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Page 1: Pitch Guide - Kidscreen · KidScreen Global Pitch Guide 2011 4 5 Looking for: As always, Pitt is open to hearing pitches for a variety of genres that target kids six to 11, as well
Page 2: Pitch Guide - Kidscreen · KidScreen Global Pitch Guide 2011 4 5 Looking for: As always, Pitt is open to hearing pitches for a variety of genres that target kids six to 11, as well

KidScreen Global Pitch Guide 2011

Searching for a few good pre-buys?

Welcome to the 2011 edition of our annual Global Pitch Guide. This year-round reference tool details the programming priorities for key kidcasters around the world and gives

the scoop on the best way to approach them.

Page 3: Pitch Guide - Kidscreen · KidScreen Global Pitch Guide 2011 4 5 Looking for: As always, Pitt is open to hearing pitches for a variety of genres that target kids six to 11, as well

KidScreenGlobalPitchGuide 2011

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Looking for: As always, Pitt is open to hearing pitches for a variety of genres that target kids six to 11, as well as the nine to 14 set. But what she’s really keen on right now is finding animated comedies to complement the programming being created by VP of original series Rob Swartz and his L.A.-based team. “They’re evergreen,” she says, noting she’s keen on animated comedies with 11-minute episodes as they offer more programming flexibility. She’s also open to live action, particu-larly reality and game show formats.

Preferred approach: Email ([email protected]) is a great way to start. Pitt is also happy to accept calls at 212-275-5032.

Market circuit: Natpe, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Adina Pitt VP of content acquisitions

and co-productions

FaMiLy ChanneLLooking for: Live-action, half-hour comedies that support the channel’s “Never a Dull Moment” brand promise and target girls and boys ages eight to 14. Up to 60% of Family Channel’s programming comes from Disney US, with the rest of the schedule com-prised of Canadian original productions and other acquisitions.

PLayhouse Disney CanaDaLooking for: Coming off a strong year, which saw its ratings share increase by 180% from September 2009, Playhouse Disney is in the market for entertaining and educational shows for preschoolers. Understanding how a potential show fits into the Playhouse Disney lineup is key for producers look-ing to make a pitch.

Preferred approach: Creators/producers interested in pitching Fam-ily or PDC should send an email to Goldsmith ([email protected]) or call first (416-956-2010) to introduce their concept and then request an oppor-tunity to pitch it in person. Goldsmith will accept a one-page concept outline for a development deal pitch, and production deal overtures should be supported by a more fully developed package that includes a bible, a script and a financing scenario. The nets really prefer to get in on the ground floor of developing a concept in part-nership with an established producer so it aligns with channel branding.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, Banff World Television Conference, MIPCOM

CanaL+ FaMiLy Looking for: Aimed at engaging a multi-generation audience, Canal+’s newest kid-inclusive channel is looking for programs that work well for primetime co-viewing, in particular series that are a bit edgier and cynical, but still speak to kids. And Blaevoet and her team are going on something of a shopping spree over the next 12 months, with a goal to pick up roughly 15 new series.

PiwiLooking for: The cabsat operator’s premiere preschool channel is aiming to acquire between eight and 10 animated series this year that revolve around tender and sweet stories and well-known brands, which simultaneously appeal to kids and make parents comfortable.

TéLéToonLooking for: Télétoon was repositioned as a net for kids six to 10 after Canal+’s acquisition of original owner TPS, and it’s now on the lookout for animated series that feature funny stories with lots of gags, adventures and friends. Princesses and fairies are also high on the wish list for its girl viewers.

Preferred approach: Blaevoet likes an email to gauge interest ([email protected]) and recommends that it’s best not to pitch before a trailer and scripts are ready to share.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM, Ottawa International Animation Festival

Laurence Blaevoet Head of children’s programming

Michael Goldsmith Director of original

programming

Barbara Uecker Head of programming and acquisitions

Damian Kavanagh Controller

Canal+ (France)

ABCAustralia

Cartoon Network

(US)

CBBC (UK)

Astral Media (Canada)

Newcomer Me and My Monsters meets CBBC’s mandate to incorporate real Brit kids into its programming

Looking for: Programs aimed at children ages six to 12. CBBC wants to reflect the lives of its audience and provide multiplatform content that is innovative, challenging and infectious. The net offer a distinctive schedule of original drama, animation, comedy, news, factual programming and events on a variety of platforms that allow children to get involved and connect with the channel. Going forward, Kavanagh has identified some key areas of interest in terms of what he is looking for. These include issue-based drama, which he thinks will be really important for the net, and sketch comedy shows. “At the moment we have two sketch comedy shows that do big business for us,” he says, adding that he would like more. CBBC’s tone is funny, energetic, unpredictable and upbeat and gives audiences opportunities to participate, learn something new and laugh out loud. As for current hits, Lion TV’s Horrible Histories has built a loyal follow-ing with kids on CBBC and Kavanagh is also excited about recent launches Me and My Monsters and My Genius Idea. Both shows fit the mould of series that incorporate real British kids into the program.

Preferred approach: Via the BBC’s e-commissioning website at www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning. Search for CBBC.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Looking for: The pubcaster broadcasts 32 hours of children’s programming across three channels each day between ABC 1 and kid-dedicated diginets ABC 2 (preschool-ers) and ABC 3 (kids six to 15), so Uecker is looking for a wide variety of genres to engage and entertain kids from three to 15 years old. High on ABC’s current shopping list are comedies targeting eight- to 12-year-olds, action-adventure shows for boys, docu-mentaries of all types and the latest in factual and reality entertainment.

Preferred approach: ABC’s independent producer’s website provides up-to-date information on how to pitch shows (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/independent/child-rens_about.htm) and you can send your pitch via email to [email protected] or send series’ bibles, screeners and accompanying literature to ABC Children’s Acquisitions, ABC TV, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

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Looking for: Benbow says the preschool network is looking for more shows that involve young children on-screen and actually go into a child’s world to capture their environment. “I think that is incredibly appealing and very strong, and we know that children respond really well to it,” she says. Shows that look at the world from the perspective of a child under the age of six are a big hit with Benbow, who cites the GCI/live-action series Waybu-loo and live-action In the Night Garden as two solid examples. Additionally, CBeebies is in the market for comedies, which remain really important to the channel.

Preferred approach: Producers looking to pitch to CBeebies can do so through the Beeb’s e-commissioning website (www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning), but Benbow strongly urges having a general conversation with her or her indie exec Sarah Colclough ([email protected]) first to make sure the network is interested in the idea.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Looking for: Italian core kids six to 11 DTT channel DeA Kids was joined by tween-targeted sisternet DeA Super just a few months ago, and Bruno, who oversees both channels, would like to further emphasize the differ-ence between the two order to create two loyal, but separate groups of viewers. He’s currently focused on acquiring animated, comedy, game show and live-action content for the channels.

Preferred approach: Producers interested in pitching either De Agostini channel should submit a complete project, with synopsis, plot and details of the main characters to Bruno ([email protected]). He would also like to see a CV of the producer detailing past experiences.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Looking for: CSC’s kids digital channel offering available on Sky, Virgin and Freesat includes Pop (kids four to 10), Tiny Pop (preschool), Pop Girl (girls seven to 12) and KIX (boys seven to 12). The schedules of all four channels are comprised 100% from acquisitions, and each one picks up between eight and 10 new series per year.

Preferred approach: Producers interested in any or all of the channels should begin with a brief email to Newington ([email protected]). Screeners are also a good jumping-off point, as are meetings at MIPCOM, which the channel finds an excellent forum to begin a dialogue.

Market circuit: MIPCOM

yTV Looking for: The network is currently on the hunt for comedy programming that appeals to kids ages six to 12 and culti-vates a co-viewing experience with families. Top performers for YTV include the international hit iCarly (Nickelodeon), as well as Canadian-produced live actioner How to be Indie (DHX Media) and animated comedy League of Super Evil (Nerd Corps).

TReehouse Looking for: Treehouse is in the market for engaging, fun, humorous programming for its core audience of kids ages two to five. An emphasis is placed on quality. “We are looking for high-caliber character-driven series that will be market brands for the network,” says Hamilton.

Preferred approach: Interested producers are directed to email pitches to program coordinator Nadia Jeronimo ([email protected]).

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Francesca NewingtonHead of children’s channels

Jocelyn HamiltonVP of original programming for kids, comedy and drama

Kay Benbow Controller

Massimo BrunoChannel manager

CSC Media Group

(UK)

CBeebies (UK)

De Agostini

(Italy)

Corus Kids

(Canada)

Nerd Corps’ comedy League of Super Evil is a hit with YTV’s viewers

Disney is on a mission to find more comedies to complement original smash hit Phineas and Ferb

Looking for: After experiencing global success with made-for-TV movie co-productions Harriet the Spy (with 9 Story Entertainment) and 16 Wishes (Marvista Entertainment) on Disney Channel, Levine is looking for more animated and live-action movie co-production opportunities. Additionally, concepts for DC should skew toward older kids in the six to 14 range, and series and movies should be kid-driven family-inclusive comedies. For Disney XD, Levine says it would be great to find more animated comedies along the lines of current original hit Phineas and Ferb, along with shows that feature kids age six to14 with strong/aspirational male leads who are growing and accomplishing goals.

Preferred approach: You can send materials to David Levine, Disney Channels Worldwide, 3800 West Alameda Avenue, 21st Floor, Burbank, CA, 91505, but email is preferred ([email protected]).

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

David Levine VP of worldwide programming strategy, acquisitions and co-productions

Disney Channels Worldwide

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Looking for: Having taken the helm of Five’s signature preschool brand Milkshake! last October, Symons is looking to add more strong story-led series with eps between five and 10 minutes in length to the block, which airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., weekends between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and weekends on DTT net FIVER between 6 a.m. and noon.

Preferred approach: When it comes to commissioned series, Symons ([email protected]) prefers interested pitchers begin by sending her a one-page outline of the project, accompanied by any available scripts and visuals via email. That said, Symons assures, “we have commissioned from much less.”

Market circuit: MIPCOM

Looking for: Disney-branded television networks serve a broad audience of kids ages two to 14 and their families in more that 60 million homes across the EMEA. Buhaj is looking for high-quality original content to grow audiences across the region and drive three distinct brands within the portfolio—kid-driven family-inclusive Disney Channel; boy-centric, girl-inclusive Disney XD; and preschool channel Playhouse Disney. Disney Channel is looking for primetime-quality program-ming that’s relatable, relevant, and aspirational for kids six to14 with a focus on tween girls.

Original programming for all three channels needs great characters, compelling stories, a unique visual or design point of view and a fresh take on universal kid-relatable themes. A particular emphasis is placed on shows and genres that can be localized for the channels with a high repeatability, such as talent searches, as well as live-action and animation. As always, humor and storytelling are seen as essential elements for any new series. Shows must also deliver on core Disney values of imagination, creativity, self-expression and optimism. Multiplatform potential is important for any project. However, it must be driven by story and characters and not by interactive or merchan-dising plans. DC EMEA is genre- and medium-agnostic, and is currently developing, producing and buying both live-action and animated projects. Disney Channels EMEA is a very hands-on creative partner that insists on working closely with key creative talent from the early development stages and throughout the entire production.

Preferred approach: For acquisitions, send queries to Dominic Gardiner, director of acquisitions ([email protected]). Animation development and co-production pitches for Disney Channel and Disney XD should be made to Orion Ross, VP of original series ([email protected]). Live-action development and co-production pitches for Disney Channel and Disney XD should be made to Dario Rodino, VP of operations and production ([email protected]). Development and co-production pitches for Playhouse Disney should be made to Beth Gardiner, VP of original programming and development, Playhouse Disney ([email protected]). Be sure to include initial designs, synopses and bios of key creative talent involved.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Annecy, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Looking for: As a new channel for kids six to 12 and their families looking to fill the schedule for two to three years out, the programming team of the Hasbro/Discovery JV has cast a wide net for com-edies, animation, live-action and game shows that serve the core audience, with a special focus on super-serving the older range of that demo. The Hub spent the last year racking up a full slate of original, premiere and acquired series for its October launch like Animal Mechanicals (DHX Media), Dennis and Gnasher (DC Thompson/Ludorum) and In The Night Garden (Ragdoll/BBC), which account for approximately 75% of the schedule. The other 25% is comprised of series based on Hasbro brands, including My Little Pony, G.I. Joe and Transformers.

Preferred approach: The network does not accept unsolicited material. All submis-sions must be made through a licensed agent or entertainment attorney.

Market circuit: Natpe, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Marc Buhaj SVP of original programming

Jessica SymonsCommissioning editor, children’s

Margaret LoeschCEO

Disney Channels

(EMEA)

Five (UK)

The Hub (US)

Thomas keeps racking up ratings for Five’s Milkshake!

Transformers Prime headlines the new net’s lineup

Looking for: “Our major priorities are still to get animated properties for kids six to 10. We still want classic animation, 2-D or CGI, with a strong kid point of view, based around adventure and great storytelling, and characters,” explains Robinson. “Secondly, I would say we are look-ing for movies, the sort of animated or live-action titles that families of all ages, or kids of all ages can sit down and watch together,” he adds. And in addition to meeting the requirements of KidsCo’s core demo, Robinson is looking for programming that is gender neutral and pro-vides a safe family environment. Violent content need not apply.

Preferred approach: Producers looking to pitch KidsCo are best-served by emailing a one sheet, and following up by sending any avail-able demos, either on DVD or USB through the mail. Emails should be directed to Robinson ([email protected]) or KidsCo programming director Eileen McCarthy ([email protected]). Producers should note that KidsCo is interested in digital rights and would like to pick up VOD rights as well.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, Casbaa, Discop, MIPTV, MIPCOM, ASTRA

Paul RobinsonMD

KidsCo (pan-European)

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Henson’s Sid the Science Kid has become a signature show for Ludo

eOne’s Peppa Pig was greenlit by Nick UK and is making its way to the broadcaster’s State-side channel this year

Looking for: The year-old France Télévisions umbrella brand that encompasses all kids programming blocks across France 3, 4 and 5 offers 60 hours of children’s programming during the week. High on the shopping list are animated and live-action movies, specials and direct-to-video progams for the new weekly movie block, Cine Ludo. Borde says he’s also interested in series based on evergreen properties like Snoopy, Pink Panther and Mr. Magoo for kids and families. He is also on the hunt for animated preschool content.

Preferred approach: Borde encourages producers interested in pitching a com-pleted series to France TV to contact his acquisitions team directly with an introductory email. The team includes Christine Reinaudo ([email protected]), youth acquisitions manager and Claire Heinrich ([email protected]), negotiations manager. Producers interested in co-producing with France TV should contact Céline Limorato ([email protected]), deputy head of children and youth programs.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Looking for: Innovative and strong properties targeting the six to nine demo, and Debertin has a particular interest in finding animated series that are able to reach the six to nines, but that also have the ability to skew slightly younger. He adds Ki.Ka is also in the market for live-action series that target kids nine and up, and cites ZDF’s H20, NDR’s The Peppercorns and Ki.Ka original production KRIMI.DE as great examples.

Preferred approach: Send an email to Debertin’s assistant Silke Hochmuth ([email protected]) or send a convincing one-page pitch via snail mail (Gothaer Str. 36, 99094 Erfurt, Germany). However, if a full package including a bible, pilot scripts and any screening materials is available, send it via post. Ki.Ka will request further material if the initial correspondence piques its interest.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Goldener Spatz (Golden Sparrow—Kids Media Festival & Market), Cartoon Movie, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Sebastian DebertinHead of fiction,

acquisitions and co-productions

Looking for: The French terrestrial broadcaster’s children’s offering is now divided between the M6 Kid block for the six to 10 crowd and preschool-skewing Disney Kid Club, which moved over from competitor TF1 in early 2010. Favennec says M6 Kid is moving away from taking on more action-adventure and focusing on schedul-ing animated comedy. Series with shorter episode lengths that come in at 11 or 13 minutes, instead of the traditional 26 minutes, are also of interest, as are European co-pros and pre-buys. Understandably, Disney Kid Club meets its programming requirements by dipping into the offerings from the House of Mouse—the block’s content provider.

Preferred approach: Producers interested in pitching can start by sending an introductory email to Favennec ([email protected]).

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Julien Borde Head of children and youth programming

Morgann FavennecDirector of youth programs

Ki.Ka (Germany)

Ludo (France Télévisions)

M6 (France)

Looking for: Macdonald says Nick UK is currently zeroing-in on live-action comedy for tweens. She also expresses an interest in getting involved in new formats. For sisternet Nick Jr., she says any new series she looks at need to feature adorable characters that will connect with the channel’s core two to five audience. She cites eOne’s Peppa Pig as one of the channel’s homegrown commissions that complements its more established US-born series like Dora the Explorer. Nickelodeon, meanwhile targets primarily the seven to 12 set.

Preferred approach: To give creators the best opportunity to clearly outline their thoughts and ideas, email Macdonald ([email protected]) or senior acquisitions executive Lynsey O’Callaghan (lynsey.ocallaghan) with a brief description of the concept or idea.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Debbie Macdonald VP of programming

Nickelodeon (UK)

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Looking for: PBS is currently open to pursuing any curriculum-based series that play to its two target audiences, kids two to five and four to eight. Just about any format will be considered as long as the idea and style are intriguing. Producers interested in utilizing puppets should note that the network finds these types of shows skew extremely young. And every project PBS works on must integrate on-air and online content, and will be distributed via every platform currently available.

Preferred approach: The broadcaster prefers to accept pitches through the mail. Producers can get in touch with Brad Pettingell ([email protected]) via email to get the appropriate submission release forms before send-ing pitch materials to Simensky.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, Ottawa International Animation Festival

Looking for: All genres of programming for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons around the world. Borkent’s focus for 2011/2012 is primarily around live action, both comedy and other formats, as well as animated comedies and action-adventure. Shows should have a global appeal and formats should be easily adaptable for use in multiple regions.

Preferred approach: Borkent always looks forward to personal meet-ings during markets, such as MIPTV, but he’s happy to take meetings in his New York office, where he can be contacted via e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (212-258-8000).

Market circuit: Natpe, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, LA Screenings, MIPCOM

Jules Borkent SVP of global acquisitions and international programming

Looking for: RTL 2’s kids programming stands for strong fantasy and adventure-driven entertainment, targeting kids six to 13. Its cross-media concept has been success-ful, so Lang is looking to further develop MyPokito.de webworld and the Pokito Kids Club. Lang says the network continues to look for long-running adventure and fantasy series that target the core demographic, and stresses that the network is not interested in series targeting preschoolers or those that skew towards girls. She’s also on the hunt for entertainment brands that offer web enter-tainment, club activities and strong merchan-dising along with unique TV performance. These shows can be 2-D or CGI-animated or live action.

Preferred approach: Send project infor-mation by mail first to Lang’s attention at Lil-Dagover-Ring 1, 82031, Grünwald, Germany. Once you receive feedback, send over your DVD screening materials.

Market circuit: Natpe, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Andrea Lang VP of animation and children’s programming

Linda Simensky VP of children’s of programming

RTL 2(Germany)

PBS (US)

Nickelodeon (worldwide)

Nick’s Borkent is on the lookout for more animated comedies à la SpongeBob

Multiplatform Wakfuis RTL 2’s ideal boys action pickup

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! was PBS Kids’

sole 2010 co-production

Looking for: Comedy is at the top of Super RTL’s shopping list, which shouldn’t be a surprise given the network’s current slate of programming that includes Mr. Bean, Phineas and Ferb and Kim Possible. The focus is on finding animated comedies targeting four- to nine-year-olds. Series should be gender neutral and family friendly. However, the net’s not looking for anime, titles heavily steeped in action or anything decidedly boy-skewing, as these types of programs are not a fit with Super RTL’s positioning.

Preferred approach: Please send bibles, storylines and screen-ers to Dietz or senior manager of acquisitions and co-productions Sylvia Schmöller at RTL Disney Fernsehen, Richard-Byrd-Strasse 6, 50829 Köln, Germany. Animation tests are helpful, but not absolutely required.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Annecy, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

Super RTL

(Germany)

Frank Dietz Head of acquisitions and co-productions

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Looking for: With three channels to serve—Cartoon Network (boys six to 11), Boomerang (kids two to 11, families) and Cartoonito (preschoolers)—Turner Broadcasting EMEA is looking for original and entertaining programs for kids, either in animation or live action. It’s also started making more pan-regional pre-buy and Persson is currently looking for live-action comedies for flagship net CN. Meanwhile, on the heels of late-fall pickups of Puppy in My Pocket (Mondo) and Jelly Jamm (Vodka Capitol) for Cartoonito and Boomerang EMEA, she says the broadcaster is getting ready to announce a new preschool-targeted commis-sion and three similar acquisitions.

Preferred approach: Please email Richard Rowe, director of acquisitions EMEA, with a brief outline of the program ([email protected]).

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, LA Screenings, MIPCOM

Looking for: Comedies for kids six to 11 that really appeal to a 10-year-old boy sweetspot and are girl- and parent-inclusive. Tyre’s not looking for storyboard-driven, slapstick fare for the six to nine crowd. High on her list are writer-driven shows for media-savvy tweens that would be companions to Johnny Test and Jimmy Two Shoes and good lead-ins to Teletoon’s co-view family shows like The Bug’s Bunny & Tweety Show and Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated that air in the kids primetime block from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tyre is also keeping an eye out for primetime comedy shows for adults 18 to 49 that aren’t offensive if little ones are still awake past 9 p.m. and watching with their parents (i.e. shows that fit in with other animated hits like The Simpsons and Futurama).

Preferred approach: Send Tyre an e-mail ([email protected]) with a short synopsis of the series and a picture, if available.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM, Ottawa International Ani-mation Festival

Looking for: The 24-hour Spanish-language broadcaster hosts a daily kids block targeting two- to six-year-olds called Ninos. In terms of the programming mix, Vogelmann says V-me is only interested in animated series for Ninos, but is not restrictive when it comes to program length. “However, we buy a lot of seven-minute series,” she says. “In fact, most of the shows we buy have episodes that run seven minutes long.” She says V-me will continue to look for shows targeting the two to six demo, and though the network strives for gender-neutral programming, recent acquisitions have tended to skew a little bit towards boys.

Preferred approach: Producers looking to pitch to Vogelmann ([email protected]) are instructed to begin with an email with a brief description and a link to a demo.

Market circuit: MIPCOM

Teletoon (Canada)

Caroline Tyre Director of programming

Turner Broadcasting

(EMEA)

Cecilia Persson VP of content acquisitions and co-productions

V-me (US)

Doris VogelmannDirector of programming

Jelly Jamm is a recent pan-Euro pickup for

Turner EMEA

Hit Wizards of Waverly Place fits right in with VRAK’s tween-centric positioning

Looking for: VRAK continues to be on the lookout for good tween sitcoms that target nine- to 14-year-olds. “Think Life with Derek, The Latest Buzz. That would be number-one on our list for next year,” Bazay says. The French-lan-guage net also launched a dedicated movie block this year, and she’s keeping an eye out for family films to fill the slot. VRAK produces roughly 110 hours of original programming a year, and as a result does not engage in co-productions, but does pre-buy series.

Preferred approach: The best way for producers to contact VRAK is to send an email to director of acquisitions Johane Landry ([email protected]) or director of original production Eve Tessier-Bouchard ([email protected]). Emails should include a brief synopsis of the project being pitched.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

VRAK(French Canada)

Dominique Bazay VP of programming

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WGBH (US)

Brigid Sullivan VP of children’s educational

and interactive programming

Virve “Vicky” Schroderus Acquisitions executive

Looking for: Entertaining, innovative curriculum-orient-ed series for preschool and demos six to 10. Innovative, new programs with a digital platform and low-cost model are particularly of interest. Sullivan wants a program with partial or full funding, an easily understood concept or well-known brand, and a cross-platform strategy. She needs proof the program can be delivered on budget, and would like to see details about the creative team. It’s a great idea to add research data that demonstrates a need for this series.

Preferred approach: Mail any pitch information to the attention of Eric Taub at WGBH, One Guest Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Banff World Television Conference, MIPCOM

vp & publisherJocelyn Christie ([email protected])

editorial

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business development and advertising sales

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brunico creative

Creative Director stephen stanley ([email protected])

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Production/Distribution Coordinator Robert Lines ([email protected])

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Looking for: Finnish-speaking YLE TV2 airs more than 800 hours of children’s programming per year, of which roughly 60% is acquired animation. It’s now looking for innovative, high-quality toons. For preschoolers, the stories should not only be fun to watch, but should also have educational values. Animation pitches should provide multiplatform content.

Preferred approach: Email ([email protected]) or post the details of the project to Tohlo-pinranta 31 P.O. Box 196, 33101, Tampere, Finland. All pitches should have synopses for at least three episodes, as well as main character designs.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Annecy, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM

YLE (Finland)

WGBH/DHX Media co-pro

Martha Speaks

Page 11: Pitch Guide - Kidscreen · KidScreen Global Pitch Guide 2011 4 5 Looking for: As always, Pitt is open to hearing pitches for a variety of genres that target kids six to 11, as well