Australia scrutinizes U.S. slates

Nascent HD development will affect choices

By PAUL CHAI

Aussie webs are used to seeing the fruits of existing output deals at the L.A. Screenings, but new HD channels and a less-than-exciting Mip in April means some of the delegates will be paying closer attention to what's on offer.

Ten head of programming Beverly McGarvey says the recent Writers Guild of America strike also will affect her network's scrutiny.

"Because of the writers strike, the development process is a little later, so in some cases we will be seeing 20- or 30-minute trailers rather than 45-minute pilots," she says. "Also this year, we will be meeting with a lot more of the production and creative staff, so if we do only see 20 minutes, at least they can update us on what the vision for the show is."

Seven's programming topper, Tim Worner, adds that while the new HD channels -- started after a loosening of the government's strict media laws -- have yet to fully develop their own identities, he is looking to try new things with them.

"Seven has already tried new local programming on its HD channel, and we see this as being an ongoing process," Worner says. "It's an ideal place to try something we otherwise might not get the chance to have a crack at, and there is certainly no shortage of ideas."

Dragging its heels in launching a new channel, Nine has yet to set out a HD plan but will no doubt have a larger shopping list than at previous Screenings.

For Ten's McGarvey, the HD shopping list is simpler -- sport, movies and documentaries -- but she is also keen for a glimpse of Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" (toplining Eliza Dushku) which will be heading to Ten later this year after a seven-ep pick up from Fox. Shooting on "Dollhouse" began April 23.

"Considering where we were in January, (the prognosis) was not looking really good," she says. "But CBS and Fox (who have deals with Ten) both have interesting projects on the go."