C21Podcast
The C21Podcast features discussion about the global content business, from panel talkshows to interviews with people defining the future of international entertainment. Listen here or subscribe to C21Podcast wherever you get your feed.
Episodes
Pantheon Media Group and Velvet Hammer Media’s Jennifer O’Connell talks TV format futures; National Geographic’s Tom McDonald on Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston
Pantheon Media Group and Velvet Hammer Media's Jennifer O'Connell on the present and future state of the TV formats market, featuring as part of our C21Formats100 profiles [01:26]; and National Geographic's Tom McDonald on new docudrama Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, and his current commissioning priorities [24:33].
Signal.Stream’s Wouter van der Pauw on digital-first formats development; 12 Years a Slave’s John Ridley and Lost’s Carlton Cuse on the current state of scripted
Signal.Stream's Wouter van der Pauw on how the Dutch digital-first formats house behind Let's Play Ball is developing IP on YouTube before bringing it to TV and opening its processes to third parties [01:33]; and 12 Years a Slave's John Ridley [23:13] and Lost's Carlton Cuse [37:30] on the present state of the scripted market in a post-strikes streaming era, with microdrama and sports sucking up a
Fox Entertainment Studios’ Allison Wallach on overseas production hubs; Red Pony Pictures’ Beliban zu Stolberg and AI filmmaker Esther Gronenborn on microdrama’s next steps
Fox Entertainment Studios' Allison Wallach on working with BiggerStage in Ireland and why the Masked Singer maker is doubling down on its use of overseas production hubs [01:28]; and Red Pony Pictures' Beliban zu Stolberg [14:39] and AI filmmaker Esther Gronenborn [35:35] on why they believe the European microdrama scene will diverge from the burgeoning Chinese market.
Arrow Media’s John Smithson and Northern Pictures’ Karina Holden on making Rolf Harris – Primetime Predator; Allied Global’s Adam Cunningham on industry taboos
Arrow Media's John Smithson and Northern Pictures' Karina Holden on their new ABC and Amazon Prime Video film Rolf Harris - Primetime Predator, and the complexities of funding documentaries right now [01:25]; and Allied Global Marketing's Adam Cunningham on the questions execs are asking about the future of the industry behind closed doors, but rarely raise when up on stage [23:33].
Sunny Side of the Doc round-up: organiser Aurélie Réman on renewed uncertainty; Ben Zand on YouTube’s TV takeover; Céline Payot Lehmann on the growing acceptance of AI
SUNNY SIDE: From La Rochelle, C21's Clive Whittingham assesses Sunny Side of the Doc 2026 [01:18]; organiser Aurélie Réman on how the event was saved but now faces new uncertainty [20:39]; Zandland's Ben Zand on the challenges traditional documentary makers face as YouTube takes over TV [32:05]; and Pernel Media's Céline Payot Lehmann on the growing use of AI and sailing down the Nile with David S
Monte-Carlo TV Fest: Michael Hirst on Vikings successor Bloodaxe; John Hannah interrogates Benidorm is Murder; ex-YouTuber Luke Hyams cautions on complacency
From the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco, Michael Hirst on his experiences of writing, including together with his son on new Amazon Prime Video drama Bloodaxe [01:50]; Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Mummy star John Hannah on his new 5 drama Benidorm is Murder [25:28]; and former YouTube EMEA originals chief Luke Hyams says the platform's successor may be just around the corner [45:
Seriencamp 2026: Helena Zengel, Lucas Gregorowicz and Luise Heyer talk Westend Girl; Elena Lyubarskaya on AI; Bo Zhang, Kerstin Höcker and Rahel Dietze on microdrama
From Seriencamp in Cologne, actors Helena Zengel, Lucas Gregorowicz and Luise Heyer on the present state of German TV drama and their new series Westend Girl [01:50]; The Difference Machine's Elena Lyubarskaya on using AI to generate TV, vertical entertainment and immersive experiences [12:14]; media strategist Bo Zhang and writers Kerstin Höcker and Rahel Dietze on how microdramas are catching on
Mr Nobody Against Putin’s Radovan Síbrt on Oscar success and Czech TV crisis; Yellow Dot Studios’ Staci Roberts-Steele on embracing OnlyFans; Ample Entertainment’s Ari Mark
Mr Nobody Against Putin producer Radovan Síbrt on the Oscar-winning documentary's impact and the battle over public broadcasting in his native Czech Republic [02:05]; Yellow Dot Studios' Staci Roberts-Steele on tapping into OnlyFans to tackle climate change [20:38]; Ample Entertainment's Ari Mark on why unscripted prodcos need to embrace self-funding, rights retention and direct audience engagemen
ESPN’s José Morales and Ben Webber talk sports doc boom; Seed&Spark’s Emily Kelleher-Best on US indie funding; Mike Barker on directing The Testaments
ESPN's José Morales and Ben Webber on the Disney-owned sports network's approach to documentary-making in a crowded marketplace [02:01]; Seed AND Spark's Emily Kelleher-Best on how indie producers are increasingly self-funding projects and why microdrama is not the answer [18:31]; director Mike Barker on transitioning from The Handmaid's Tale to The Testaments [42:10].
LA Screenings 2026 wrap: Crispin Leyser and Jack Davison on the hottest new shows and trends at this year’s event; Ozark’s Bill Dubuque on the debut of his Peacock thriller M.I.A.
Former Channel 4 acquisitions and copro consultant Crispin Leyser gives the inside line on this year's LA Screenings from consolidaiton concerns to the hottest new shows and David Ellison's charm offensive to buyers at Nobu [01:50]; 3Vision's Jack Davison crunches the numbers on US studio programme sales [18:20]; and Ozark creator Bill Dubuque discusses his new Peacock revenge thriller M.I.A. [32:
LA Screenings 2026 preview; plus Jasper Hoogendoorn, Hannah Mabruk, Nick Smith, Laura St Clair and Mike Beale share the secrets of formats success
C21 North American editor Jordan Pinto and Cveintiuno co-editor Pina Mezzera look ahead to this year's LA Screenings where the merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery is top of mind [01:50]; Talpa Studios' Jasper Hoogendoorn, NBCUniversal's Hannah Mabruk, All3Media's Nick Smith, Sony Pictures' Laura St Clair and ITV Studios' Mike Beale on what it takes to make a format succeed in to
SeriesFest’s Randi Kleiner on US independents; Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M Johnson & Dallas Dickinson serve up video game adaptations; Charlotte Regan’s Mint fresh on BBC
SeriesFest's Randi Kleiner on the state of the US independent production sector with the event underway in Denver, as this year's Upfronts and LA Screenings near [01:40]; Story Kitchen's Dmitri M Johnson and Dallas Dickinson on why video game adaptations are so popular right now [20:19]; and House Productions' Theo Barrowclough and Fearless Minds' Jolyon Symonds on bringing Charlotte Regan's Mint
The Sidemen’s Victor Bengtsson, BookTokker Jack Edwards and more at Create London; Agnes Augustin, Adina Pitt, Kate O’Connor and Gia DeLaney talk kids’ TV crisis
From Create London, The Sidemen's Victor Bengtsson, Banijay's Alexia Laroche-Joubert, literary influencer Jack Edwards and Electrify Video Partners' Claire Geddie discuss the creator-led business models transforming entertainment [01:53]; and from Content Europe in Lisbon, Shaw Rocket Fund's Agnes Augustin, content strategist Adina Pitt, Animation UK's Kate O'Connor and Boat Rocker Studios' Gia De
Content Europe: All3’s Dug James divulges The Traitors’ secrets; BBC’s Sumi Connock, Fremantle’s Vasha Wallace, Banijay’s James Townley and Small World’s Tim Crescenti debate the future of formats
CONTENT EUROPE: From Lisbon, All3Media's Dug James – the man behind the global roll-out of The Traitors – discusses the format's incredible success and the tricks of adapting it for different markets [02:04]; BBC Studios' Sumi Connock, Fremantle's Vasha Wallace, Banijay's James Townley and Small World's Tim Crescenti on the latest challenges and opportunities shaping the formats business and where
Content Europe 2026 preview with C21’s David Jenkinson & Mark Rowland; Timothy Oh on taking COL Group beyond microdramas; Johanna Gardare details SVT drama plans
C21 managing director AND editor-in-chief David Jenkinson and executive director Mark Rowland preview Content Europe 2026, taking place in Lisbon for the first time next week [01:52]; COL Group's Timothy Oh on how the Chinese microdrama giant is branching out into new genres [14:18]; and SVT's Johanna Gardare on the Swedish public broadcaster's latest dramas and current commissioning strategy [3
Endemol Shine Germany’s Fabian Tobias on Staying Alive; NBCUniversal’s Hannah Mabruk and Albertina Marfil talk SNL, Top Chef; YLE drama The Crashing aims for impact
Endemol Shine Germany's Fabian Tobias on new ProSieben/Joyn entertainment format Staying Alive, which uses AI to bring dead rock stars back to life [02:16]; NBCUniversal's Hannah Mabruk and Albertina Marfil on the latest international versions of Saturday Night Live and Top Chef [16:08]; and YLE's Suvi Mansnerus and producer Pilvi Waltzer on new Finnish thriller The Crashing [39:26].
The BBC’s Fiona Campbell, Applause Entertainment’s Sameer Nair and Vertigo Films’ Allan Niblo on reaching fragmenting audiences, microdramas, AI and more
The BBC's Fiona Campbell on how the UK pubcaster is working to reach 16-34 year-olds across its own services, as well as YouTube and Roblox [02:16]; Applause Entertainment's Sameer Nair on adapting to the fast-moving Indian TV landscape, dabbling in microdramas and more [23:04]; Vertigo Films' Allan Niblo on embracing AI and the company's latest international copro projects [44:10].
Series Mania 2026: Sarah Aubrey talks HBO Max roll-out, Paramount and Harry Potter; SVT legal thriller Burden of Justice; dystopian Belgian drama The Best Immigrant
SERIES MANIA: From Lille, as HBO Max rolls out in the UK, we hear from head of original programming Sarah Aubrey about Paramount Skydance's commitment to the streamer and its upcoming Harry Potter TV series [18:40]; plus the teams behind new Swedish legal thriller Burden of Justice [38:59] and Belgian dystopian drama The Best Immigrant [48:09] give the inside line on these hot new shows.
Content India 2026: Arjun Nohwar, Frank Spotnitz, Sabrina Duguet, Shilangi Mukherji, Deepak Dhar, Ashish Sehgal and Anuj Gandhi talk opportunity and challenge
From Content India in Mumbai, Warner Bros Discovery's Arjun Nohwar [02:44], Big Light Productions' Frank Spotnitz [06:18], All3Media's Sabrina Duguet [14:07], Prime Video's Shilangi Mukherji, Banijay's Deepak Dhar, Times TV's Ashish Sehgal and Reliance Jio's Anuj Gandhi [22:04] discuss the opportunities and challenges within the Indian TV business and its growing significance on the international
Velvet Hammer’s Jen O’Connell, Rebecca Quinn talk Age of Attraction; Bell’s Justin Stockman, Boat Rocker’s Jon Rutherford on Heated Rivalry halo; TGC Global’s Phil Gurin
Velvet Hammer Media's Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn on new Netflix dating show Age of Attraction and Paramount Skydance's Warner Bros Discovery buy-out [02:16]; Bell Media's Justin Stockman on Heated Rivalry's success [22:22] and Boat Rocker Studios' Jon Rutherford on the halo effect for Canadian TV [28:52]; TGC Global Entertainment's Phil Gurin on the present state of international TV dist
Analysis of Banijay’s merger with All3Media and Paramount Skydance’s Warner Bros Discovery buy-out; plus International Women’s Day 2026 and TV industry gender parity
C21's Jordan Pinto reflects on the merger of Banijay and All3Media [02:10] and Paramount Skydance's surprise acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery after Netflix walked away [13:10]; and, to mark International Women's Day 2026, Wonder Women's Ria Hebden, Channel 5's Debbie Ramsay and Banijay's Carlotta Rossi Spencer discuss the issues facing women in the TV industry today [37:44].
Banijay’s Cathy Payne, All3’s Louise Pedersen, Fremantle’s Jens Richter and ITV’s Tom Clark discuss the 2026 London TV Screenings, M&A and today’s distribution landscape
LONDON TV SCREENINGS: Banijay Rights' Cathy Payne [02:42], All3Media International's Louise Pedersen [21:28], Fremantle's Jens Richter [48:54] and ITV Studios' Tom Clark [33:02] discuss the multitude of mergers hanging over this year's event – not least that of two of its co-founders – plus other changes sweeping the distribution business post-peak TV.
London TV Screenings 2026 preview with DCD’s Nicky Davies Williams, APC’s Emmanuelle Guilbart, BossaNova’s Claire Runham and TVF’s Sam Joyce
DCD Rights' Nicky Davies Williams, APC Studios' Emmanuelle Guilbart, BossaNova Media's Claire Runham and TVF International's Sam Joyce look ahead to this year's London TV Screenings and discuss how the latest wave of consolidation sweeping the industry is likely to change the landscape, not least the potential merger of event co-founders Banijay and All3Media.
Berlinale Series Market preview; Wood Water Films’ Arto Sebastian enters House of Yang; Oleksandr Schchur, Maksym Isayev aim for Ukrainian ‘Fauda meets Narcos’
Drama Quarterly editor Michael Pickard looks ahead to Berlinale Series Market 2026 [02:32]; Wood Water Films' Arto Sebastian on the present state of German TV drama and new series House of Yang [11:33]; Oleksandr Schchur and Maksym Isayev on going from comedy to Ukrainian 'Fauda meets Narcos' four years on from Russia's invasion of the country [27:20].
Patrick Weiland, Meghan Duffy, JC Mills and Eric Evangelista talk US unscripted uncertainty; TelevisaUnivision’s Rafael Urbina on ViX’s shift into microdrama
Intuitive Content's Patrick Weiland, Black Watch Entertainment's Meghan Duffy, Cineflix Productions' JC Mills and Hot Snakes Media's Eric Evangelista discuss the state of the US unscripted market and what the sale of Warner Bros Discovery will mean [02:44]; TelevisaUnivision's Rafael Urbina reveals how leading Spanish-language streamer ViX is moving from melodrama to microdrama [32:33].
Content Americas 2026 part 2: Erick Opeka, Ben Odell, Fiona Li, Juan Ponce and Alex González on reaching Gen Z audiences, microdrama growth and more
From Content Americas in Miami, Cineverse's Erick Opeka on why the company is backing microdrama start-up MicroCo and strategies for reaching Gen Z audiences [02:28]; 3Pas Studios' Ben Odell, COL's Fiona Li, Telemundo Studios' Juan Ponce and Sonoro Global's Alex González on building programme brands and leveraging IP in the New Content Economy [25:43].
Content Americas 2026: Erik Barmack, Leo Zimbrón, Tereza Gonzalez, Hannah Mabruk, Lucas Green, Mike Beale and Nadav Palti talk Lat Am copros, formats and more
CONTENT AMERICAS: Wild Sheep Content's Erik Barmack, 3Pas Studios' Leo Zimbrón, Conspiraçao Filmes' Tereza Gonzalez, NBCUniversal Telemundo's Monica Albuquerque on coproducing with Ibero-America [02:30]; NBCUniversal's Hannah Mabruk, Banijay's Lucas Green, ITV Studios' Mike Beale and Dori Media Group's Nadav Palti on adapting to tightening budgets and attention spans [38:41].
Content Americas and Rose d’Or Latinos 2026 preview with C21’s David Jenkinson, Pina Mezzera, Gonzalo Larrea and Jordan Pinto, plus Lat Am luminary Pierluigi Gazzolo
CONTENT AMERICAS: C21 editor-in-chief AND managing director David Jenkinson, Cveintiuno co-editors Pina Mezzera and Gonzalo Larrea and North American editor Jordan Pinto look ahead to Content Americas 2026 and reflect on the latest developments with Warner Bros Discovery and Banijay and All3Media [02:26]; while Rose d'Or Latinos jury co-chair Pierluigi Gazzolo gives his perspective and previews
Warner Bros Discovery takeover latest; Disney’s pact with OpenAI; Drama Quarterly’s 2026 hot picks; David Jenkinson & Adam Cunningham’s New Year predictions
C21 North American editor Jordan Pinto on the latest developments in the sale of Warner Bros Discovery, plus Disney's mega deal with Open AI [02:00]; Drama Quarterly editor Michael Pickard shares his hot picks for 2026 [29:22]; and C21 editor-in-chief AND managing director David Jenkinson and Allied Global Marketing chief strategy officer Adam Cunningham give their perspectives on the year ahead
Jane Turton, Michael Thorn, Mo Abudu, Patrick Holland, Heather Jones and Zai Bennett on 2026 priorities and finding opportunity in The New Content Economy
All3Media's Jane Turton, Fox Television Network's Michael Thorn, EbonyLife Group's Mo Abudu, Banijay UK's Patrick Holland and Hearst Networks' Heather Jones discuss the key trends, challenges and opportunities defining the global content business heading into 2026 [02:45]; and BBC Studios Productions CEO and chief creative officer Zai Bennett spells out his international strategy [41:39].
Jana Winograde details MicroCo’s big ambitions; Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville mull UK independents; Ben Zand reflects on digital-first documentary-making
Former ABC and Showtime chief Jana Winograde details the launch of new venture MicroCo and its plans to take a slice of the burgeoning microdrama market [01:58]; Expectation's Peter Fincham and Hat Trick's Jimmy Mulville on the state of the UK's independent production sector [21:42]; and Zandland's Ben Zand on digital-first documentary-making and his predictions for 2026 [41:32].
Content London 2025: RedBird IMI’s Jeff Zucker talks industry consolidation; HBO Max’s Sarah Aubrey details roll-out plans; Disney’s Eric Schrier on scaling local investment
CONTENT LONDON: RedBird IMI's Jeff Zucker on the present wave of industry consolidation and how he sees media and entertainment over the next few years [02:38]; HBO Max's Sarah Aubrey on the Warner Bros Discovery-owned streamer's programming needs and European roll-out [25:40]; Disney's Eric Schrier on the Mouse House's plans to ramp up its overseas content investment and partnerships [41:21].
Content London 2025 preview: C21’s David Jenkinson and Ruth Palmer; Rose d’Or Awards’ Mark Rowland; Particle6’s Eline Van Der Velden and Tilly Norwood
C21 editor-in-chief AND managing director David Jenkinson and group programming director Ruth Palmer on what's in store next week at world-leading development market, conference and screenings event Content London [03:12]; Rose d'Or Awards chair Mark Rowland teases this year's prestigious ceremony [21:53]; and Eline Van der Velden, creator of Tilly Norwood, on what's next for the AI actress and
BBC Studios’ Jasmine Dawson, After Party Studios’ Joshua Barnett, Banijay NXT’s Naique Tanate talk YouTube and the creator economy
BBC Studios' Jasmine Dawson on how the UK pubcaster's commercial arm is evolving its YouTube strategy as the TV industry and creator economy increasingly come together [03:12]; After Party Studios' Joshua Barnett on building digital-first formats with the likes of The Sidemen and Nella Rose [22:15]; and Banijay NXT's Naique Tanate on the company's recent investment in an influencer-led professiona
C21’s Mark Rowland, Jordan Pinto and Nico Franks discuss the fall-out from the BBC-Donald Trump crisis; Ed Sayer on going digital-first with Legend Entertainment
C21's Mark Rowland, Jordan Pinto and Nico Franks on the resignation of BBC boss Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness over a deceptive edit of Donald Trump's January 6 Capitol rally speech, the implications for the international TV business and those now in the frame for the top BBC job [02:00]; and former Discovery Networks head of originals Ed Sayer on his new venture Legend Entertainment [
Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady talk Heated Rivalry; Sean Cohan on two years atop Bell Media; Margaret Schatzel and Nigel Marchant on new Sarah Snook drama All Her Fault
Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady on new, steamy ice hockey romance Heated Rivalry for Canada's Crave [01:56]; Bell Media's Sean Cohan on his strategy two years into the job and the broader North American TV market [20:25]; Universal International Studios' Margaret Schatzel and Carnival Films' Nigel Marchant on new Sarah Snook drama All Her Fault for Peacock and Sky's Now TV [40:07].
Protege’s Dave Davis, Luma AI’s Verena Puhm, Gennie’s Tejas Shah and Chelsea Durgin on how TV is embracing AI or not and why it’s impossible to stop the slop
With Nvidia becoming the first US$5tn company, Australia quashing AI copyright exemptions and Hollywood still reeling from Tilly Norwood, we hear from Protege's Dave Davis [04:21], Luma AI's Verena Puhm [15:04] and Gennie's Tejas Shah and Chelsea Durgin [30:30] about the latest developments in this fast-moving space, from swirling legal battles to the realities of industry uptake.
Dhar Mann Studios’ Sean Atkins, Electric Entertainment’s Dean Devlin, Infinite Studios’ Adrienne Lahens & Mehmet Bal talk creator economy-TV interplay, Tilly Norwood and more
Sean Atkins on Dhar Mann Studios' plans to build on its lead in the scripted digital content space and how the creator economy and traditional TV are merging [02:09]; Electric Entertainment's Dean Devlin on the firm's recent US$20m raise and industry consoliation [26:21]; Infinite Studios' Adrienne Lahens and Mehmet Bal on working with Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary’s Revelations Entertainment a
Mipcom 2025 pt2: Fox Entertainment’s Rob Wade, Mattel’s Robbie Brenner, Studio Lambert’s Stephen Lambert, ITV’s Ruth Berry and Banijay’s Johannes Jensen
In part two of our Mipcom 2025 special from Cannes, we hear from Fox Entertainment's Rob Wade about investing in vertical entertainment specialist Holywater [01:01]; Mattel Studios' Robbie Brenner on building on Barbie's success [13:05]; Studio Lambert's Stephen Lambert on what's next after The Traitors and Squid Game - The Challenge [28:22]; ITV Studios' Ruth Berry on working with YouTube [44:18]
Mipcom 2025 pt1: Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green talk Boston Blue; Luca Montezemolo and Manish Pandey on Seeing Red; Mackenzie Crook and Gill Isles size up Small Prophets
MIPCOM: From Cannes, Boston Blue stars Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green give the lowdown on their new CBS cop drama [02:22]; Ferrari legend Luca Montezemolo and director Manish Pandey discuss their new feature documentary Seeing Red about the Italian icon's life [20:12]; and Mackenzie Crook and Gill Isles talk teaming up again after Dectorists for new BBC comedy Small Prophets [43:03].
Mipcom 2025 preview; International Format Awards gold winner Phil Gurin; BBC Studios’ Sumi Connock; Waiting for the Out scribe Dennis Kelly
C21's Clive Whittingham, Jordan Pinto and Karolina Kaminska look ahead to Mipcom and MipJunior 2025 [01:44]; outgoing Frapa chair Phil Gurin reflects on receiving the International Format Awards Gold Award and more [26:10]; BBC Studios' Sumi Connock embraces AI [45:04]; and scribe Dennis Kelly on penning Waiting for the Out for Sister and the BBC [58:06].
YouTube and kids’ TV: the BBC’s Patricia Hidalgo, Cake’s Dominic Gardiner, JAM Media’s John Rice and 9 Story’s Alix Wiseman dissect the dynamics
As YouTube's influence on the TV industry grows, with its impact keenest on children's media and entertainment, the BBC's Patricia Hidalgo [02:32], Cake Distribution's Dominic Gardiner [12:54], JAM Media's John Rice [26:54] and 9 Story Media Group's Alix Wiseman [39:28] discuss the challenges and opportunities in dealing with the world's biggest video platform.
The fallout from ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel decisions; ITV’s I Fought the Law; MultiChoice’s Nomsa Philiso on the Canal+ takeover and more
After ABC pulled the plug on Jimmy Kimmel Live but then enraged US president Donald Trump by reinstating him, C21's Jordan Pinto discusses the ramifications [02:26]; Hera Pictures' Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber on new ITV drama I Fought the Law [19:50]; and MultiChoice's Nomsa Philiso on what Canal+'s takeover means for the African media giant [38:20].
UK animation special: Sean Clarke, Oli Hyatt, Sueann Rochester, Richard Gordon and Britt Gardiner debate the future of children’s TV
As K-Pop Demon Hunters becomes Netflix's most popular movie of all time and YouTube increasingly steals younger audiences from TV, the UK government is exploring what can be done to help UK animation fight back. Aardman's Sean Clarke, Blue Zoo's Oli Hyatt, Wild Child Animation's Sueann Rochester, Jam Media's Richard Gordon and Locksmith Animation's Britt Gardiner discuss.
Content Canada continued: Fox’s Prentiss Fraser, Blink49’s Adam Steinman, ITV Studios’ Mike Beale, Fremantle’s Michela Di Mondo and Fifth Season’s Ava Knight
From C21's Content Canada, Fox Entertainment Global president Prentiss Fraser details her growth strategy and sense of the international TV business right now [02:25]; Blink49 Studios' Adam Steinman, ITV Studios' Mike Beale, Fremantle's Michela Di Mondo and Fifth Season's Ava Knight discuss the dynamics shaping the present content funding landscape [21:00].
Content Canada: Blue Ant’s Michael MacMillan, Amazon MGM’s Brent Haynes, Corus’ Rachel Nelson and Bell’s Carlyn Klebuc talk strategy and opportunity
From C21's Content Canada, Blue Ant Media's Michael MacMillan discusses the company's recent move to go public via a reverse takeover of Boat Rocker Studios and the state of the international TV business right now [02:27]; Amazon MGM Studios' Brent Haynes, Corus Entertainment's Rachel Nelson and Bell Media Carlyn Klebuc spell out their commissioning priorities and coproduction opportunities [24:04
Expectation’s Peter Fincham, Red Planet Pictures’ Alex Jones and Tim Key discuss The Chelsea Detective, Death in Paradise and the forensics of ‘cosy crime’
Former BBC One controller, ITV director of television and co-founder of independent producer Expectation, Peter Fincham [01:02], and Red Planet Pictures co-CEO Alex Jones and executive producer Tim Key [20:02] discuss The Chelsea Detective, Death in Paradise and the growing appeal of 'cosy crime' as C21 investigates the genre.
Locomotive Global’s Sunder Aaron and Rarefied Studio’s Kalpana Malviya discuss India’s $6bn content opportunity; Pernel Media’s Samuel Kissous on financing The Au Pair
Sunder Aaron [01:46] from Locomotive Global – producer of Netflix India Ray Donovan remake Rana Naidu – and Kalpana Malviya [12:11] of Rarefied Studio, discuss the Indian marketplace and US$6bn content opportunity it presents; while Pernel Media's Samuel Kissous [24:51] details how recent 5/Canal+ drama The Au Pair was put together and explores current programme financing.
The intrigue behind CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the financing of Irish-Australian drama Mix Tape
After CBS cancels The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as parent Paramount Global seeks approval for its US$8bn Skydance merger, C21's Jordan Pinto dissects the story [02:26]; and Mix Tape exec producer Marc Lorber reveals the intricacies of financing the Irish-Australian drama and broader funding opportunities in the present economic environment [18:40].
Feeling festive: a Christmas special with Ampere’s Rahul Patel, Hallmark’s Darren Abbott and Happy Accidents’ Louise Oliver
Ampere principal analyst Rahul Patel [01:24], Hallmark chief marketing officer Darren Abbott [07:58] and Happy Accidents senior VP of international sales Louise Oliver [24:57] prepare for the festive season as C21 investigates why Christmas begins in July for the TV industry, exploring the latest trends shaping holiday programming and feelgood TV movies.
Greg Childs at the Children’s Media Conference; Plimsoll’s Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters for ITV; SkyShowtime’s pan-European content strategy
Children's Media Conference editorial director Greg Childs reacts to news of a UK inquiry into kids' TV in the era of YouTube [01:52]; Plimsoll's Karen Plumb and Andrea Jackson talk ITV's Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters [14:42]; and SkyShowtime's Monty Sarhan and Edyta Pytlewska-Mele detail the streamer's content strategy [29:56].
Jack Bender, Benjamin Cavell and Michael Wright talk new MGM+ Stephen King thriller The Institute; Uzo Oleh on making Beth for Channel 4 and YouTube
Director and exec producer Jack Bender, creator and exec producer Benjamin Cavell and MGM+ chief Michael Wright discuss new Stephen King thriller The Institute [01:38]; and Uzo Oleh, writer and director of Beth, reflects on making Channel 4’s first digital original drama commissioned for YouTube and its own linear and streaming channels in the UK [29:10].
Off the Fence shocker rocks Sunny Side; Aurélie Reman, Caroline Behar and Cecilie Olsen reflect; a look back on Sheffield DocFest
As news of Off the Fence going bankrupt sends tremors through the documentary sector and speculation over PBS's future continues, C21's Clive Whittingham speaks with Sunny Side of the Doc director Aurélie Reman [19:54], France Télévisions' Caroline Behar [29:55] and ITV Studios' Cecilie Olsen [39:45] in La Rochelle and contrasts the event with last week's Sheffield DocFest.
Monte-Carlo TV Fest special: David W Zucker, Rola Bauer, Famke Janssen and Sarah Rafferty
MCTV: From the Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monaco, Scott Free Productions' David W Zucker [15:00] and exec producer Rola Bauer [31:30] discuss their latest series and perspectives on the present state of the industry; and actresses Famke Janssen [42:00] and Sarah Rafferty [53:00] reflect on their careers to date, how the decisions they made shaped these and their current projects.
Jordan Pinto dissects Banff and the Canadian TV landscape; Samantha Strauss talks Apple Cider Vinegar, Grown Ups; Netflix’s Łukasz Kłuskiewicz details CEE priorities
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 2025 wrap: Ed Waller and Neil Batey assess this year’s event; Warner Bros Discovery Poland’s Dorota Eberhardt and Bogumił Lipski on HBO Max
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 an
Rian Johnson talks Poker Face S2; Spotter’s Nic Paul on backing YouTube talent; Pascal Dalton illuminates new formats venture Shimmer Media
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 2025 wrap: Jordan Pinto, Pina Mezzera, Crispin Leyser and Lisa Kramer assess this year’s event, its strong crop of new shows but lingering questions
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 preview: Jordan Pinto, Alex Cameron, Sofie Schütt, Ragnhild Thorbech and Melanie Rumani discuss the dynamics and hot new titles shaping this year’s event
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.
ITV Studios LA Screenings spotlight: Julie Meldal-Johnsen, Matthew Barry, Catherine Moulton and Helen Bowden discuss The Guest, Code of Silence, Watching You and more
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 Studi
C21investigates Trump’s tariffs: Jordan Pinto, Frank Spotnitz and Thomas Dey discuss the US president’s latest bombshell and John Voight’s proposals to ‘make Hollywood great again’
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
India’s $6bn content opportunity; Deepak Dhar, Augustus Dulgaro, Anugrah Joshi, Louise Pedersen and Andrew Zein at the Content India Summit
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 Z
C21investigates TV’s inconvenient truth: How talk of an industry-wide climate content pledge has become taboo
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 Walking With Dinosaurs; Mona Masri and Ahmed Abdullahi reflect on A Life’s Worth; Banijay’s Simon Cox
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].
Irish animation spotlight: Jam Media’s John Rice, Piranha Bar’s Nicky Gogan, Turnip & Duck’s Colm Tobin and Little Moon’s Vanessa Robinson
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: Long Bright River’s Amanda Seyfried; Supacell’s Sheila Nortley; Sky’s Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Meghan Lyvers and Nils Hartmann
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
Series Mania preview: James Norton, Kitty Kaletsky talk King and Conqueror; Banijay’s Johannes Jensen tracks scripted shifts
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 talks new Netflix drama Adolescence; C21 investigates paper formats ‘apocalypse’
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].
IWD2025: Fifth Season’s Jennifer Ebell, RTS’s Theresa Wise, OUTtv’s Lauren Whitelaw; how TV is embracing YouTube and what this means for secondary rights
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 special: Banijay’s Cathy Payne, Fremantle’s Jens Richter, ITV’s Ruth Berry, BBC Studios’ Tom Fussell & Zai Bennett, Keshet’s Kelly Wright
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.
London TV Screenings 2025 preview: Parrot’s Brandon Katz, Hat Trick’s Sarah Tong, DCD Rights’ Nicky Davies Williams and APC’s Emmanuelle Guilbart
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
The unexpected links between Survivor and the transatlantic corridors of power; DQ reviews the new Bergerac; Andy Taylor Foundation latest
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].
Trump tariffs impact; Jodi Flynn, JC Mills, Jenny Daly reaction; DQ reviews Dan Fogelman’s Paradise on Disney+
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].
UK high-end TV crisis; Miss Austen; the view from 2030 with Anonymous Content’s David Levine, North Road’s Caroline Hollick, Roma Khanna and more
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].
Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego & Gloria Calderón Kellett on nurturing new Latino talent; and live from Content Americas 2025 with Secuoya Studios, Globo and Omdia
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.
LA wildfires, BBC’s Lindsay Salt, Content Americas 2025 preview, SAS: Rogue Heroes & A Thousand Blows
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
ITV America’s David George talks US outlook; what Justin Trudeau’s exit means for CBC, WWE’s Netflix debut; Harlan Coben’s latest Netflix hit and Paramount+’s The Crow Girl
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
From accelerated M&A to a deluge of ‘AI slop’, Allied Global Marketing’s Adam Cunningham and the C21 team discuss where the TV industry is headed in 2025
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].
Corie Henson on her search for ‘holy sh*t ideas’, Eli Holzman on the real reason Mr Beast went from YouTube to Amazon
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, Amazon’s Lauren Anderson talk streaming evolution
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].
