road's Caroline Hollick, Amplify Pictures' Rachel Eggebeen, Roma Khanna and Chapter 1's Adam Mosam consider TV in 2030 [24:24].

Hyphenate Media Group's Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego on nurturing next generation Latino creators and backing Gloria Calderón Kellett [29:52]; and, from Content Americas in Miami, Secuoya Studios' Brendan Fitzgerald [02:38], Omdia's Maria Rua Aguete [11:37] and Globo's Manuel Belmar [15:57] give their take on the present state of the Latin American market.

C21's Jordan Pinto assesses the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on the TV business [02:53]; BBC director of drama Lindsay Salt on maintaining risk in a challenging environment [35:44]; Cveinteuno's Gonzalo Larrea and Pina Mezzera look ahead to C21's Content Americas and the Rose d'Or Latinos [14:24]; Drama Quarterly's Michael Pickard on Steven Knight's SAS Rogue Heroes S2 and A Thousand Blows [20:38].

ITV America CEO David George on how he's sees the US television landscape in the year ahead, from the continued commissioning squeeze to major conglomerates' spin-off of their cable networks and the impact of the creator economy; plus behind the scenes of new Harlan Coben Netflix hit Missing You and Paramount+'s The Crow Girl; and what a change of administration will mean for CBC, as well as WWE's Netflix debut.

The TV business has plenty to contend with in 2025 as Donald Trump heads for a second term in the White House, the uptake and impact of AI accelerates, and the 'creator economy' is eclipsed by something else entirely. Allied Global Marketing's Adam Cunningham's [37:03], C21's Jordan Pinto, Nico Franks and Karolina Kaminska discuss [01:18].

NBCUniversal's Corie Henson on her search for 'holy sh*t ideas' and her upcoming ‘Barbenheimer'-like launch of new seasons of The Traitors and Deal or No Deal Island [00:35]; Sony Pictures Television's Eli Holzman on the state of the US unscripted market and why Mr Beast really made the leap from YouTube to Amazon [32:22].

Netflix's Larry Tanz, Pauline Dauvin and Tinny Andreatta talk about how the streamer has changed during its first decade in Europe and its programming strategy for the year ahead [01:13]; and Amazon MGM Studios' Lauren Anderson reflects on the company's own evolution of Prime Video and Freevee [32:35].

From Content London 2024, Propagate Content's Ben Silverman talks to Irish comedian and TV host Patrick Kielty about his career and the present state of the international TV market [02:45]; and Amplify Pictures' Rachel Eggebeen, EndemolShine Australia's Sara Richardson and Blink Films' Justine Kershaw reflect on adapting to survive and thrive in The New Content Economy [34:07].

Ahead of Content London 2024, C21 editor-in-chief AND managing director David Jenkinson and event programming director Ruth Palmer discuss the incredible line-up and issues top of mind as TV grapples with seismic change and opportunity [02:56]; Underknown's Steve Hulford, Calliope Networks' Dave Davis and a mystery AI-generated guest on the fast-emerging AI licensing market [23:37]; and Rose d'Or Awards chair Mark Rowland on this year's prestigious 63rd edition [52:48].

Silverback Films' Keith Scholey on how blue-chip natural history needs to adapt to survive and why he's afraid of AI; and writer Brendan Foley on new drama Sherlock AND Daughter, and Starlings Entertainment execs Chris Philip and Karine Martin on the innovative financial and development model behind it.

Media guru Evan Shapiro on how the 'creator economy' is upending traditional TV and what the industry must do to respond [00:33]; and Epic Story Media's Jaka Benedicic [26:01] and former Disney exec Emily Horgan [44:26] on how the kids' TV business needs to embrace YouTube and Roblox.

Ru Paul's Drag Race maker Fenton Bailey offers his thoughts on the changing face of reality TV and the rise of Donald Trump [22:43]; Cineflix's JC Mills, PBS's Tracy Beckett and Moonbug's Nicolas Eglau on the industry's current state of flux and what can be done about it [01:02]; and Banijay's Steve Matthews on the health of the global scripted market [36:12].

From Mipcom 2024, ProSiebenSat.1's Henrik Pabst and ITV Studios' Ruth Berry on digital transformation [00:47]; FRAPA's Phil Gurin, TF1's Julien Degroote and Entertainment Masterclass's Christoph Fey on the future of TV formats [21:09]; former BBC exec Jo Redfern and Hidden Pigeon's Karen Miller and Kris Updike on the crisis facing kids' TV [38:19]; and SpongeBob SquarePants stars Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke on whether they'd be willing to license their voices to AI [66:36].

The C21 team looks ahead to Mipcom 2024 and asks, is the industry experiencing a mid-life crisis? [00:36] Banijay Rights' Cathy Payne on her biggest deal and receiving the Gold Award at the International Format Awards [36:00]; and BBC Studios' Nick Lee gives his take on the present market [54:39].

BBC Studios' natural history unit chief Jonny Keeling [01:50], Plimsoll's Dr Martha Holmes [18:40], If Pigs Could Talk director Miki Mistrati [31:40], and WildBear Entertainment's Craig Meade [57:11] discuss innovation in wildlife documentary making, from the use of AI, to micro-drones and social media.

FRAPA co-chairs Phil Gurin and Jan Salling on the TV formats protection body's 25th anniversary and how it's recalibrating for a future shaped by AI [01:04]; and Ria Hebden, founder of Wonder Women, on how the organisation aims to elevate the careers of diverse women working in TV and the creative industries [37:02].

A string of TV execs discuss the growing influence of social gaming services like Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft on the kids' animation business: Diego Ibáñez from DeAPlaneta; Delphine Dumont from Banijay; Dandeloo's Jean-Baptiste Wery and Emmanuele Petry Sirvin; and Film London's Julian Scott share their thoughts.

Will.i.am on AI's impact on the TV business and wider creative industries [00:43]; MultiChoice's Nomsa Philiso on the South African broadcaster's desire to foster more international drama partnerships [19:21]; and Three River Fiction's Benjamin McGrath on why BBC/Virgin Media's Dead AND Buried exemplifies increasingly multifaceted TV finance [40:14].

Universal's Beatrice Springborn and former HBO chief Sue Naegle on the scramble for literary IP during a time of industry contraction [00:37]; BBC commissioning editor Muslim Alim on how producers can use AI to become more efficient [18:06]; and former Channel 4 head of youth Karl Warner on how struggling indies can futureproof through online branded content [36:36].

Jeff Wachtel, the former boss of USA Network and NBCUniversal International Studios, on new venture Future Shack Entertainment and today's rapidly changing TV landscape [00:43]; Banijay's Lucas Green on why branded entertainment is crucial to the future of formats and how Big Brother is just like the Olympics [31:10]; and Oscar-winning Danish director Thomas Vinterberg on his first foray into TV series with climate disaster drama Families Like Ours [54:35].

Pressman Film's Sam Pressman on how the US indie behind American Psycho, The Crow and Wall Street, is moving into TV [00:39]; Danish director Kaspar Munk on new Viaplay drama Secrets [18:23]; and Incendo's Graham Ludlow on how TV movies are dodging an industry downturn and reaching younger audiences [40:02].

Fudge Park Productions' Damon Beesley and Phil Gilbert on new BBC comedy Daddy Issues and why they think things are looking up for British producers in a tough industry climate [00:37]; and Charlene Putney and Martin Pichlmair on how their AI tool Write With LAIKA can aid creativity but why the technology won't replace human film and TV scribes any time soon [30:05].

Helion Partners' Tom Manwaring on Sony's acquisition of Alex Rider maker Eleventh Hour Films and why the industry's in much better health than many may believe [00:38]; screenwriter Ben Schiffer on learning his craft on Skins and his latest series, The Turkish Detective [22:25]; and Bambú Producciones co-founder Teresa Fernández-Valdés on setting up her new production company [49:03].

Kinetic Energy Entertainment's Diana Williams about why Hollywood is still stuck in a 1920s mentality [00:34]; Bavaria Fiction's Emanuel Rotstein on the challenges of today's documentary marketplace [22:49]; and Paul Vincett and Becky Johnson of puppet maker Stitches AND Glue on their work on Netflix drama Eric [40:41].

Studio 1's Adrian Woolfe on his hopes for emulating the success of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? with new ABC quiz show Lucky 13; Gedeon Media Group and Terranoa's Isabelle Graziadey on adapting to the changing dynamics of the documentary market; and Endemol Shine Brasil's Renato Martinez on expanding beyond core entertainment formats.

Former Blumhouse TV co-chief Marci Wiseman on her work setting up international copros since leaving the US horror specialist [00:38]; one-time Food Network topper Courtney White on disrupting the dessert world via Wheelhouse JV Butternut [15:55]; and ex-Netflix drama exec Chris Regina on developing AI-driven originals for Chinese connected TV giant TCL [31:07].

SkyShowtime's Kai Finke on the pan-European streamer's content strategy for this year and beyond [00:42]; Terra Mater Studios' Markus Mooslechner on how the firm is integrating AI in its latest project exploring space [33:19]; and showrunners Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn on making new Amazon Prime Video alt-history fantasy drama My Lady Jane [55:40].

SUNNYSIDE: France Télévisions' Caroline Behar [00:39] and Federation Studios' Myriam Weil [17:00] on the state of the French factual market and uncertainties around the country's upcoming election; Autentic's Patrick Hoerl [31:45] on why the industry is akin to Keanu Reeves movie The Matrix; and Ubisoft's Amy Jenkins [54:23] on the video games giant's latest documentary cross-over.

Hollywood star Morgan Freeman and the chief of his production company, Lori McCreary, on their latest series and the impact of AI; Warner Bros Discovery's Jason Sarlanis on how true crime is bucking the commissioning downturn; and former Electus and Shine execs Chris Grant and Eli Shibley on their new distribution and finance venture Osmosis Global.

Netflix's Michael Azzolino and Łukasz Kłuskiewicz discuss their commissioning and acquisitions strategies across Central and Eastern Europe; and Warner Bros Discovery's Katarzyna Drogowska talks about this week's launch of Max in Poland.

ATM Grupa's Andrzej Muszyński, Endemol Shine Poland's Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja and Banijay's Steve Matthews, and Firefly Productions' Ivana Miković discuss how the Central and Eastern European market is defying the commissioning downturn seen elsewhere – from C21's inaugural Content Warsaw.

Bad Wolf's Jane Tranter and Kate Crowther on new BBC drama Dope Girls and rethinking transatlantic copros [00:41]; 3Vision's Jack Davison on the US studios' changing licensing approach [15:41]; Exile Content Studio's Nando Vila on following streamers into procedurals [33:40]; and Curio Pictures' Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner on adapting The Narrow Road to the Deep North for Prime Video [50:20].