An interview with Avi Armoza about the opportunities for formats in the digital age
Found Remote was recently at MIPTV in Cannes. The event is a major marketplace where TV companies attend to buy and sell formats across the globe. These formats, while traditionally linear are starting to move more and more to untraditional and multi-channel platforms. One of the leading creators of formats that was at MIP was Armoza Formats. Found Remote interviewed Avi Armoza, the founder and CEO of the company about the impact of digital on the business.
Found Remote: How has digital affected your business?
Avi Armoza: In essence, digital platforms are simply a new way for audiences to watch content, and we see that their main influence on behavior is in relation to scripted shows, and in particular in the form of binge viewing. As a result, there is increasingly more pressure on the entertainment genre to both attract higher numbers of viewers to TV channels and win the night for them.
However, content requirements at their heart stay the same – to provide engaging and innovative stories across all the genres. As creators, we always look to remember that viewers are simply looking to engage in something they enjoy, and so it is our challenge to bring them new and exciting content that will enhance their personal or social experience. The main difference today is that we have more platforms and tools to enable the storytelling of the format and to enrich the viewing experience.
The key challenge lies in finding new and unique ways of storytelling and in bringing innovation to the industry at the same pace as the viewers’ demand, which has increased along with the growth of new platforms and content. This innovation can come through creating new genres, new technologies or new content, with the main focus of providing viewers with positive experiences that they can share. We believe that it is important to take risks with our ideas in order to appeal to our consumers, which is what we did with the launch of The People’s Choice, which is now airing on Brazil’s Globo and which engages every single viewer on a deep level.
We see ourselves as a dynamic and fast-moving company. As an independent company, we are able to take risks where we see the need for them without the red-tape and lengthy processes of larger companies. It is these calculated risks that tend to bring about the greatest rewards. We also aim to be creative and innovative in everything we do and to bring a fresh perspective for our clients, both in our formats and in our partnerships with them.
FR: What were some of the highlights of MIPTV?
AA: We were proud to launch a strong and diverse slate this MIP, aimed at bringing content with an impact. During the market we closed deals in major territories including France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada and China across our new launches - the delicious new docu-reality The Foodies, the empowering factual entertainment format Marry Me Now, the challenging game show Wrecking Ball, the moving and dramatic factual show Local Heroes, the hilarious new comedy La Famiglia and the highly acclaimed and high-concept Israeli thriller The Wordmaker.
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