Jim Sayer
Posted on May 2, 2007 - Filed Under Coventry Conversations |
Jim Sayer: Indies are essential to TV
Thursday 3rd May
Broadcasters are increasingly looking to independent producers to turn promising ideas into prime time programme reality, said Maverick TV MD Jim Sayer in a Coventry Conversation last week. “Independently produced programmes are for the creative and industrial benefit of the country,” he said, adding that broadcasters are required to seek a percentage of their programmes from independent companies. Sayer revealed that ‘almost all’ ITV programmes are independently produced, Channel 4 ‘produces nothing itself’ and the BBC has to source 25% of its programmes independently. Sayer emphasised the importance of the public service remit. “It’s extremely valuable and the most worthwhile thing I’ve been involved with in my career. If we lose it, then it’s gone forever and that’s a very serious issue”, he added. Maverick has just finished making a Channel 4 talent show involving deaf and blind people. “Money is given to us for ideas which is usually a sign of intent on the broadcaster’s behalf”, he said. Sayer admitted that it was not all good news for the independents, with Channel 4’s funding model up for review. Such uncertainties as these have cemented Maverick’s decision to enter the American TV market. “America is a huge new area and these are very exciting times, providing a much needed adrenalin kick for us.”
Jason Craig
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