Fussell Talks ‘Bluey’ from BBC Studios, Microdrama and Netflix-Warner Deal

BBC Studios is eyeing growth in the international streaming space and an acquisition could come in, its CEO said today.

In an interview with the media BBC Studios Showcase, tom purcell It spoke of an “inorganic growth opportunity” that could be similar to the outright acquisition of BritBox International from ITV Studios two years ago.

In a wide-ranging conversation with the media at the showcase, Fussell and BBC Studios’ president of global content said: Jai Bennett He also touched on the Netflix-Warner-Paramount deal, microdramas and continued success. Bluey.

“There is an opportunity for inorganic growth in streaming across genres,” Fussell said. “As the home of streaming in the UK, I believe we have the right to grow it further. Opportunities like this will take time, but you (the media) will be the first to read about them and be briefed on them.”

Fussell hinted that now could be the time for the next acquisition, pointing out that the BritBox acquisition was two years ago and the acquisition of channel group UKTV a few years before that.

“We have a very good, strong board of directors advising us on these issues,” Fussell said. He praised BBC Studios chairman Damon Buffini for bringing experience in the M&A space, although Buffini’s tenure will soon end.

“The opportunity is there,” Fussell said. “The trick is whether you can find willing buyers and sellers at the same time.”

BBC Studios operates BritBox in North America and other regions along with documentary streaming service BBC Select. As revenue to the BBC’s public purse becomes increasingly important, streaming and direct-to-consumer services have become vital cogs in the machine.

Fussell was asked for his thoughts on Netflix-Warners, the big M&A story of the year. He said the large-scale consolidation reflects that “market growth in the coming years will not be the same as it was in the five years before TV peaked.”

“When rumors of acquisitions and consolidations keep coming, it usually proves that there is not a ton of growth in the market because everyone is looking for synergies,” he added. “But we know where we want to invest in the studio’s global expansion, to increase our streaming footprint in the U.S. and work with our partners to develop more IP.”

The BBC Studios’ funding shortfall was a key part of the BBC’s attempts to overcome the co-pro crisis that hit its script when the Americans cut off funding for British prestige dramas following a labor strike. said BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt in an interview with Deadline this morning. The company said it had now “weathered the storm.” And Bennett joined in hours later to say there was a “green shoot” leading to a “new normal” and pointed to more co-pro funding from big US players like Paramount.

Fussell said this “new normal” comes at a critical time, with new CEOs for Channel 4 and Paramount-owned Channel 5. “Public Service Broadcasting is unique because it is the UK’s true venture capital,” he added. “They don’t own the rights. The producers own the rights. They can export those things and create jobs across the UK.”

Fussell called for tax credit improvements that many in the entertainment sector have been calling for for years.

In the showcase, distribution through YouTube is the main topic, London TV screening This week the BBC signed a landmark deal with the platform.

“Everyone needs a strategy for participating in ad-funded platforms, and YouTube is the biggest one,” Fussell added. “We are very clear where we stand and the BBC Group itself is now clear about what it wants.”

Fussell rejected the idea that putting more content on YouTube would be a hindrance to creators seeking to exploit their rights.

“We have always blocked and geo-blocked content where we had to respect rights holders,” he said. “So I think that’s in the DNA of this organization: You study all the different outlets and see where you can generate the most revenue.”

Fussell pointed out that BBC Studios has been utilizing YouTube for several years, leveraging channels such as: BlueyIts most valuable asset, currently has over 20 million followers across platforms.

Fussell was recently in Australia. Bluey He said he would like to explore IP opportunities for BBC Studios’ other large properties ahead of filming, or explore sub-licensing deals. Although he didn’t elaborate on which properties, Bennett pointed to the BBC Studios Kids & Family deal. little Production company Magic Light Pictures acquired international distribution rights last year. little.

Fussell and Bennett were promoting BBC Studios content at the showcase. blue Planet III, channel 4 thriller dead point from baby reindeer Producer Clerkenwell Films and new format Secret genius.

Bennett is also interested in the microdrama space.

He said BBC Studios’ serial drama team produces: eastenders and casualty, “It’s amazing how we can tell stories at lower costs and at higher volumes.” This may be suitable for microdramas.

He added, “We are definitely investigating.” “And we’re looking at what we can do in terms of drama-documentary reconstruction using AI. microdrama “In the next few months.”

Over the weekend, we found out why we need microdrama. hasn’t taken off yet Along with traditional retailers of TVs.