An abundance of great TV these days means international broadcasters no longer want or need to run filler shows.
That’s according to Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television & digital distribution Jim Packer, who told a MIPCOM keynote conversation on Monday with Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins that his studio needs to create TV shows that break through to survive and thrive in the golden age of television.
“We don’t need filler shows anymore,” he said during a fireside chat-style conversation that had both top industry execs posing questions to one another. Packer later told The Hollywood Reporter that U.S. broadcasters, cable networks and digital platforms featuring breakthrough programming on their schedules have fed through to the international market.
“When you add it all up, international broadcasters have a lot of choices,” he said. “We need to swing big and for shows that can cut through the clutter and be smart and edgy and define brands for international partners. If we do that, we’re going to be just fine,” Packer added.
For his part, Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins also had his eye on the international market for possible expansion down the road. “It’s a growing market with increased broadband access, there is an array of devices around the world and great original programs being produced,” he said, before adding “It’s definitely compelling.”
