Ovation looks to coproduce originals

High-profile Ovation drama Versailles

MIPCOM: Arts-focused US network Ovation is looking for coproduction partners with an eye on moving into scripted and factual originals, according to its programming chief.

The network will continue to acquire travel, drama, film and arts content, regardless of any move into coproductions, financing and development.

“As a network we’re beginning to get to that point where we have conversations about doing coproductions. We will put money in early and try to develop the content,” said Scott Woodward, executive VP of programming, production and broadcast operations.

“As we move forward it will be both factual and scripted that we want to develop and have ownership of.”

Woodward said he was also in Cannes to seek premium drama that could emulate high-profile series such as  Versailles and Riviera, which is airing on Ovation early next year.

With Versailles ending on the network before Riviera begins, Woodward said there are opportunities to populate the 22.00 Saturday slot with a miniseries or a six-part documentary.

“We’re trying to keep that 22.00 Saturday night slot very fresh and consistent. When Riviera completes, we’ll have like-minded content, whether it’s a re-airing of Halcyon, which we bought from Sony, or something new,” he said.

Woodward also said he was looking for shows that could complement the forthcoming classic-motion-picture slot.

“For January to February we’ve got seven Academy Award-winning films to go each week. Each month after that – whether it be an Alfred Hitchcock month or a leading ladies month – we’ll have those movies. We’re looking for ancillary, shoulder content to support those,” he says.

“If it’s a Hitchcock movie, who has a really terrific Hitchcock documentary we can pair that up with? You’re not just watching The Birds, you’re going to understand a little more about The Birds, and we’ll have support content for that.”