Northwest Vision and Media, create the bigger picture
International Indies
NORTHWEST INDIES COULD CRACK THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
NORTHWEST independent TV companies are being encouraged to think big – and attempt to crack the international market by applying for a place on a prestigious programme of networking and development.
The year-long International Development Programme will see one indie being given access to some of the most influential TV commissioners in America and beyond.
Angela Smith, Managing Director of Manchester’s Turn On Television, which took part in the programme last year, describes the initiative as an incredible opportunity.
“It’s massively broadened my horizons internationally,” says Angela, who will travel to Los Angeles next month to meet all the top US networks. “This is really quite amazing, and gives us access that without this kind of Programme would be totally unavailable to a smaller UK indie,” she adds.
In all, eight UK indies will be selected to take part in the programme, and the search has now begun to find one Northwest production company to join that group.
Angela’s place on the programme was sponsored by Northwest Vision + Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries to grow a world-class media economy in England’s Northwest. For the second year running, Northwest Vision + Media will be funding a place on The Research Centre (TRC) initiative for 2007/08.
“The programme was created in response to the growing
importance of global media markets and international rights
exploitation,” explains Chris Moll, Head of Funds for
Northwest Vision + Media.
“We’re delighted to be funding a place for one
Northwest indie to attend, as they’ll not only be able to
develop a real depth of knowledge, but they’ll extend their
range of contacts and relationships with leading international
broadcasters, which in turn will hopefully harness potential
opportunities for their companies,” adds Chris.
With a mix of monthly seminars and expert sessions, plus several
trips into the heartlands of the international market, the
Northwest indie chosen to take part in the programme will gain a
unique insight into the reality of the international market,
together with unparalleled access to broadcasters and co-production
partners.
Angela Smith says Turn On Television has gained enormous insight,
thanks to the international initiative.
“As part of the Programme we went to Canada, where we met 12 different broadcasters and production companies over a three-day period. I was able to forge new relationships there, and I’m confident there will be a tangible outcome from the trip before long,” says Angela, who also travelled to New York and Washington with the Programme.
“Again, we met with a wide range of commissioning editors at a variety of broadcasters, including VH1, Discovery, Nat Geo and Court TV,” she adds.
Angela is confident Turn On TV will continue to benefit enormously in future, as a result of these newly-formed associations. “As a direct result of the trips we made via the Programme, we’re now in a great position to pitch ideas, which will be taken seriously by the commissioners we met.
“I would thoroughly recommend this programme to anyone who has ambitions to produce programming for the US and Canadian markets,” she adds.
· All enquiries and applications should be made to TRC. Please contact Agnes Wilkie, TRC's International Project Manager, on 0141 568 7150 or agnes.wilkie@trcmedia.org for an application pack. Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 19th July.
