Interview with the pioneer of the Israeli formats industry, one of Israel's leading film and television producers and the Founder & CEO of Armoza Formats, Avi Armoza

Avi has been working in television and film business for more than 20 years. He began his tenure when he founded JCS Productions, which has grown to be Israel largest independent production house. Prior to Armoza, Avi was the VP of Content and Business Development at Israel's leading Media Company, the Jerusalem Capital Studios.

In 2005, he founded Armoza Formats, and under his leadership it has become a key player in the international formats market, successfully establishing it as a leading independent format development and distribution company that aims to innovate in distribution methods and format creation. In addition to driving the company forward, Avi has served
as Executive Producer on several of Armoza's hit shows, including prime-time entertainment show I Can Do That!, which has become a well-known brand aired in over 85 territories, including in the US on NBC and prime time singing competition The Four, which has had two hit seasons on FOX.

In 2019, Avi propelled Armoza Formats to the next stage in its evolution, with the company becoming part of ITV Studios under his continued leadership

Date of recording: June 8, 2021

Interview with prominent talent agent Rob Kenneally

Rob Kenneally is an agent in the Television Scripted department at Creative Artists Agency, a talent and literary agency based in Los Angeles, California. In addition to representing clients in all areas of television, he is instrumental in helping clients, broadcasters, cable networks, and marketers explore new business models. His top clients include Jose Padilha, creator of Narcos on Netflix, and David E. Kelley, creator of Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies.

Prior to CAA, Kenneally was, at various points, President of Television for Rysher Entertainment, Executive Vice President of the ReplayTV Service, Executive Vice President of Network Programming for Reeves Entertainment, and Executive Vice President of the Fox Broadcasting Company, where he was integral in the launching of The Simpsons, Beverly Hills 90210, In Living Color, and Married...With Children.

Date of recording: June 9, 2021

Russia is the biggest and one of the most cinematic countries in the world – it is hard to argue with that! However, it remains largely undiscovered and underestimated as a film destination.
Moscow - is the gateway to Russia, lifeblood of its film industry. Whatever location in Russia you may choose, your journey will start from here and most probably with the local crew.
But it may come that you won't even need to leave Moscow as this vibrant city ticks all the boxes – unparalleled locations, quality production companies and crews, sound stages and state of the art post-production facilities and of course, long-awaited incentives and governmental co-production support.
Many international producers already took advantage of shooting their projects here and willing to come back. Moscow already boasts of hosting such defining projects as Chernobyl, Jack Ryan, Yesterday, McMafia, Lost in Russia, but there is definitely hunger for much more.
Our guests together with the prominent local production houses will share their experience and view on the future of the city as a potential production hub.

Date of recording: June 10, 2021

The Russian animation industry continues to enjoy considerable commercial success in the global marketplace. The hugely successful animation series Masha and the Bear, Kid-E-Cats, KikoRiki, and The Fixies are loved by audiences around the globe entertaining and educating both children and parents.

On the heels of the international success of these series, the international demand for new Russian animation projects from distributors and producers keen to collaborate on co-financing and co-production and capitalize on one of the most promising and fastest-growing sectors within Moscow's creative industry.

Representatives from Soyuzmultfilm, Riki Group of Companies, Wizart Animation, and CTC Media will discuss what makes Russian animation so popular among foreign viewers and the potential challenges they face. They will also put the spotlight on new titles and spin-offs ready for the market.

Date of recording: June 10, 2021

In recent years AVOD and FAST have grown in the United States into a medium that is quickly rivalling broadcast in terms of revenue generated. International consumer electronic brands are actively expanding their efforts into Virtual MVPDs (vMVPDs) and are driving millions of eyeballs to these new linear channels that are rapidly changing the model of their businesses. AVOD/FAST companies like XUMO, Pluto, and Tubi have been acquired for 100s of millions of dollars and continue to grow in revenue while ad technologies like SpotX and TripleLift catering to AVOD are being acquired for billions. This discussion will explore this new industry and how we can prepare for what is believed to be a major shift in how content is delivered and monetized.

Date of recording: June 8, 2021

The panel will discuss the global trend of Social Impact Entertainment (SIE) and the foundations and practices required to deliver original Russian content.

Entertainment is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the way we consume content and the demand for an authentic, diverse range of voices and inclusive powerful storytelling demonstrates the breadth of this growing movement. There is now an obligation to deliver realistic, compelling narratives that promote positive social change, encourage important dialogue, and have the power to effect change well beyond audiences switching off their TVs or leaving the cinema.

The panel will discuss the challenges, opportunities and explore new and innovative ways to navigate Social Impact whilst remaining committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and entertaining content.

Date of recording: June 11, 2021

In the second session, representatives of the key state structures of the Russian Federation will explain how they support creative industries and encourage export contracts, and highlight exciting opportunities the country holds for international filmmakers and how they are supporting following the huge disruptions and challenges the global pandemic imposed on the global film industry.

Date of recording: June 8, 2021

Before the COVID-19 pandemic which enforced a global lockdown, the world's leading film schools had limited virtual educational programs for creative professions. However, to navigate the new normal, the pandemic forced institutions to reconsider approaches to teaching, to reform educational practices, and embrace unexpected opportunities for distant learning. This involved developing engaging efficient online formats and new procedures for interacting with the wider industry. This approach has proved crucial for those students who haven't had access to leading film schools in the past, the transition to online has proved an incredible opportunity for remote students. Participants will talk about the experience in film schools, explore exciting creative case studies, and also give their assessment of the future transformation of film education.

Date of recording: June 11, 2021

In recent years, Russia has hosted a selection of international production teams helping them to create premium content. Russia is now home to many full-service production companies that are competing for international business, using highly skilled local talent and world-class facilities.

Russian service and production companies work with local teams on budgets and schedules, recruit key players to spearhead training, advise on location scouting, provide legal and visa support, and offering the best editors, dubbing mixers, and designers who bring a wealth of experience to create international quality content at competitive prices.

Date of recording: June 8, 2021

For many years the documentary market has been built around the "TV commissioning - Film Festivals - Limited Theatre Release'' scheme. However, the rapid growth of web platforms, documentary series formats, and democratization of the documentary production have made the path from creator to the worldwide audience more feasible, allowing the genre to quickly adapt to new realities and bringing the most up-to-date topics to the screen. Established leading documentary professionals will discuss how the landscape is constantly changing, where it was before the pandemic and will discuss possible scenarios for independent film creators and distributors following the pandemic.

Date of recording: June 5, 2020

State support is crucial for long-term development within the international market. Representatives of the key state structures of the Russian Federation will explain how they support creative industries and encourage export contracts, and highlight opportunities the country holds for international filmmakers now and after the pandemic.

Date of recording: June 5, 2020

With film production around the world shut down for the past two months, the film industry is faced with a myriad of challenges following the industry screeching to a halt. Countries around the world have begun issuing guidelines to safely resume film and TV production in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. In what will be a wide-ranging discussion, our panel will exchange ideas on how we can safely get the cameras rolling again and what the new normal looks like.

Date of recording: June 3, 2020

The current crisis has shaken up the independent cinema industry around the world. The desire to return to "business as usual" is evident across every line of business, however, society has adapted and we have to redefine the parameters for our "new normal". Leading independent producers from Russia and Europe will explore pathways for a possible future of independent (co-)production in a panel discussion moderated by Erwin M. Schmidt.

Date of recording: June 3, 2020

International buyers from 3 major territories (Latin America, USA, and Spain) will elaborate on their experience of releasing Russian films and share their insight into the success of the best-performing projects. The panel will look at such variables including budget, genre, territory specifics, TV slots, marketing materials, and their role in the overall distribution success of Russian content in each of these key territories.

Date of recording: June 3, 2020

At the beginning of 2020 one of the world's largest film industries — the Chinese film industry — was the first to face the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of January, most filming stopped. The long-awaited New Year releases were cancelled and movie theatres were closed. At the end of March, when the rest of the world faced the same hurdles and restrictions, China had already overcome the peak of the crisis and had begun its gradual return to normal life. Now that the whole world must solve the same issues—how to survive, adapt, and be reborn again — China's experience is key to facing the challenge ahead.

Date of recording: June 3, 2020

Erik Barmack is founder of LA based production company Wild Sheep. Founded in May last year, Erik became widely known in the international TV industry during his time as Netflix VP of International Originals, where he spearheaded the US streaming giants drive into international productions. His international hits include Spanish school thriller Elite, German missing kids mystery, Dark, Danish virus pandemic thriller, The Rain and Indian esoteric mystery Sacred Games. His philosophy at Wild Sheep continue to be to develop original programming that has an international reach. Speaking last year at Mexico's Latin American international TV market, MiP Cancun, Erik said: "What's so interesting about international content is that it is coming from anywhere and going everywhere." It is this understanding that helped drive his decision to go independent, believing that there is "a real market opportunity to connect Hollywood to the world and the world to Hollywood". ROSKINO CEO Evgenia Markova and Erik Barmack will talk about the projects he is developing now and what potential he sees in Russia.

Date of recording: June 3, 2020

The pandemic has caused a serious hit to the content production industry, suspending the filming of numerous new projects and postponing the launch of already-announced films. Isolated producers and directors have started to ponder how to keep making films in the new environment. Many have turned to the groundbreaking screenlife format, where the action of the film takes place on the screens of various devices. Russian producer Timur Bekmambetov introduced his new storytelling format 5 years ago when he showcased screenlife on the big screen and was met with acclaim and commercial success. Screenlife was always considered as an experimental format, but the lockdown has brought it into the mainstream with 12 new projects announced and released during the self-isolation period by leading Russian directors, producers, and platforms.

Date of recording: June 2, 2020

Post-production services in Russia are now being utilized by international filmmakers who have already worked with Russian professionals on film and TV series. Key Buyers Event participants will have a chance to get acquainted with key post-production companies in Russia, as well as discuss their experience of working with Russian companies with international speakers.

Date of recording: June 4, 2020

Leo Barraclough, International News Editor at Variety will host a discussion with Marc Lorber, SVP International Co-productions & Acquisitions, Lionsgate, one of the most experienced international multi-genre creative content and programming executives and an Emmy-nominated producer, and David Ellender, CEO of Sonar Entertainment. The discussion will focus on the trends in international production, the market for non-English language films in the USA, co-producing and distributing distinctive and high-quality content that people want to watch — and finding a range of homes for it.

Date of recording: June 4, 2020

Following global trends, the Russian media content market has faced considerable changes over the last several years. New technologies and digital transformations have significantly influenced the distribution channels structure, advertising strategies and terms of subscription. New industry players have enhanced competition for fresh talents and original content, and all of this has resulted in new partnerships and billions in investments.

Date of recording: June 8, 2020

You will find out how the country's local industry is expanding and becoming more international in its focus. Tune in to get the lowdown on what the major opportunities are in Russia - spanning talent, finance and on-the-ground production - and hear from some of the most high-profile local producers and rising filmmakers about how they are looking to strengthen their ties in the international market.

This panel discussion is a replay of the discussion which was hosted by Deadline on June 10 at 9 am Los Angeles time (7 pm Moscow time) at https://russiafilm2020.splashthat.com

Date of recording: June 10, 2020

Russian television drama and series have come a long way in the past 20 years - from local adaptations of hit US series to home grown content that is now being seen internationally. Leading Russian TV producers will talk about their international projects that have already won the attention of audiences abroad, as well as share upcoming plans and perspectives of their new series ahead of being released into the international markets.

Date of recording: June 8, 2020