1. Working groups
The idea of the working group model: bringing together creative potential, co-developing and co-piloting new programmes in various genres, and sharing information and research. The first working group (NPB, VRT, ZDF, Scottish TV) developed a primetime entertainment show and a weekly science show. The second working group (RTVE, France Television, RAI, HRT) was established in 2007.

2. In-house development
The Formats & Special Events Unit is developing new in-house formats in various genres together with members, i.e. a European talent contest, and several gala events. A new European factual entertainment series called "Life 2.0 - Mission Possible” is being developed under the guidance of a steering group (BBC, ZDF, SVT, VRT, MTV).

3. Handbook on the format trade
The Formats Unit has published a practical handbook about how to trade TV formats. The book gives an inside look into the format business and deals with issues such as selling, buying and protecting formats.

4. Creative Exchange 2008 – The annual newsletter
In cooperation with the SIS, the Formats & Special Events Unit published the third Eurovision Formats Newsletter in 2008. The newsletter gives an overview of new TV trends and strategies in general, together with several other format-related topics, such as exclusive interviews with international TV professionals.

5. Eurovision Creative Forum 2008
The Formats & Special Events Unit is holding the Creative Forum on 23 September, a unique annual format exchange & network platform that offers EBU members the opportunity to trade existing formats, coproduce new formats, share production and studio facilities, share experiences, exchange ideas and pool their creative potential, to form a European/international network.

6. Eurovision Creative Centre
The Unit is organizing formats workshops on creative tools and best practices such as ‘How to develop a good idea into a successful TV programme’, providing an opportunity for all EBU members to bring together creative ideas and creative models, and to exchange knowledge about creating innovative programmes.

7. Eurovision format sales
The Formats & Special Events Unit is handling ESC format sales worldwide. Options deals have been closed for several major territories, such as the USA, Africa, and Asia and a license has been granted for an Arabic version of the ESC in the MENA region.

 

Photo credit: © G.Cornhouse - Gettyimages