FRAPA, the Format Recognition and Protection Association, has released early findings from its consultations with industry executives, which reflect a clear need for understanding IP protection, AI opportunities, the rise of the creator economy, and potential for vertical short-form content.
The industry association unveiled a new leadership team last October, with André Renaud (Warner Bros.) and Nick Smith (All3Media International) named as co-chairs of the management board. Together with Richard Ager, Fremantle’s EVP of legal and business affairs and FRAPA treasurer, they have been in discussions with execs from across the ecosystem to understand the role the association needs to play as the industry continues to evolve.
“In just six months, we’ve seen the ground shift beneath us, from AI putting its own spin on formats like Love Island to the new models and ways of working constantly setting the pace of a new direction,” Renaud said. “At the heart of this remains the fact that formats continue to play a part in the cultural conversation, and the urgency to come together to support, encourage, promote, and protect these stories has never been more acute. Our mission is to ensure our members aren’t just keeping pace but leading the conversation, and we invite old and new members to join an open, honest dialogue about building the next 25 years of sustainable formats.”
The nature of its constituents is evolving, FRAPA said, highlighting the fact that Tennis Australia has registered the format of its 1-Point Slam event.
FRAPA will unveil a member resource this summer, delivering a revamped newsletter and interactive platform to deliver key insights around IP law developments, format deals, commissioning trends, and more. The organization is calling on members to help shape the new resource.
