BBC Studios vs Fremantle

BBC's Kate Phillips Prioritizes Creative Instinct Over Algorithms

At MIPCOM 2026, BBC's Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips stated that despite the growing importance of YouTube as a distribution partner, the corporation will not rely on algorithms to guide format development. Instead, Phillips uses an unconventional economic indicator: counting construction cranes in London's skyline to gauge the economy's future health, which she believes influences viewing habits—harder entertainment in boom times, comfort TV in downturns. She emphasized that YouTube-first formats must still uphold editorial and creative standards, citing the success of the documentary channel 'Deep Watch' with 2.5 million subscribers. BBC Studios' CEO Zai Bennett discussed turning content into long-lasting brands, using 'Dancing with the Stars' as an example, while Shelley Macintyre highlighted extending brands into merchandise and games early in development.

• Kate Phillips, BBC's Chief Content Officer, stated at MIPCOM 2026 that the BBC will not use algorithms for format development.
• Phillips uses the number of construction cranes in London's skyline as an economic indicator to predict future viewing habits.
• BBC's YouTube documentary channel 'Deep Watch' has reached approximately 2.5 million subscribers.

Mattel Partners with BBC's Bluey Across Multiple Brands

Mattel announced a multi-year global licensing partnership with BBC Studios to bring the animated series Bluey to five of its major brands: Fisher-Price's Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO. This move is part of Mattel's strategic shift from a traditional toy maker to a 'brand management company' focused on building lifelong fandom through an ecosystem of toys, entertainment, and live experiences. The partnership was announced by Mattel's chief marketing and brand officer, Roberto Stanichi, at ADWEEK's Brandweek. The collaboration aims to leverage Bluey's emotional resonance to deepen consumer engagement and expand Mattel's franchise ecosystem, aligning with its brand pillars of centering fans and creating immersive experiences.

• Mattel and BBC Studios signed a multi-year global licensing partnership for Bluey.
• Bluey characters will appear in Fisher-Price Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO products.
• The deal was announced by Mattel's CMO Roberto Stanichi at ADWEEK's Brandweek.

BBC Studios unveils next generation of reality formats at MIPCOM 2026

The Yacht, The Big Date, Silent Attraction and Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro launching to international buyers in session Reality Check: A New Era of Unscripted Formats, on Monday 12 October.

UFA CEO Sascha Schwingel: Earn Audience Time

In a guest article for DWDL, Sascha Schwingel, CEO of UFA GmbH and member of the Produktionsallianz, shares his wish for the future of the media industry. He argues that in an era of infinite content and platforms, attention is scarce and must be earned, not just captured. Schwingel emphasizes that while technology, AI, and data drive change, the industry must prioritize creating content that genuinely adds value to people's lives. He calls for a shift away from optimizing solely for clicks and dwell time, and instead towards fostering creativity, surprise, and audience trust. He highlights UFA's role within Fremantle and Bertelsmann in exploring new technologies and storytelling forms while maintaining quality. He concludes that ultimately, human judgment, not algorithms, must decide what content deserves an audience's time.

• Sascha Schwingel is CEO of UFA GmbH and a board member of Produktionsallianz.
• The article is a guest contribution in DWDL's series '25 Wünsche' of 25 wishes.
• Schwingel wishes that content should earn audience attention, not just generate it.

Vertical Video Emerges as New Entertainment Format for Brands

At the Jupiter Festival in Miami, industry leaders discussed the rise of vertical video as a serious entertainment format, moving beyond short ads to branded serialized dramas. The trend originated in China and is spreading in the US, with platforms, producers, and brands getting involved. Experts argue that vertical video is a new media language, distinct from traditional TV, with short, hook-driven episodes designed for mobile viewing. Brands are encouraged to think like entertainment companies, creating content that prioritizes storytelling over direct promotion. Examples include Bilt's 'Roomies' series and Fanatics' access-driven content. However, the Chinese model shows that success also depends on heavy marketing, data, and distribution, not just content quality. The panel predicted that in 10 years, premium content will be consumed vertically on platforms like TikTok, while traditional TV remains relevant for other use cases.

• Jupiter Festival in Miami featured panel on vertical video as entertainment format.
• Evan Shapiro working with RoseBerry and Fremantle to rework 'Neighbours' for vertical viewing.
• Bilt's 'Roomies' series cited as example of brand storytelling over product promotion.

Disney Moves American Idol Production from California to Georgia

Disney and producer Fremantle are relocating production of American Idol from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its 25th season, driven by Georgia's tax credits of up to 30% for unscripted productions. This move marks another loss for California's entertainment industry, following The Masked Singer's relocation to New Jersey. California's incentive program excludes certain unscripted formats, making it less competitive. The show is expected to premiere in early 2027, with current host and judges expected to continue pending contract negotiations. The move underscores the economic pressures pushing reality TV production out of California, impacting local crews and vendors.

• American Idol production is moving from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its 25th season.
• Producer Fremantle is in final talks with a studio complex near Atlanta, with the deal not yet signed.
• Georgia offers tax credits of up to 30% for unscripted productions spending at least $500,000 in the state.