Frequently asked questions.
Below are some of the questions we have been asked before, in the hope that they may help to answer yours. If your query is not answered, please complete the query form and we will respond.
Why should I trust your take on things?
Why
is it better than my own gut feeling?
The wealth of knowledge gained by 30 years in the business, our long established, proven and accurate evaluative tools, and our working knowledge of television audiences in a truly global sense, collectively provide us with the stature and credibility to at the very least give you an honest and objective take on things. With decisions that can be very costly if wrongly taken, isn’t it worth the due diligence?
Why don't you use focus groups?
We believe in what viewers actually do, not what they say they do in a potentially subjective environment. Plus we can operate at a stage when focus groups often cannot (and at a fraction of the cost) - a clear advantage.
How accurate are you?
If you take our forecast predictions produced during the L.A. Screenings, 75-80% of our forecasts are regularly within 2 share points of their actual playing results.
Can you provide a cost-effective solution for smaller companies?
We can package a deal to suit any user.
Do you offer any discounts?
Discounts are available – especially if a number of different reports or services are desired.
Can I cherry-pick the services that I want?
Of course. We usually advise certain combinations but it is your choice.
Can you help me keep up with the latest developments?
Yes we can.. we are constantly monitoring over twenty international markets... if there is a trend we will spot it!
I need to find out about a particular market. Can you help?
Information on specific markets is not usually a problem – you select, we deliver.
What is the trend in formats?
The format business is cyclical and ever changing. What is ‘in’ one week is ‘out’ the next. TAPE’s strives to keeps you one step ahead and in the know.
How can I keep up to speed with the US and the UK?
If formats are your interest, subscribing to our In-Format report service is one option, or if it’s fiction programming, then the In-Focus reports are what you need. Alternatively, you define the genre or type of shows you’re interested in and we’ll design and research a bespoke report.
I need a show for a particular time-slot. Can you help?
Our experience in a broad variety of international markets means we have a strong working knowledge of how schedules work both competitively and creatively. Combined with our complete familiarity with individual shows, it means that we are able to provide informed, insightful and objective input to scheduling questions.
I have a show that I am developing, but I've heard that there's another show like it in another market. Can you help?
Being aware of what is happening is crucial. The avoidance of wasting both time and expense in creating a product that arrives behind the competition is critical. TAPE can help ensure you are aware of rival programmes, competing titles, or past successes or failures.
I want to test an idea before I develop it further. Is that something you can help me with?
TAPE can provide an evaluative dimension to any project. We have various proven assessment tools that can be used to risk manage a project’s commercial development, with the advantage of being used at virtually any stage in that process.
