Executive predictions: TV on 2014

As another eventful year in television draws to a close, leading industry figures – including Warner Bros. formats boss Andrew Zein, BBC Worldwide’s Western Europe chief David Weiland and NBCUniversal’s David Mortimer – predict the trends and moments that will define the next 12 months.

Next year I am looking forward to the launch of a big noisy stunt format which will either be one of the most talked about shows of 2014 or you’ll never hear of it again… Hopefully it’s the former – if it is you’ll certainly know about it! – Danny Fenton, CEO, Zig Zag Productions

Looking ahead to the next year, my prediction for 2014 is Tatiana Maslany, star of the superb Orphan Black drama, winning a Golden Globe – David Weiland, executive VP, Western Europe, BBC Worldwide

 

I predict cautious yet much more optimistic spending in 2014, with continued growth in all forms of production, and more coproductions and pre-sales being forged for us. 2014 will be better than 2013 in the world of TV distribution – Nicky Davies Williams, CEO, DCD Rights

Amazing and unprecedented levels of demand for and investment in original content by established players – broadcasters – and new entrants – direct to consumer services – will struggle to be met at a local and global level as creative talent becomes even more sought after. Viewers and consumers will be the winners in 2014 – Andrew Zein, senior VP, creative, format development and sales, Warner Bros. International Television Production

My prediction for 2014 is expect many more foreign language drama sales into previously dead territories – Matthew Frank, CEO, Zodiak Rights

 

In the US, the general trend towards noisy specials reached its peak with The Discovery Channel’s live broadcast of Nik Wallenda, the high-wire artist, crossing the Grand Canyon without a safety harness.  The spectacular live camera positions – including a helmet camera and chest camera, combined with sweeping aerials – made this genuine must see TV. There were great historical inserts and the emotion of his family contributed to the shows watch-ability; there will no doubt lead to a flurry of live stunt based shows in 2014.

Channel 4’s bold commissioning of Blackout was for me a UK high point – I loved the ambition of this drama which was presented in a totally new way; tapping into the trend for UGC content in factual programming.  I think this will change the feel of many of the dramas to come out in the next 18 months; inspiring stuff – Kirstie McLure, managing director, Pioneer Productions

As 2014 moves into view, it seems to me that there’s a massive opportunity to find that truly ground breaking factual format that can take on the world. I’ve just invested a lot of NBCU’s development resources into a computerised random format generator that has been making great waves in the Far East – it’s early days obviously, but I’m very excited about The Great British Pawn Stars Ice Dance – David Mortimer, senior VP, factual and entertainment, NBCUniversal International Television Production