Korean and North American Producers Connect at K-Connect 2024
By Chris Weatherspoon
Breakthrough Now Media recently hosted K-Connect 2024, a virtual event designed to bridge the gap between Korean and North American unscripted content creators. Held on September 26, 2024, this exclusive gathering brought together a select group of unscripted writer/producers from Korea, the United States, and Canada.
Sponsored by the Korea Foundation and Pacific States University, K-Connect provided a platform for attendees to:
Explore current trends in unscripted television within both markets.
Share insights on successful co-production strategies.
Make connections with potential partners for future collaborations.
The meeting began with a discussion on current market trends, aided by interpreters who ensured clear communication between participants. Producers from all three countries acknowledged the challenges posed by shrinking budgets, the rise of streaming platforms, and the need for content that resonates across international borders.
Key takeaways included:
The dominance of true crime: True crime continues its reign, with an insatiable demand for both limited series and long-running franchises.
The rise of (non-sports related) live programming: Live shows, particularly those with interactive elements are gaining traction.
Psychological reality formats: There's a growing interest in shows that engage viewers by prompting them to analyze contestants' strategies and motivations.
The importance of cost-effective production: With budgets tightening, producers are seeking innovative ways to deliver high-quality content at lower costs.
The need for self-marketing content: In a crowded media landscape, shows that can generate their own buzz are highly sought after.
A central theme of K-Connect was the importance of effective cross-cultural collaboration. Participants emphasized the need for clear communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of differing working styles.
Key insights included:
Creative vs. Business Mindset: Korean creators often have a strong creative focus, while American and Canadian producers tend to be more business-oriented. This difference can influence communication and collaboration styles, requiring both sides to be mindful of each other's perspectives.
Proactive communication: Korean creators may be more reserved in initiating contact, so Western producers are encouraged to take the lead.
Flexibility and adaptability: Successful co-productions require a willingness to adapt to different creative approaches and production practices.
Clear expectations: Establishing clear ground rules and expectations from the outset can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
The meeting also provided a valuable platform for participants to showcase their companies and projects. Producers presented a diverse range of formats, from reality shows and game shows to documentaries, expressing openness to co-productions, format adaptations, and IP collaborations.
As Colby Gaines of Back Roads Entertainment remarked, "Korea is loaded with talent and incredible creative minds…. so bring us your good stuff.”