Last month, I wrote that for channels to survive, they should consider stopping commissioning altogether and move to an acquisition-only model. Of course, that only works if there’s enough content being made to fulfil a channel’s needs.
When you consider all the programmes currently being produced globally, I’d argue that this model is sustainable—provided channels also take more editorial risks when acquisitioning content. “Squid Game” is a prime example: a bold, genre-defying piece of programming that could easily have found a home on Channel 4, for instance. And if they could have, they probably would have taken it. Would any of the terrestrial broadcasters in the UK have done so? Probably not.
But looking at how channels operate is only half the picture. What about producers themselves? As the current model stands, producers are only making content for the channel’s needs, not their own. That needs to change — quickly.
The industry is going through a massive reset, a giant correction that, unfortunately, will continue to claim casualties. To producers—the content makers and lifeblood of the industry—I’d say this: for you to survive, you need to bet on yourself, not the channels.
The Problem with the Current Producer Mindset
For years, producers have relied on channels to shoulder all the risk. Development teams throw out a scattergun of ideas, hoping one sticks, and if it doesn’t, they blame broadcasters for being “risk-averse.” But when a commission does happen and the programme doesn't rate - who does it affect? The producer? Not really, they start the process again and try and find anther channel to take their wares.
So content makers need to realise that whoever is paying is shouldering the biggest amount of risk - and that still is the channels. So don't blame them if they won't commission you. Instead think about this.
The uncomfortable truth is: if you wouldn’t spend your own money to fully fund your idea, why should a broadcaster?
Many of the big bosses at super-indies I know would admit they wouldn’t personally back their pitches. Why? Because they don’t want the risk—they want the channels to take it. But if you don’t believe in your idea enough to invest in it yourself, perhaps it’s not the broadcaster who’s the problem.
The Future Belongs to Producers Who Take the Risk
This industry is changing. Channels aren’t the only source of funding anymore, and I believe more private equity groups will soon start investing in IP, especially if the government starts incentivising that to happen. So if that happens, producers need to be ready—and the scattergun approach won’t cut it.
Investors will look for scalable, adaptable ideas — content that doesn’t just live on one platform but can thrive across many:
TV shows that expand into podcasts, YouTube channels, books, or merchandise.
Returnable formats that deliver long-term value.
IP that resonates globally and generates multiple revenue streams.
Ask yourself this - If your idea doesn’t have this kind of potential, then why spend time developing it? Start thinking big, and start thinking global.
Super Indies: It’s Time to Lead by Example
Mega-production groups, in particular, need to stop relying on channels to take all the financial risk. The old economic picture of the TV industry doesn’t stack up—with channels paying peanuts and hoovering up all the rights, production companies often finish a project in the red. This has been the case for a while now, and you all know it. You have the cash reserves. You have the resources. It’s time to start funding your own ideas, proving their value, and retaining control over your IP.
Smaller indies, of course, need help and investment to survive—but for the bigger players, the excuses need to stop. If you want the industry to innovate, lead by example.
So, the next time development teams are putting together a pitch, ask yourself: Would I spend my own money on this? If the answer is no, then why would anyone else?
The future of this industry depends on bold, calculated risks. Producers, it’s time to bet on yourselves.
Thanks for reading The TV Whisperer! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
