Ireland’s RTÉ eyes drama partners

MIPTV: Irish pubcaster RTÉ is in Cannes with a focus on bolstering its partnerships in scripted programming, according to its director of coproductions and acquisitions.

Dermot Horan

RTÉ’s focus on drama comes after a series of unscripted moves from the broadcaster, including its deal with Franco-German pubcaster Arte to co-develop new programming.

That arrangement has already spawned Easter event documentary Countdown to Calvary (1×60′), which was coproduced with Arte and US syndicator American Public Television and has been picked up globally.

Dermot Horan, who oversees copros and acquisitions for RTÉ, told C21 here at MipTV that one of his main priorities is “event-type dramas” that consist of four to eight episodes and have a “recognised cast.”

“We are also looking for coproduction partners for both dramas and comedy dramas, where there are Irish elements – cast, setting, plot,” he added.

Earlier this year RTÉ and the Irish Film Board revealed 10 projects that had progressed to the development stage of their recently launched scripted comedy initiative.

The Irish broadcaster has been revamping its structure recently as it looks to streamline its activities into three divisions working across TV, radio and online respectively.