BBC’s Entertainment Editor Urges Industry to Take Risks for Innovative Content
During a conference session at this year’s Broadcast Worldwide (BCWW) convention in Seoul, BBC’s Entertainment Commissioning Editor Katie Taylor emphasized the importance of taking risks in the entertainment industry. As the editor responsible for commissioning shows that represent Britain and appeal to a diverse range of audiences, Taylor encouraged creators and producers to be bold with innovative ideas.
Taylor highlighted the success of Korean content and called on content creators to learn from it. She urged them to think beyond specific markets and consider how their formats could engage audiences around the world. Taylor emphasized that the BBC, as a public service broadcaster, is looking for unique and diverse ideas that represent the audiences it serves.
In the increasingly competitive market, Taylor emphasized the need for the entertainment industry to take risks. She stated that the BBC is eager to discover the next groundbreaking entertainment format and is not afraid to push boundaries. While the BBC is often perceived as safe and non-commercial, Taylor stressed the importance of embracing risks to stay relevant in the rapidly changing industry.
The impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry was also acknowledged during the BCWW convention. Harry Gamsu, Vice President of Creative, Format, Development, and Sales at Warner Bros. International TV Production, expressed that despite the changes in viewing habits driven by the pandemic, the key to success lies in the authenticity of storytelling. Gamsu commended Korea for its expertise in storytelling and its ability to capture authenticity in its content.
Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at French TV production company Banijay, credited Korean hit show The Masked Singer for changing industry perceptions of Korean formats. She noted that the show’s success has made industry professionals more open to different territories and ideas. Greatorex emphasized the importance of patience and hard work, as some successful formats take time to gain traction in different countries.
Overall, the BCWW convention highlighted the need for the entertainment industry to take risks, think globally, and embrace authenticity in storytelling. The success of Korean content, such as The Masked Singer, has challenged industry norms and opened doors for new and innovative formats. Content creators are encouraged to think beyond borders and captivate audiences around the world with their unique ideas.
