Saturn Entertainment Chief Executive, Mark Hiley, and Director of Finance, Alan Broach, were key speakers at this year's Television Business International Summit, held at Channel 4 in June, alongside RDF's Chief Executive, David Frank, and Hit Corporate Development Director, Nigel Birrell.

Attended my many of the UK's best known industry names, the summit concentrated on the imminent changes to the Communications Bill and the likely affects upon independent producers.

One message was clear; Producers must develop their companies if they are to maximise their value and attractiveness, ahead of an approach to financiers. The failure to do so was likened to selling an un-modernised house, with hidden rooms.

Mark Hiley stated concern that, without proper support, many companies – who already have difficulty attracting vital finance – may actually suffer from the increased demand for private finance brought about by the changes in the Communications Bill. "Most independent production companies are headed by creative types who have evolved into management positions", he said. "The industry's appalling track-record for interfacing with investors is intrinsically linked to this fact. Producers have suffered tough market conditions long enough and now need serious business help if they are to survive. Their business models must be geared to allow them to do what they do best; making programmes".

In relation to the need to develop companies ahead of financing proposals, Hiley contributed that, "The failure to develop your companies will be the biggest financial loss you are likely to suffer. The average cost of industry-specific development is less than 5% of the normal gain. But if you don't take the lift, you can be sure that your venture capitalists will".

Former Deloitte & Touche Partner for media clients (now Saturn's Director of Finance), Alan Broach, presented a few insider tips & tricks on how to boost production-company performance figures, and highlighted some little known sources of unclaimed royalties. One Saturn client recently enjoyed in excess of £100,000 of unclaimed royalties found by Saturn advisors.

The response from the summit's (longest) speeches by Hiley and Broach has been colossall, and confirms the urgent need for serious industry-specific help, ahead of changes in the law which – for many producers – will leave them with bigger financing headaches than ever before.

Producers concerned about the approaching changes, and how best to take advantage of them, should use the contact section of this site to get in touch urgently.

Links:

Television Business International Magazine
Channel 4