The television industry has seen a significant rise in the number of copycat versions of popular TV shows appearing on social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch. Banijay, a leading formats powerhouse, has expressed concern over the proliferation of these unauthorized versions, branding them as a threat to the creative economy.
Lucas Green, Banijay’s Chief Content Officer of Operations, highlighted the challenges faced by original creators in challenging these copycat versions from a legal standpoint. These unauthorized iterations, created by social media personalities, often mimic the formats and franchises of popular shows, potentially breaching trademarks and intellectual property rights.
The emergence of copycat versions poses a threat to the long-term sustainability of the television industry. Green emphasized the need for industry stakeholders, including trade bodies and government authorities, to address this issue and safeguard the rights and intellectual property of original creators. The proliferation of these unauthorized versions could potentially erode the audience’s interest in well-executed, long-form content.
Green pointed out the risks associated with copycat versions, including the potential impact on the rights and intellectual property of original creators. Additionally, the rise of short-form, instant gratification content could negatively affect the audience’s consumption habits, shifting towards shorter, less engaging formats. This poses a challenge to the industry in maintaining the viewership of traditional, long-form content.
Banijay and Green are advocating for a comprehensive industry-wide response to address the proliferation of copycat versions and safeguard the creative economy. The team at Banijay is calling for a dialogue among industry stakeholders, trade bodies, and government officials to formulate strategies to combat the unauthorized use of content and protect the rights of original creators.
While expressing concerns over the rise of copycat versions, Green also emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between traditional TV and digital platforms. He cited examples of successful partnerships, such as the collaboration between Banijay and German creator Knossi on a Big Brother spin-off for Amazon-owned Twitch, as a model for talent to work across different media platforms.
The proliferation of copycat versions poses a significant threat to the TV industry, affecting the rights and intellectual property of original creators. Industry stakeholders must work together to address this issue and protect the creative economy from the challenges posed by unauthorized content. Fostering collaboration between traditional TV and digital platforms can help maintain the integrity of long-form content and preserve the audience’s interest in well-executed formats.
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