How the LA Screenings Reflect a Changing TV Landscape
variety.comAnna Marie de la Fuente When an estimated 1,000 international TV buyers descend on Los Angeles for the annual TV event known as the LA Screenings, they will see a contracted market still recovering from the twin Hollywood strikes of last year and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the pandemic.
It kicks off with the LA Screenings Independents, held May 15-17 for smaller studios and distributors at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, which are then followed by screenings at the major studios’ respective lots across May 18-22 where they present their latest shows.
They may also host a variety of events for their clients during those days, which may include cocktail receptions and luncheons or dinners with talent and executives.
While stalled projects ramped up as soon as the strikes ended, some delays were inevitable. “A couple of months ago I was wondering if we were going to be entertaining [buyers],” says Lisa Kramer, president, International Content Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “But as we pulled the shows together, I was thrilled to see a collection that was diverse and broad and will showcase different aspects of our company,” she adds, indicating that they will be screenings pilots of the Lasse Halstrom-directed “The Darkness,” based on Icelander Ragnar Jónasson’s thriller book series; the buzzy fact-based “Happy Face,” starring Dennis Quaid made for Paramount+, and the darkly comic “Average Joe,” inspired by the life of creator Robb Cullen.
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