What Are 3 Ways Networks Acquire Programming?
Here's a Fast Look
Stacey Parks is the author of “The Insiders Guide
to Independent Film Distribution” (Focal Press). Her
website is www.filmspecific.com.
(1.) They acquire a finished program. This is usually
the least expensive option for a network, and
where you, the producer stand to receive the
lowest acquisition price (the exception being
if you’re a Sundance Film Festival winner or
something like that). Networks acquire their
programs at both film festivals and film markets
like AFM, Cannes, MIPTV, and MIPCOM.
(2.) They commission a program. This is the option
they go for when they want to own the film or
program out-right. You become a hired gun, and
create the program to their specifications. A&E
only does business this way for example.
(3.) They engage in a co-production agreement. This
is actually the most common way a network
acquires it’s content.
As you can see, worldwide cable and broadcast
distribution is its own beast. I specialized in it for many
years, and to tell you the truth, actually prefer it over
other areas of distribution. Why? Because the television
business is a real “business,” and broadcast buyers are
eager to spend money to fill their programming slots. It’s
much more cut and dry than the theatrical distribution
world, and a much easier sell most of the time.
This article may not be reprinted in print or internet publications without express permission of StudentFilmmakers.com.
Check out this article in the November 2008 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 41.
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