This is the third in a series of posts from leading and up-and-coming producers in the run-up to MIPCOM 2016. The posts are coordinated by TV business consultant Deborah Macdonald.
Josh Selig is the Founder and President of Little Airplane Productions. He is the creator and Executive Producer of many preschool shows, including Wonder Pets! on Nick Jr.
> Could you please introduce yourself?
Josh Selig: I am the founder and president of Little Airplane Productions in New York City. We mostly make preschool TV shows. About 50% of our business is now with China, so I’m forever jetlagged. At the moment, we’re making “P. King Duckling” with Uyoung Media for Disney Junior in the US.
> What do you think is the most innovative thing in TV now, and why?
Television used to be a gated community and now it’s a big block party. Anyone with a computer and a high-speed connection can produce and distribute a show. The most innovative thing today is not the technology we use, it’s the original, personal, and surprising content we create.
I do believe that technology will one day impact the way stories are told but, for the time being, humans still seem to like a good old-fashioned beginning, middle and end.
> What opportunities does the development of new platforms and business models (YouTube, Netflix, etc) open up for your activity today?
Like most indies, I welcome the digital platforms. They are well-financed, they take big chances on new ideas and they are very, very smart. Unlike the traditional broadcast networks, the digital platforms have unlimited shelf space. This allows audiences time to discover and bond with shows at their own pace. Content may still be king, but the viewers are now the kings of the schedule. All of this is good news for anyone who creates shows.
> Is the playing field now more level? To what extent is the ‘traditional’ system (pitching to broadcasters and so on) still powering your business, and how do you see that system evolving?
I still love all the “old guard” linear broadcasters. They have a certain gravitas. Shakespeare, BBC, Melville, Disney, Hemingway, KiKA. Also, the toy companies still like to hear that your show is airing on the top linear channels. In the future, I suspect there will be a small handful of giant companies that control all content and all access to it. They will not be very nice to one another.
> What is your favourite TV show/IP today and why? This can be any genre of your choosing.
I like watching the US presidential election on TV because I have always enjoyed slapstick comedy.
