TV format
ATV formatis the overall concept and branding of a copyrightedtelevision show.The most common type of formats are those in thetelevision genresofgame showsandreality shows,many of which are remade in multiple markets with local contestants. Recent examples includeSurvivor,Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,Pop IdolandBig Brotherthat have all proven successful worldwide. Such types of formats are also known asfranchises,since rights to the format are usually handled with licenses.
Particular models in the genre ofsitcomsare often sold as formats, enabling broadcasters to adapt them to the perceived tastes of their own audience. An example isThe Office,aBBCsitcom which got adapted asThe Office (U.S.)in the United States,Kontoretin Sweden,HaMisradin Israel,Le Bureauin France,The Office (India)in India,Strombergin Germany,La Jobin Quebec, Canada andLa Ofisin Chile.
A format is licensed byTV networks,so that they may produce a version of the show tailored to their nationality and audience. Formats are a major part of the internationaltelevision market.Format purchasing is popular with broadcasters, due principally to the lower risk associated with an already-proven idea and the preference of audiences to watch programming tailored to their locality.
Leading companies that handle the creation and sales of programming formats includeWarner Bros. International Television Production,ITV Studios,Talpa,Endemol ShineandFremantle.
Legal issues[edit]
TV formats are viewed[by whom?]as a form ofintellectual property(IP), and are regularly bought and sold byTV producers,distribution companyand broadcasters. For example,Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?has been recreated in 108 territories, while local versions ofIdolhave aired (over 129 series) in 42 territories receiving about threebillionvotes, most notable beingAmerican Idol.
However, TV formats are not generally protected undercopyrightlaw.[1][2]As a result, copycat formats are sometimes created, which seek to duplicate the success of an original format without paying the person who came up with it. Format developers seek to prevent this by various means, including the use of trademarks or withholding distribution of other shows.[1]Establishing "Proof of Review" and exposure to companies reviewing new TV formats is one important aspect of protection by the industry at the Television Writers Vault. TheFormat Recognition and Protection Association(FRAPA) aims to protect rights to formats and lobbies for legal protection.
See also[edit]
- List of American television series based on British television series
- List of British television series based on American television series
- Radio format
References[edit]
- ^abLegal Protection,Bournemouth University.
- ^McInerney, Peterand Rose, DavidTelevision formats and copyright protectioninThe Times,2 March 1999, p.41 (Law page).