APT WORLDWIDE

from Smart Travels - Pacific Rim with Rudy Maxa Bringing the best in non-fiction programming to the world

What is APT Worldwide?

APT Worldwide is the international licensing division of American Public Television, a leading distributor of programs to U.S. public television stations. We represent producers and suppliers of quality non-fiction programs in the international marketplace. Our goal is to provide additional revenue streams for producers and gain international exposure for their quality public television programs.

To whom does APT Worldwide sell?

APT Worldwide licenses programs to broadcasters and distributors in every territory, and across multiple distribution platforms, including terrestrial, cable, digital, satellite, HD, DVD, internet, mobile, SPTV, educational and VCB. We have a presence at the major international markets and a rich website and print catalog.

Does APT Worldwide represent only programs that are distributed by APT in the U.S.?

No. We represent quality public television programs regardless of how they are distributed in the U.S.

How much money can be made in the international market?

This is a complex answer! The amount of money a program will generate in international licensing depends on a combination of factors: the quality of the program, the specific territory licensing it, the type of rights requested and exclusivity. Typically, the U.K., Japan, France and Germany pay the highest license fees. They also buy the least amount of foreign programming because they produce much of it themselves. Terrestrial broadcasters pay more than cable and digital, but again, buy the least amount. We try to be honest when estimating how much revenue a program will produce, as we want you to have realistic expectations. However, we will always try to negotiate the best deal and make recommendations in order to maximize revenue when licensing.

How does APT Worldwide market programs?

At the major international television markets (MIP, MIPDOC, NATPE and MIPCOM), we have a booth where we meet with buyers from around the world. Each program is marketed with its own individual one-sheet as well as being listed on a genre one-sheet and in the print catalog, which is produced twice a year. The catalog is distributed at the markets and mailed to buyers who could not attend. Our advertising appears in the print and electronic versions of the major non-fiction trade publications. We conduct planned email marketing campaigns around designated genres and scheduling suggestions as well as spontaneous campaigns related to news events. The APT Worldwide website, APTWW.org, highlights programs, features news about our producers and their projects, and is home to our online catalog, which contains full and episodic descriptions for all programs and preview clips for each title. APT Worldwide press releases have been picked up by Variety, RealScreen, WorldScreen News, C21 and Television Business International.

What are the terms of APT Worldwide representation?

We represent programs on a commission basis and give our clients approval over every offer. Our commission is a percentage of the gross license fee, taken only when a sale is completed. We don't charge back marketing costs but do expect that program suppliers will fulfill the materials delivery obligations (broadcast masters, promo materials, transcripts, etc.) according to the buyer's specifications. We require that all relevant rights are cleared for international licensing in all media and that you have appropriate amounts of E&O insurance to cover worldwide exposure. We require exclusive representation..

How does a producer submit a program to APT Worldwide?

Please submit your program(s) on DVD with descriptive materials to Judy Barlow or Kevin McKenna at American Public Television, 55 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110. We will screen your program(s) and respond back as quickly as possible. If we accept your program, you will be asked to sign a Representation Agreement and fill out a Program Information Form. You will also need to provide a program description and publicity materials (e.g., color or b&w photos) for us to use in preparing one-sheets and our catalog, and a BetaSP or DVD master from which we can strike screening dubs.

What are the deadlines for program submission?

We accept program submissions throughout the year. However, there are specific dates by which we must receive programs for guaranteed representation at major program markets. These deadlines are:

July 15 for the MIPCOM market in October
November 1 for the NATPE market in January
January 15 for the MIP market in April