‘Squid Game’ Driving Non-English Content Demand, Says Study; ITV Studios Iberia Hire; ‘Cats React To Facts’ Series — Global Briefs

‘Squid Game‘ Driving Rise In Foreign-Language Appetite In English-Speaking Markets — Study

Demand for foreign-language content in English-speaking markets has risen by nearly a quarter in the last four years, according to Ampere Analysis, and the likes of Squid Game and Parasite have been named as among the key drivers. Regular viewing of non-English TV shows and movies has increased by 24% among 18-64s in the UK, U.S., Australia and Canada since Q1 2020, according to the research firm’s study. In good news for streamers, some 54% said they watched non-English titles “very often” or “sometimes,” up 43% in that period. South Korean shows are, perhaps unsurprisingly, driving the viewing with a 35% rise in frequent viewing, with the likes of Squid Game and Parasite highlighting the wares from South Korea. The number of 18-34s watching foreign-language content is particularly good news for streamers and distributors, with 66% saying they regularly partake. Subtitling is most popular, though the preference for dubbing in many major European territories remains, with this method of viewing preferred in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Annabel Yeomans, Research Manager at Ampere Analysis, said: “Developments in AI technology for subtitling and dubbing make it easier than ever for platforms to offer TV shows and movies on a global scale.”

ITV Studios Iberia Hires For Non-Scripted

ITV Studios Iberia has built out its non-scripted capabilities with the hire of Hugo Tomás, who has been named Executive Producer, Non-Scripted Programmes. He joins on September 1 and will report direct to ITV Studios Iberia CEO Nathalie Garcia. This will put him in charge of local adaptations of Come Dine With Me, Love Island and The Chase, and he will work closely with Creative Director Miguel Vila to develop new formats. Tomás joins from The Chase producer MediaCrest, where he has been Head of Entertainment for the past three years, and is known locally as a key player in the adaptations of MasterChef, Temptation Island, The Great British Sewing Bee and Secret Millionaire.

‘Cats React To Facts‘ Kids Comedy Series In Works

London-based Serious Lunch and Keyframe Studios have teamed to co-produce Cats React to Facts, a mixed media comedy series for kids aged 7-12. Discussions are underway with potential partners for the show, in which ‘real’ cats feature as news anchors and offer clever and entertaining twists on social media and news reporting. The series is based on a book series by Izzy Howell published by Hachette Children’s Group. It’s created by Keyframe founder Asa Movshovitz and developed for TV by Will Brenton. “This is our response to changing viewing habits for this age group, and Cats React to Facts comes at the viewer with a very fast paced comic delivery punctuated by non-stop visual gags, all underpinned by science facts,” said Movshovitz. “We are looking at both linear and digital production models.” Genevieve Dexter, CEO of Serious Lunch, added Keyframe already had a deck, promo and two scripts completed.