People

At Mipcom (Cannes 20-24 October, 2024) Formatbiz met Axel Fiacco founder of Friday's Espresso. Fiacco is an experienced creative producer and format strategist specializing in the development and adaptation of unscripted TV formats for the international market. With a sharp eye for storytelling and audience trends, Axel has collaborated with leading production companies and broadcasters worldwide, crafting innovative content that resonates across diverse cultures. 

What is Friday’s Espresso?
Friday’s Espresso is an independent newsletter/blog published every Friday that covers the latest international format news, markets, and current trends. How long has it been around?

Friday’s Espresso has been around for three years, but to be honest, it’s only in the last year or so that it’s become, how should I put it, more professional and complete. Initially, it was more of a reminder for myself and my students—I teach formats and related subjects at various Italian and international universities—who needed a quick and easy tool to stay informed about new developments in international formats.

The fact that it’s a newsletter and a blog, not a “classic” magazine. On Friday’s Espresso, you won’t just find news copied from press releases; there’s always commentary, insights, or a broader context on trends and global scenarios. Often, there are in-depth articles on various media industry topics. For instance, I published an “Ultimate List of Unscripted Genres” across three issues (also downloadable as a complete version from my website) because it’s a topic that still causes a lot of confusion. Finally, I try to give attention to smaller yet interesting production companies that often don’t get space in more traditional outlets (which tend to focus more on big production companies and major global broadcasters). In short, I aim to cover formats, unscripted content, and the media landscape with a fresh, personal touch, yet with professionalism.

Who is your newsletter mainly aimed at?
I’d say it’s aimed at two main types of readers. The first are industry professionals who want a more informal, independent, and, in some ways, even a bit “out of the ordinary” view of the latest news in their field (I have many subscribers working at production companies and broadcasters worldwide). The second are students of television and media in general or anyone looking for a quick but comprehensive, 360° view of what’s being broadcast in the unscripted world globally.

What’s your favourite aspect of your newsletter?
The direct relationship with my readers/subscribers. Since it’s not a “classic” magazine and is hosted on a platform (Substack) that’s well-equipped in this regard, the interaction with readers is very direct and personal. Often, an article where I share an opinion on a certain format sparks an engaging online debate, something you don’t often see elsewhere because news is usually presented in a more conventional way. Of course, having reliable information sources to stay updated on global happenings is essential, but glancing at Friday’s Espresso to get a slightly different perspective and engage in more direct and “peer-level” discussions is equally important and, perhaps, a bit more fun.