Fox's Support for British Drama Industry: From Blinking Greenlights to Full Greenlights
Fox is actively supporting the British drama industry by helping turn potential projects from "blinking greenlights" to full greenlights. The network boss, Michael Thorn, mentioned a shift in the nature of phone calls he has been receiving from British partners, indicating a need for full financing for their dramas. Fox Entertainment Global's sales arm has been instrumental in facilitating these partnerships, with the network taking on North American rights to help complete the funding for these shows.
Earlier this year, the UK industry faced a scripted funding crisis, causing delays in project development. However, the situation has improved, and co-productions are still receiving financial support. Fox has been involved in various development deals with UK production companies and is focused on finding breakout original content regardless of the price point. Thorn emphasized the network's commitment to creativity and working with the best storytellers and partners globally.
During a panel discussion, Thorn highlighted Fox's independence and its ability to create opportunities for indie studios and producers worldwide. The network aims to leverage its position to support creative collaborations and original content. EbonyLife founder Mo Abudu also joined the discussion, sharing insights into the global expansion of her streaming platform, EbonyLife ON Plus. Abudu emphasized the importance of catering to diverse audiences and criticized larger corporations for not investing enough in diverse content.
Abudu's streaming service offers a complete lifestyle ecosystem with various experience pillars, including watching original content, participating in masterclasses, shopping for African fashion and art, enjoying exclusive rewards, and attending real-life events. The platform aims to attract a global audience, particularly from the diaspora, seeking content that resonates with them. Abudu's gradual approach to growing the subscriber base reflects a strategic focus on building a sustainable audience base over time.