NEM preview: Poland’s TVP eyes ‘shiny floor’ entertainment formats

As buyers prepare to head to NEM Dubrovnik next week, Broadcast International explores the content requirements for local and regional companies.

Here, Malwina Kawecka, head of licensing and rights acquisition at Telewizja Polska (TVP), discusses the company’s appetite for scripted co-productions and the ongoing appeal of international programming. 

What types of shows are you looking for at NEM Dubrovnik?

At NEM Dubrovnik, our primary goal is to strengthen the partnerships we’ve already established, but we’re also actively exploring new offers and formats. We’re particularly interested in high-quality entertainment formats, especially so-called ‘shiny floor’ shows. Additionally, we are constantly on the lookout for exciting film and series premieres, especially light-hearted drama series and long-running episodic content. We do not limit ourselves to specific categories, as we operate a broad portfolio of thematic channels. This diversity allows us to stay open to various genres – from factual and lifestyle to scripted drama and reality – depending on the needs of our audiences.

What are your key rights requirements?

Our primary focus is on acquiring free TV rights, as these are core to our main business. However, we also operate pay TV channels, so we are interested in basic cable rights as well. Regarding VOD, our strategy prioritizes AVOD and TVOD premieres, although we are steadily expanding our SVOD offering too. Our preferred license term is usually around two years, which fits our standard programming strategy. That said, we treat each agreement individually and are flexible in negotiations, depending on the type of content and its distribution potential across our platforms.

Tell us about a few recently acquired shows that performed for you and why?

Telenovelas, particularly Turkish ones, consistently perform very well with our audiences and continue to be among our top-rated programming. Recently, we’ve acquired a new format titled Il Mammo Pan Mama, which has been positively received and rated highly by viewers for its fresh approach and strong emotional storytelling. Additionally, we’ve secured rights for new seasons of The Voice of Poland, which remains a flagship entertainment hit for our network. These titles succeed because they combine emotional engagement, broad appeal, and high production value – elements we always seek when selecting new content.

Are you interested in co-productions and, if so, on what types of shows?

Yes, we are interested in co-productions, primarily within the Polish market. We engage in co-production projects especially when it comes to feature films, but also increasingly in TV series and documentary formats. Our strategy is to support stories that are locally relevant but also have potential for international appeal. We look for strong storytelling, distinctive voices, and content that can resonate with both domestic and broader audiences. Working collaboratively allows us to share creative perspectives and reach higher production standards, which is key to standing out in today’s competitive content landscape.

Malwina Kawecka is attending NEM Dubrovnik, which runs 9-12 June at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.