The Euro50 Q&A: Bruce Tuchman, AMC/Sundance Channel Global

Sundance Channel is a relatively recent entrant in the international channel business but under the leadership of Bruce Tuchman, AMC/Sundance Channel Global, it has managed to secure large-scale expansion of its distribution across Europe in the last year.

Age 49

Education Graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations; law degree from the University of Michigan; master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics

Previous positions: Prior to AMC Networks, I served as president of MGM Worldwide Networks. I joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from MTV Networks, where I was general manager of Nickelodeon Global Network Ventures and then later as senior vice-president, Nickelodeon New Media Ventures. Before joining Nickelodeon, I served as vice-president, business affairs and senior sounsel, international development for MTV Networks and I was formally an M&A attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in New York and London.

Life outside work When I’m not travelling, I do all I can to be with my family. I also try to keep up on films, series, books and staying fit, while being active in alumni and advisory roles with the University of Michigan and the LSE.

Achievements of 2012 We have accelerated our push and presence into a whole host of new markets and systems all over the world, dramatically increasing our year on year subscriber and revenue bases. A major highlight was the success of Breaking Bad, which we premiered exclusively in our Asian markets. Robert Redford’s launch of the Sundance Festival in London along with his day-to-day support and passion four our international business efforts was also something were extremely proud of and very grateful for.

Most significant industry developments A further ratcheting up of the need for programmers, and the demand from incumbent subscription television platforms, to confront the challenges of alternative digital viewing options, and create entertaining, exclusive and value added viewing experiences that more seamlessly incorporate these options into the pay TV ecosystem, and buttress its appeal and worth to subscribers.

Key challenges for 2013 The challenges presented by OTT, PC and mobile device viewing to the industry will continue and gather intensity, as will the proliferation of content through other forms of more conventional media. Along with a poor macroeconomic climate in many markets, these developments will lead to further pressure on subscription platforms to offer compelling and unique content, and make brands and programming epitomizing such qualities to them even more vital to their future growth.

Goals for next year To continue to maintain this accelerated pace of growth and to establish local creative and operational hubs for us in key markets that we have entered into and have seen some very strong success in just a short period of time.

Most admired industry personality Mad Men’s Don Draper. Who isn’t intrigued by this character, and for the obvious reasons, of course.  But less obviously, and more pertinent to the business we are all in, Don Draper represents the coming of age and the mounting power of high quality and unconventional drama series in today’s market and in the way the market will develop into the future.  All off the nuance and contradictions, the passion and the freshness of the performances, as well the artistry and intricacy of the story lines tell, is what platforms must deliver to customers whose attention will otherwise be easily distracted and channeled into viewing opportunities outside of the existing pay TV industry.

Favourite current TV show Three favourites – Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.