What kids’ buyers are looking for

(Kids | MIPJUNIOR, 04.10.09)


Although the new online screening system means programmes can be viewed online for the next 12 months, key buyers were making the most of the opportunity for two days of intensive screening at MIP Junior, fuelled by refreshments provided by Cookie Jar.

- “We want strong live action and animated comedy for 6-9s, and boys’ action series,” said Jules Borkent, SVP global acquisitions and international programming for Nickelodeon (photo).

- Francine Laprade, evaluation officer for CBC Radio-Canada, wanted 2- and 3D animated series of all lengths for all age groups between 2 and 12. “I will screen more than 50 series this weekend,” she said.

- David Levine of Disney Channels Worldwide directs programming strategy for nearly 100 Disney channels around the world. “Our priority is animation for Disney XD, and original movie co-production opportunities,” he said.

- Signe Lindkvist was buying for Ramasjang!, Danmarks Radio’s new kids’ channel. “We launch next month,” she said. “It’s Denmark’s first public service channel specifically for kids.”

- Bella Stjerna, head of children’s and youth at SVT was seeking ‘anything good’ for SVT Barnkanalen, SVT’s dedicated children’s channel. “We have plenty of good pre-school content,” she said. “But it’s more difficult to find content for the hard-to-please 7-11 year olds.”

- Ola Kurcz of Poland’s Canal+ Cyfrowy was seeking content for the pre-school channel Mini Mini and Zigzap, for 8-12s. “We saw a lot of new titles this year, particularly from Asia.”

- Nils Stokke, head of planning, scheduling and acquisitions for NRK Super, the Norwegian public service children’s channel, screened for kids from 2-12. “I’d like to see more live action for older kids,” he said. “That’s been hard to find for a couple of years now.”

- At his first MIP Junior, YLE’s Jusu Lounela was buying for 12-16 year olds for Finland’s TV2 channel. “I’m also seeking content for my youth magazine show, Summesi,” he said.