A+E Global puts microseries at centre of evolving distribution strategy ahead of Mipcom

He Tastes Like Love

A+E Global Media is making vertical video a significant part of its distribution strategy ahead of Mipcom, with the US company revealing that almost 200 of its programmes have been reformatted as microseries and are available for third-party sales.

Among the 200 repurposed programmes being made available for third-party licensing are Cold Case Files, I Survived, Alone, Ice Road Truckers, Forged in Fire, History’s Greatest Mysteries, Hoarders and Married at First Sight.

In addition, the network and studio group has unveiled a trio of original microdramas, as well as revamping its Lifetime app to encourage more vertical video viewing.

The three new microdramas, each from Microhouse Film, are Tides of Temptation, Matched With a Murderer and His Lies Taste Like Love. A new series will launch every two weeks on the Lifetime app, said A+E, with the goal of debuting seven originals before the end of the year, including a pair of holiday-themed series (Casting Christmas, Destination Christmas) from VertTV.

Tides of Temptation, which was announced earlier this year, is described as a “digital companion” to an upcoming Lifetime movie called Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You.

A further seven existing Lifetime library titles (A Lifeguard’s Obsession, Burned by Love, Danger in the House, My Husband’s Worse Mistake, What Would You Kill For?, Secret of a Dean’s Wife, College Professor Obsession) will be reformatted for release via the Lifetime app.

“Our opportunity is not simply to introduce a new format, but to define its role within the Lifetime ecosystem in a way that strengthens our brand, deepens fandom and gives audiences another way to experience the stories they already love,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive VP and head of programming for A&E, Lifetime and LMN.

“With original series, library titles and new brand-supported projects rolling out through the Lifetime app on mobile and MyLifetime.com, we are building a strategy that spans premium storytelling, audience engagement and global distribution.”