September 7, a large-scale event KyivMediaWeek has started. The subject of the first press conference was the painful issue of development (or rather lack of it) of Ukrainian film undustry. Over a year ago, when the restrictions on Russian content broadcasting were imposed, there appeared a hope that the political crisis would give an impulse to the development of own content production. Unfortunately, the hopes remain hopes so far.
The representatives of two largest production companies Victor Mirsky (Film.UA) and Vladimir Borodyansky (StarLightMedia) were unanimous in their assessment of the situation. The main customers of the content were previously Russian TV channels, and the new ones have not appeared yet. None of the Ukrainian TV channels has enough money for own production. The Ukrainian TV market amounts to USD 100 million and this is not enough. To produce own serials, the owners of media holdings have to invest in them. The Governments also isn’t in hurry to finance the production. Just random contracts can be available with other countries.
“There is no sense in working together on a regular basis because of different languages”, as stated by Victor Mirsky.
We shall point out that in Europe, Israel, on the contrary, the audience mainly prefers watching movies in their original language, and the subtitles do not bother anyone. Rather it is a matter of habit. But our audience is not yet accustomed to subtitles and, according to Mr. Mirsky, it will just search for other content.
“I would be happy to cooperate with Poland and other countries, but there are no orders so far”.
Vladimir Borodyansky outlined the key ways to increase TV channels’ financing that might allow improving Ukrainian production. According to him, the cable operators have to pay to the TV channels for their content as in other countries. In Bulgaria, for example, the service providers’ payments amount to 25% of revenue. MediaSat asked the CEO of the largest cable operator Volia to comment on this point.“The TV channels broadcast FTA, and it would be strange if the cable operators pay for them”, as answered by Mr. Zhemberi.
The next point that will allow TV channels to reduce their costs is the full transition to the digital broadcasting. According to Borodyansky, his media holding spends on the analog over USD 30 million annually.
The decrease of players on the market is inevitable. In particular, it should remain just 2 media holdings. However, the CEO of StarLightMediane did not precise which of them.
The mandatory condition is the Government’s share in developing the industry: the legislative regulation and implementation of co-production mechanisms, currently existing all over the world, the government order and financing. Grigory Shverk, the member of the National Council, who took part in the press conference representing the regulatory authority, explained the reasons for delaying the analog shut-off (Zeonbud Company’s actions) and expressed confidence that the Government would not stay out of the problems and would support the Ukrainian production.
In spite of joyless facts and perspectives named by speakers, they ended on an optimistic note by expressing a hope of successful crisis recovery of the film industry.
“If I did not believe that everything could be recovered, I would not come here at all”, as Victor Mirsky resumed.
