Pio Vernis, Audiovisual Business Director, Tv3 Televisió De Catalunya

The mission of TV3, Catalonia’s public service broadcaster, has always transcended traditional broadcasting to elevate the cultural experience of local viewers. Now, 40 years after its creation, the company aims to increase the number of international content ventures and defines coproduction not just as a strategic element, but as “the heartbeat that drives our aspiration to craft premier content”.

What are the main programming genres TV3 focuses on and why?

In terms of global markets, TV3 places special emphasis on fiction and documentary programs. Within the subgenres of fiction, thrillers and comedies have brought us great joy recently. In documentaries, true-crime, investigative and factual have also reached great local and international recognition.

What is the company’s main focus for Mipcom 2023?

We’re keen to spotlight TV3’s redefined direction in content production and financing. Historically, our primary thrust was directed towards self-financed projects, often in partnership with Catalonia’s independent creators. However, times have changed, and so have we. Presently, we’ve undergone a transformation to ensure our active involvement in projects of the utmost ambition and scope. Embracing co-productions more openly, we’re actively fostering both local and global industry relationships, aligning ourselves with top-tier global players. The prestigious global creative and producer talent of Catalonia, with the Barcelona Hub as a visible flagship, makes our job very easy. That’s why we proudly proclaim that we “connect”.

How would you describe your approach to co-production?

With our periodic calls across various genres, we encourage local producers to present proposals that could benefit from the investment of other broadcasters, thus distributing financial responsibility beyond TV3. While this evolving landscape might imply a shift in editorial reins, we ensure that the hallmark of quality and integrity associated with TV3 remains untouched. Our collaboration already spans co-productions with prominent SVOD platforms globally, terrestrial channels from various regions, and studios affiliated with renowned audiovisual brands. And we will continue to do so with determination.

Could you specify the company’s most relevant content agreements recently?

I would highlight This Is Not Sweden (Esto no es Suecia) as a shining example of our initiatives. It is the result of a multinational collaboration with Funicular Films, Nanouk Films, RTVE, Anagram Sweden, SVT, NDR, and YLE, with the support of ICEC and the Media Program. Meanwhile, Merlí (40×50), with its three seasons, was not only the sensation of the market in 2018 but continues to conquer new horizons, whether with its original production or acclaimed adaptations, such as those made by France Télévisions and RAI. We’re also thrilled to spotlight the evolved third season of Cities, now rebranded as Dating In Barcelona. This isn’t merely an extension of its predecessors; it signifies a transformative shift in our production financing strategies. While TV3 wholly sponsored the initial two seasons of Cites, the recent one flourished in collaboration with Filmax and a pre-sales rights to Prime Video Iberia. This collaborative effort not only broadened the series’ horizon but also scaled its international appeal. The distribution is handled by Filmax International, which belongs to the same group as the series producer.

Pio Vernis, Audiovisual Business Director, Tv3 Televisió De Catalunya

The mission of TV3, Catalonia’s public service broadcaster, has always transcended traditional broadcasting to elevate the cultural experience of local viewers. Now, 40 years after its creation, the company aims to increase the number of international content ventures and defines coproduction not just as a strategic element, but as “the heartbeat that drives our aspiration to craft premier content”.

What are the main programming genres TV3 focuses on and why?

In terms of global markets, TV3 places special emphasis on fiction and documentary programs. Within the subgenres of fiction, thrillers and comedies have brought us great joy recently. In documentaries, true-crime, investigative and factual have also reached great local and international recognition.
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