Factual

During Le Rendez-vous at Le Havre (2-6 Septemeber, 2024), we had the opportunity to meet Ilan Sarfati, the International Sales Manager for Documentaries at Federation Studios. Sarfati provided valuable insights into the current trends in documentary filmmaking and shared highlights from the studio's diverse catalogue. As the landscape of media consumption evolves, the role of documentaries is shifting, and Sarfati shed light on how Federation Studios is adapting to these changes.

Core Documentary Genres: Consistent Favorites
Sarfati began by identifying the evergreen genres that continue to dominate the documentary market. "In terms of documentary trends today," Sarfati explained, "you always have two or three genres that remain very successful with buyers. This includes science, history, nature, and travel and discovery. These genres are consistently in demand, particularly from major public TV stations who have dedicated slots for these types of content." These categories have long been pillars of the documentary world, appealing to wide audiences and maintaining a strong presence on traditional television platforms.

The Rise of New Documentary Genres
However, Sarfati noted that the growing influence of Video on Demand (VOD) platforms has sparked a shift in documentary trends. With more public broadcasters embracing VOD platforms, there is a greater openness to experimenting with new types of content. "Today, we’re seeing more openness to genres like true crime, which has become very popular," Sarfati observed. Documentaries centered around true crime, artist portraits, and culture have seen increased demand.

Sarfati highlighted one notable project in this vein: a documentary about Peter Doherty: Stranger in my own skin (1x90') the lead singer of The Libertines. The film, directed by Doherty's wife,  Katia deVidas, documents his ten-year battle with drug addiction. "It’s really a human story about him, his struggle to fight addiction, but it still performed really well internationally," Sarfati said. Originally produced for Canal Plus in France, the film found success in global markets despite its niche and personal subject matter, demonstrating the rising appetite for character-driven and human stories.

High-Budget, Ambitious Projects
Another key trend in today’s documentary market is the increasing demand for high-budget, ambitious films that cater to both television audiences and festival circuits. Sarfati described these as "cinema-style documentaries" with intricate storytelling, dramatic twists, and high production values. One example Sarfati mentioned is the documentary The Last Secrets of Humankind, produced by 10.7 Productions with France Television and China Media Group which explores the prehistory of cavemen in Asia. "It was shot with a huge budget, like a cinema production".

Nature Documentaries and Recognized Talent
Federation Studios also boasts a collection of nature documentaries led by recognized talents such as Yann Arthus-Bertrand, often described as "our own David Attenborough from France." Arthus-Bertrand’s films, shot from above, offer breathtaking views of the natural world and have become a staple of Federation’s offerings. These films, produced for France Télévision, are consistently pre-sold internationally due to their high quality and widespread appeal. "We pre-sell them a lot and market them strongly because he’s a recognized talent," Sarfati noted. Among the titles there is Legacy (1x100'), Planet Ocean (1x90'), Terra (1x90').

The Impact of VOD and New Viewing Habits
The evolution of documentary trends can be attributed in large part to the rise of VOD platforms. "People consume documentaries on platforms almost like they do fiction now," Sarfati said. The lines between traditional formats and more modern, drama-infused documentary storytelling are blurring, with audiences increasingly gravitating toward intense, narrative-driven documentaries that offer both factual information and emotional depth. This shift has encouraged broadcasters to take more risks and air niche, auteur films in prime-time slots, something that was rare in the past.

In addition to pre-selling and co-producing big projects, Federation Studios continues to expand its catalogue to reflect these diverse trends. Whether it’s the timeless appeal of science and nature documentaries or the rising demand for human stories and true crime, Federation has positioned itself to cater to both traditional broadcasters and VOD platforms. "We produce a lot internally," Sarfati added, reinforcing the studio's commitment to developing original content that aligns with both established and emerging trends.

From nature films and historical reenactments to personal stories and festival-ready films, Federation Studios’ catalogue reflects the evolving tastes of global audiences. As documentary consumption continues to transform, the studio is well-prepared to deliver compelling content that meets the demands of both broadcasters and viewers alike.