BBC Studios is making significant strides in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with ambitious plans to deepen its presence in the region through major production and co-production initiatives. Bartosz Witak, General Manager for BBC Studios in CEE, discussed these plans at NEM Dubrovnik, marking what he described as a “new chapter” for the organization.
Appointed in February, Witak’s role aligns with BBC Studios’ broader strategy of “expansion and diversification” in CEE. Four months into his tenure, Witak elaborated on these plans, emphasizing a shift towards producing multi-part factual and documentary programming rather than drama.
Historically, BBC Studios’ operations in CEE have centered around channels and program sales. The recent launch of the drama channel BBC First in the Czech Republic and Slovakia is a testament to this focus. However, Witak noted that the new production push aims to complement existing operations, fostering opportunities across channels and products. “We believe by doing this, we create opportunities for ourselves at the level of channels and other products. It’s all part of one big environment – it’s an ‘all in the game’ approach – and that means it is the time to do something in co-production and production,” he explained.
A key objective of this initiative is to contribute CEE programming to BBC Studios’ global distribution catalogue. “It’s so important for us to start upstreaming content from the region to BBC Studios’ global library,” Witak stated.
The content push will involve various strategies, from localizing existing BBC IP with regional partners to developing new ideas locally for global distribution. Co-production partners may range from financial investors to those providing creative and production input. Witak emphasized the need for flexibility, indicating that each opportunity will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. “There are different business models – including producing in the region and testing it here [on local and regional channels and platforms] – another is to co-produce something we know can go international and take it straight to international partners,” he said.
Witak is already forging strategic partnerships and anticipates having projects to discuss by NEM Dubrovnik 2025. BBC Studios recognizes the necessity of building close relationships with local producers and financing partners to achieve its production ambitions in CEE. Addressing a full conference hall at NEM Dubrovnik, Witak invited attendees to collaborate: “Come and talk to us whatever ideas you have… we want to be at the forefront of discussions. We can be a game-changing driver going forwards.”
This strategic move by BBC Studios signals a strong commitment to the CEE region, aiming to leverage local talent and resources to create compelling content for both regional and international audiences.
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