But its initial run wont stop there.
As such, it made its U.S. premiere on AMC on April 19.
English-speaking drama out of Europe.
That seems to be the big ticket right now, even for American broadcasters.
I think thats whats different from previous times.
For instance, it might surprise some viewers to know that shows likeDownton AbbeyandSherlockhave both benefitted from American funding.
What Makes a Production International or Transnational?
2.Nationally-funded productions with a global audience.
3.International co-productions that keep most creative control in the hands of one countrys TV production team.
(This includes shows likeSherlock, Downton Abbey, andHannibal.)
4.Transnationally-funded productions with multiple, international markets as equal, defining factors.
Because of its sizable audience, the United States is still the most sought-after partner for international co-productions.
We only do it when theres some defined financial advantage.
All in all, I thinkMasterpiecehas put half a billion dollars into British drama.
For example, look at the recent British-AmericanWar & PeaceTV miniseries.
The success ofWar & Peacehas already inspired another international co-production.
It is also owned outright by HBO.
However, the fantasy drama has a mainly international cast with filming based in Northern Ireland.
(Both BBC1sMerlinand ITVsTitanicwere shot extensively in eastern Europe.)
Jeffrey Schlesinger, president of Warner Bros. International Television, toldVarietyin 2013:
Wed rather not participate in co-productions.
Wed rather take the risk and own the full reward.
It takes a lot of money to be in this business.
you gotta be pretty fiscally powerful.
Film companies usually import their staff (stars, stuntmen, etc.)
and export them again when the shoot is over.
The local jobs they create (hairdressers, sound technicians, pizza deliverers) are mostly temporary.
Tax credits dont necessarily create new jobs so much as move them.
When that move is not state-to-state, but over international borders, that represents an economic hit for America.
The rise of digital streaming technology makes reaching that audience easier than ever before.
The show is a collaboration between Canal+ (France) and Sky Atlantic (UK).
Its our worst multinational fears realized, and dealt with.
Its a progressive, western, white fantasy for the contemporary era.
These are questions that some operating within the international TV market are considering.
I worry about creating drama purely by the funding.
But if there is a valid dramatic reason for having all those characters, I am up for it.
Theres also the question of the clash between the public and the commercial.
The BBC holds some kind of responsibility to the state and its citizens.
CBS, Americas most-watched connection, only has a mandate to its shareholders.
This article originally ran on March 29th, 2016.
