From Nordic Noir to Belgian Bright? Shifting TV Drama Production and Distribution in Small Markets: The Case of Flanders

Authors

  • Tim Raats imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Catalina Iordache imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18146/view.243

Keywords:

Flanders, Belgium, distribution, co-production, transnational television, small media market, TV drama

Abstract

Shifts in audio-visual production, distribution and consumption have increased pressure on broadcasters as main financiers of domestic content in Europe. However, within the context of internationalisation and digitalisation, there are also new opportunities for the export of European content. By taking a close look at the evolution and increasing popularity of Flemish TV drama, this article identifies key explanatory factors for the export of content produced in a small media market. The analysis also discusses the extent to which the rise in exports may contribute to the increased sustainability of a small and fragile, yet vibrant audio-visual industry.

Author Biographies

Tim Raats, imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Tim Raats is a professor at the Department of Communication Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, and head of the Media Economics and Policy research unit at imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His research focuses on public service media policy, with a particular focus on partnership strategies, and sustainability of TV production in small media markets. Tim coordinated several research projects for the Flemish Minister of Media, the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Media in Flanders, the Flemish Sector Council for Media and the VRT. Since 2018, he is an appointed board member of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF).

Catalina Iordache, imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Catalina Iordache is a doctoral researcher in media and communication studies at the research group imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and a teaching assistant for the Bachelor’s in Social Sciences programme. She is currently writing her PhD dissertation on the transnational flow of audiovisual content in the online environment, with a focus on media policy, and the production and distribution of audiovisual content. Her previous research topics include media literacy, digital literacy, and e-inclusion.

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Published

2020-08-31

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 17 (2020): Canned TV Going Global

Section

Explorations

License

Copyright (c) 2020 The Author(s)

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