Joséphine Letang, head of international distribution and marketing at Arte Distribution, outlines how the Paris-based company is adapting to the changing landscape for content and what new titles she has on her slate for 2025.

How do you see the documentary distribution landscape evolving as we move through 2025?

The demand for documentaries remains strong globally. Documentary storytelling, engaging audience with the stories, continues to play a crucial role when it comes to the choice of our buyers. Besides, we observe a significant shift towards bold, high-profile titles with a broad international appeal. Distributors need to be adaptable, with a curated, diversified slate and a strong sense of editorial identity.

How have streamers changed the market for natural history and wildlife content?
Streamers have raised the bar in terms of production values and storytelling ambition. They’ve helped bring natural history to broader audiences, and there’s now more room for creative formats, from character-driven narratives to hybrid styles. But it also means the market is more competitive and only truly outstanding content gets noticed.

How has the global downturn in commissioning impacted your content supply lines?
It’s been a challenge, but also an opportunity. Fewer commissions mean more producers are turning to distribution earlier in the process, which allows us to be involved from development and build stronger partnerships. We’re adapting by working more upstream, investing in strong editorial ideas and helping structure international financing.

How has the trend for copros between linear channels and global streamers affected your business?
It’s opening up new doors. These hybrid models require a fine balance between editorial needs and windowing strategies, but when aligned, they offer a real win-win. As a distributor, our role is to connect the dots — understanding each partner’s DNA and building bridges between platforms.

What are the highlights of your new documentary slate?

Our new slate offers a bold and timely mix of premium titles across key genres. In ancient history, we spotlight unique historical discoveries with The Mystery of the Desert Kites (52’ & 90’), Polychromia (52’ & 90’) and Ramesses II: Secrets of a Pharaoh (3×52’).

In wildlife and exploration, Europe’s Wildest Heritage (10×43’) is a magical journey through European wildlife, while Saving Paradise (15×52’) is our well-known discovery series. They are joined by the highly anticipated Oceania (52’ & 90’). With spectacular cinematography, this show offers an immersive journey into a one-of-a-kind natural environment, showcasing powerful local initiatives to protect the ocean and its biodiversity.

We continue to engage with current affairs through documentaries that decode today’s world — from the TikTok phenomenon to Havana Syndrome (4×43’ & 2×52’), the Panama Canal crisis and the rise of oil oligarchs, with Putin’s Gang (3×52’).

Art and culture titles also remain central, with portraits of cinema icons like Glenn Close – A Feminist Force (52’), and The Legends of Paris (4×52’), a visually stunning animated series that brings 19th century Paris to life through the eyes and passions of visionary artists such as Hugo, Dumas, Berlioz and Balzac.

How does the slate reflect any changes in your content strategy?

Our strategy continues to focus on editorial excellence and diversity — both in topics and in storytelling approaches. ARTE’s unique signature is at the heart of our slate, with bold investigations, high-end cultural content and a distinctive point of view. At the same time, we work with a variety of broadcasters and producers to offer a wide range of genres and editorial styles.

From high-end science programmes (Mystery of the Desert Kites (52’ & 90’), produced for France Télévisions) to bold history titles (Ramesses II (3×52’), for RMC), and cutting-edge contemporary issues (Havane Syndrome (4×43’ & 2×52’), for Canal+), we bring together outstanding content tailored for different platforms and audiences.

We also explore distinctive creative approaches, from the stylised animation of The Legends of Paris (4×52’), a one-of-a-kind series that required six years of animation and historical research, to Europe’s Wildest Heritage (10×43’), which takes viewers on a journey through iconic European landscapes while exploring the region’s rich wildlife. Blending nature, history and cultural discovery, it offers a fresh perspective on the continent.

This diversity allows us to meet the evolving needs of buyers while staying true to our editorial values.

Are you finding your clients are acquiring more content as local production gets more costly?

We’re seeing the impact of tighter budgets across all segments — public broadcasters, commercial channels and even some platforms. Acquisitions remain a key part of programming strategies, with a focus on distinctive, high-end content that fits editorial needs and budgets.

Where are the biggest markets for your content and what are some recent sales for your company?

Europe remains a key market, with long-standing partnerships and a steady interest in high-end investigations. We’ve also seen renewed interest from the UK as they recently acquired Desert Kites (52’ & 90’), and The Last Neanderthal (52’). In Asia, there is demand for both history and discovery content, while in North America, we continue to build solid collaborations, both for historical programmes and strong investigations. Our discovery and travel series, as well as portraits of cinema icons and artists, resonate with audiences around the world, reflecting the global appeal of engaging and visually distinctive storytelling.

What opportunities do you see in the FAST, AVoD and YouTube spaces?

These platforms are opening up new audiences and revenue models. We closely observe these evolving viewing habits and see them as valuable new opportunities for distribution and exposure. We collaborate with a range of specialised partners around the world, allowing us to develop a global vision and deep market insight. It’s encouraging to see the strong appetite for documentaries on these emerging platforms. YouTube, in particular, attracts younger audiences — a clear sign that new generations remain curious and engaged with the documentary genre.

What will be the biggest challenges and opportunities for the TV industry for the rest of 2025 and beyond?

The industry is facing a complex landscape, with increased pressure on budgets and fierce competition for audience attention. But there are also real opportunities for content that stands out and is relevant to today’s concerns. High-end documentaries remain a powerful way to engage viewers, especially when they offer a strong editorial vision, international relevance and creative storytelling. That’s the direction we’ve taken with our latest slate.

Joséphine Letang, head of international distribution and marketing at Arte Distribution, outlines how the Paris-based company is adapting to the changing landscape for content and what new titles she has on her slate for 2025.

How do you see the documentary distribution landscape evolving as we move through 2025?

The demand for documentaries remains strong globally. Documentary storytelling, engaging audience with the stories, continues to play a crucial role when it comes to the choice of our buyers. Besides, we observe a significant shift towards bold, high-profile titles with a broad international appeal. Distributors need to be adaptable, with a curated, diversified slate and a strong sense of editorial identity.
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