‘The chessboard has been jolted badly since Brexit,’ says co-founder of new consultancy Optima

Optima is a new consultancy partnership set up by Nick Doff, Alan Mercer, and Helena Brewer, who chose IBC 2016 to showcase their venture. “IBC is the only place where commercial realists gather to devise ambitious but realistic propositions,” said founding partner Nick Doff. “It’s similar to MIPTV and MIPCOM: real decision-makers come here to do deals, be challenged, and learn.”

Brewer is the partner advising clients on all aspects regarding broadcast compliance and, a hot topic post-Brexit referendum, licensing jurisdiction. She is ex-Ofcom and is currently analysing the consequences of Brexit, which could see a flood of multinational broadcasters leaving the UK.

“Netflix and Liberty Global are already basing their headquarters in Amsterdam,” she said. “Our clients — be they established multinational broadcasters, or broadcasters entering the UK market for the first time — need sound advice regarding their operational base to ensure compliant services going forward. Jurisdiction has become an issue concerning all business owners; we don’t have all of the answers, but we know the questions to ask and have sensible solutions that we plan to unveil in due course,” she added wryly.

Mercer, ex-BBC technology expert and distribution guru, commented, “IBC is the place to do deals and see the latest trends. Optima combines a range of skill sets suitable for every type of content owner, platform operator, or broadcaster. We advise our clients both regarding the best and most innovative technology for their operational needs [and] also taking account of localisation requirements: discussions are no longer limited to technical and commercial aspects. We are currently advising a channel from the Far East on their first steps into the UK broadcast market, while, here at IBC, we are discussing a European distribution project with a Holland-based production house in addition to finalising a UK TV launch for a French channel.”

“The chessboard has been jolted badly since Brexit,” added Doff, “and everyone is trying to second-guess the next move.”