UK banks 40% of global TV formats market

The UK accounted for 40% of the global entertainment formats business in the first four months of 2007, retaining its position as the dominant player in the market. [ALL]

The UK accounted for 40% of the global entertainment formats business in the first four months of 2007, retaining its position as the dominant player in the market.

According to data released by producer and distributor FremantleMedia, the UK was responsible for six out of 15 global entertainment formats that were locally adapted in at least two new territories, between January and April.

There were five from the Netherlands, two from Australia and none from the US.

Key UK shows included Simon Cowell's franchise Got Talent, Maverick Television's makeover format How to Look Good NakedFremantleMedia's Pop Idoland PokerFace.

While the UK remains the key player in the global format business, it fell from a high of 50% in 2005 to 43% in 2006.

The US has experienced a dramatic slump from 20% in 2005 to 13% last year and nothing this year.

The Netherlands has increased its footprint, jumping from 10% of the market in 2005 to 9% last year to 33% so far in 2007.

The Netherlands is home to Deal or no Dealcreator Endemol and is aided by government regulations.

In 2006, of the 68 global entertainment formats locally adapted in at least two territories, the UK was responsible for 29, the US nine and the Netherlands six.

FremantleMedia director of finance Ian Ousey said: 'The UK is a very mature and sophisticated business. If we get a prime time show away on a UK broadcaster, the ability to sell it abroad is enormous.'

Ousey added the US had struggled in the entertainment formats business because the major TV networks were reluctant to take risks.

Origin of global formats in 2006

UK - 29

USA -9

Rest of the World -7

The Netherlands - 6

Australia- 4

Denmark -4

Sweden - 4

Belgium -3

Germany - 2

Source: Fremantlemedia