Format body quizzes alleged ABC memo

August 14, 2008 International format protection body FRAPA has called on ABC Studios to repudiate the contents of an alleged memo from exec vp Howard Davine that has been interpreted as advising producers to look at ways of copying international formats rather than licensing and paying for them. In the copy of the memo originally published by the blog Deadline Hollywood Daily, Devine asks producers to "carefully scrutinize" whether licensing successful foreign formats "is necessary or appropriate." "Between format rights fees and executive producer fees there are significant costs added to your production budget that will impact what you can put on the screen ... a large chunk of the back end will go to the rights holder," the memo states.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.