“Bonfires And Fireworks”: International TV Execs Talk Demand, ‘Maxton Hall’ & The Battle For Attention — Seriesly Berlin

deadline.com:

Here in Germany at the inaugural Seriesly Berlin conference, execs from international TV sector debated market contraction, opportunities and the meaning behind “bonfires and fireworks.” In a panel chair by Deadline’s Stewart Clarke at the Fotografiska arts center in Berlin’s Mitte, The Art of Coproduction founder Marc Lorber and Constantin Film Chief Content Officer Jan Ehlert outlined how shows could achieve success either by “burning brightly” for a short period of time or slowly gaining heat over several seasons or years. “With the firework [shows], hopefully they burn big and bright, with lots of ‘ooh aah’ moments,” said Lorber. “Good or bad, people know about them.

On the other hand, Bonfire shows smoulder and burn. They are sustainable and returnable, and people feel comfortable with them.” Ehlert, whose company makes Netflix hit Liebes Kind (Dear Child), added there was “huge demand for all types of entertainment.” “For a show to work globally, it has to work for local market in the first place,” he said. “To be touching and authentic it has work for local audience and then it gets the ability to travel.

There are shows out there that burn brightly and quickly,” he added, but noted “everyone remembers The Sopranos.” Others on the panel pointed to the slow burn success of AMC’s Breaking Bad, which didn’t explode until it was acquired by Netflix, as an example of the “bonfire” phenomenon.

Lorber, a former Lionsgate co-production exec, said that television shows and films are now in an attention battle with everything from “gambling, betting and sports,” but noted that there were comparatively similar rates of programs breaking through as in “years back.” “The key goal is finding your tribe and making them