Opportunities in the Greek market

According to Nick Hassid, Managing Director, and Eugenios Katravas, General Manager for ANOSI S.A., “this market is thriving.”

Among a big number of channels, there are four leading stations that stand out; three of them broadcast all types of formats, while the other one specializes in foreign programs and some local non-fiction productions. Out of the three stations that belong to the state, two of them focus on entertainment and one on documentaries and cult programs.
Hassid complains about the lack of regulation in the area: “There has not been an official permit for 20 years. How can any person have a station? The new government says they will sanction a television law; we are waiting for it,” he remarks.

What was the impact the strong adaptation world trend has had on Greece?
Katravas: “Two or three years ago ideas were local, except for non-fiction. We produced all kinds of programs: quiz-games, reality games, series, sitcoms, dramas, advertisements, sports, video clips, whatever related to television. But in the last two years, there was a dramatic change: we acquired many formats and adapted them to the local market. In the past, telenovelas and soap operas were subtitled but the current trend is to make local versions such as Ugly Betty, a great hit. On Greek television, there are at present 3 Spanish sitcoms and some titles that stem from Latin American ideas.

Their eyes set on Spanish formats
The Spanish company Globo Media has in its catalog the key Greece needs. “There are good ideas and formats for adaptation there. We pay a fee for script rights, collect the information and produce them ourselves,” Hassid explains. Each 45-minute episode costs between 85 and 100 thousand dollars approximately, which is rather less expensive than other European countries,” Hassid rounds off.