Beta, RAI showcase TV product
Despite differences in style of presentation, both events suggest just how much Euro TV product is beginning to look and feel like shows on offer from the U.S.
As Europe's largest owner of TV program rights, the Kirch Group's Beta provides the best gauge of what shows are working on TV screens across the continent.
The most striking impression of the half-hour product reel was its punch. Whether the series was made by Beta or picked up for distribution from Austrian, Italian or French producers, the pacing of the shows had quickened over previous examples viewed at markets -- the look of most series was slick and glossy, with the accent on action and movement.
The fact that a number of British and American writers and program consultants are under contract in Germany to help develop storylines, punch up dialogue and otherwise assist in shaping formats of U.S. and British shows is now apparent on screen.
"We just don't need all those U.S. action shows like 'MacGyver' or 'Miami Vice' anymore," a Munich-based producer told Daily Variety. "We just make most of them ourselves now."
A quartet of RAI toppers, including head of series and co-productions Andrea Melodia, took the stage at another presentation Saturday to unveil the Italian pubcaster's upcoming projects.
Like Beta's offerings, most of the footage appeared to put the accent on action and adventure and movement. Key series include a seventh installment of the widely sold "Octopus" miniseries about the Mafia and further chapters of maxiseries "The Bible."
RAI execs said SACIS, the sales arm of the pubcaster, was actively negotiating at Mip for both U.S. and European partners to take equity stakes in the company.
