CableU.tv is honored to bring you this exclusive interview with Paul Buccieri, President and CEO of ITV Studios. Buccieri heads up a team of talented producers in the U.S. on both the West and East coasts, in developing the company’s U.S. business interests through the creation of new series and formats. He is also responsible for the exploitation of other ITV formats created in the company’s production centers in the UK, Germany and Australia.  Buccieri has a seat on the board of Jaffe Braunstein Entertainment, ITV Studio’s partner in the scripted business in U.S. He is based in the company’s Los Angeles headquarters.

Prior to joining ITV Studios, Mr. Buccieri had a three year stint at FOX/Twentieth Television as President of Programming, Production and Development.

Where do you find inspiration for a new show idea?

At ITV Studios new ideas most often result from collaboration. Our development teams here and in New York are staffed by people from different cultures, backgrounds and age groups – all bring their unique gifts. In addition, ITV Studios operates production centers in the UK, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, and Scandinavia. This adds a critical global perspective in shaping product that can succeed across all borders on all platforms.

What kind of research do you do before you go in and pitch a show?

Our research is ongoing and is primarily a function of our relationships with buyers. The pitches we present are tailored to showcase programming that we’ve developed that best fits their brand or that might give them the opportunity to attract some new audience segments with shows that compliment their existing core programming.

What advice do you have for a producer trying to get their foot in the door?

Aspiring producers need to possess and exhibit a passion for their ideas. Passion is contagious in the creative community. Practically speaking, they need to attach themselves to established executive producers that have earned the trust and confidence of the cable networks in their ability to execute and deliver programming that will have the best chance to succeed for them.

Is there a show you wish you had produced?

One of my favorite shows of all time is American Idol. Not only for the pure entertainment, but for real drama. Seeing dreams fulfilled has universal appeal and the Idol producers are masters at showcasing the aspiration and raw determination that drives people.

What type of projects interest you the most and why?

I like shows that tell stories of real people striving to achieve their goals and dreams. Hell’s Kitchen, for example, presents aspiring chefs willing to endure the brutal honesty of Gordon Ramsay. First Love, Second Chance follows the journeys of people who want to reunite with a lost love. First 48 captures the real-life drama of police officers determined to bring justice to families of murder victims.

How important is an online component in this environment?

Online viewing is obviously growing, but television is still at this time the best way to reach a mass audience. Our primary goal is to produce programs that excel as pure television that will attract large numbers of viewers and fans. New media is a valuable promotional tool and is increasingly important compliment to the shows as it provides fans with more ways to enjoy and interact with them.

How often do you attend the industry conferences and festivals, and which are the most important for your business?

We attend NATPE, MIPCOM, MIP-TV, Realscreen, the Edinburgh Television FEstival, AFM and others every year. We’re in a global business and there is tremendous value in the personal interaction that is only possible at these events. I personally enjoy participating in (and learn from) the panels, workshops and informal networking that goes on. It helps maintain the sense of excitement and opportunity that got us into this business in the first place.

Bio (continued):
ITV Studios

With offices in Los Angeles and New York, ITV Studios is one of the largest international producers for the US market and a major force in acquiring, developing and producing reality and scripted programming for US networks.

Since launching in 2004, ITV Studios (formerly Granada America) has become a leading producer of reality and scripted programming in the US with a slate of successful formats in production with major US networks, including “Hells Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares” for FOX, “Chopping Block” for NBC, “Nanny 911″ for CMT, “WCG Ultimate Gamer” for Syfy, “Celebrity Fit Club” for VH1, “Room Raiders” for MTV, “First 48 and “Steven Seagal-Lawman” for A&E, “First Love Second Chance” for TV Land, “Bought & Sold” for HGTV.

Read past entries by CableU