UK TV producers' association Pact to launch in US

Trade association Pact, representing the commercial interests of indie TV producers in the United Kingdom, will launch in the US later this year, its chief executive John McVay announced at the Realscreen Summit in Washington DC.

By Alexandra Zeevalkink 28 Jan 2015

UK TV producers' association Pact to launch in US
Pact UK to open Pact US for independent TV producers

Trade association Pact, representing the commercial interests of indie TV producers, will launch in the US later this year, its chief executive announced.

Speaking at the Realscreen Summit in Washington DC, John McVay, Pact UK’s chief executive (pictured) said: “Pact will be making a major investment to launch Pact US this year. In an ever globalised industry – and with the US being the single most lucrative market for commissions outside of the UK – we want to make sure that we can deliver services to support both British and US TV producers in the USA”.

The organisation is making the move as a result of the rapid growth seen in the number of original commissions for UK independent production companies throughout the US market in recent years.

Outside of the UK, the US has established itself as the main secondary sales and commissioning market. In 2013/14, 100% of all commissions outside of the UK came from the US, while 30% of UK indies’ revenues also came from the US.

US programmes such as I Wanna Marry "Harry" (Zig Zag), Midnight Feast (Nerd) and Black Ops (World Media Rights) have all been produced directly for US audiences.

The US market for UK exports is also continuing to grow with sales up more than 10% to a total of £523m in 2013/14.

Sara Geater, chair of Pact UK, said: “Pact is a trade association whose membership has huge success creating content and conducting business globally. Pact played a key role in enabling that success so it makes sense for us to offer all producers in the USA our experience, and to build a trade body which reflects the interests of the ever widening global industry”.

The organisation plans to have its office locations established by the summer and will shortly start the recruitment process to employ executives on the East and West Coasts.

The organisation is making the move as a result of the rapid growth seen in the number of original commissions for UK independent production companies throughout the US market in recent years.

Outside of the UK, the US has established itself as the main secondary sales and commissioning market. In 2013/14, 100% of all commissions outside of the UK came from the US, while 30% of UK indies’ revenues also came from the US.

US programmes such as I Wanna Marry "Harry" (Zig Zag), Midnight Feast (Nerd) and Black Ops (World Media Rights) have all been produced directly for US audiences.

The US market for UK exports is also continuing to grow with sales up more than 10% to a total of £523m in 2013/14.

Sara Geater, chair of Pact UK, said: “Pact is a trade association whose membership has huge success creating content and conducting business globally. Pact played a key role in enabling that success so it makes sense for us to offer all producers in the USA our experience, and to build a trade body which reflects the interests of the ever widening global industry”.

The organisation plans to have its office locations established by the summer and will shortly start the recruitment process to employ executives on the East and West Coasts.

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