Mark Anstendig
Producer
VH1

What genre of documentary/non-fiction do you program?
We typically program hour-long docs exploring all aspects of popular culture. We seek out both series ideas and one-off specials. We prefer character-driven narratives shot in cinema-verite style. Our subjects range from artist/performer profiles, to cultural trend docs, to travelogues, to edgy late night specials.

How many hours or slots do you program per year?
We program approximately 20 documentaries per year.

What percentage or number of hours are commissioned vs. acquired? (Ie. 60% commissions/ 40% acquisitions)
70% commissioned; 30% acquired

What is the average amount for acquisitions and/or license fee?
This can range from $150K for a doc that's previously aired internationally, to $300K for a new work.

What are you looking for right now?
We're looking for both series and specials: reality "docusoaps" (series) music and cultural documentaries (specials) late night mature-themed docs (specials)

How do you prefer to be pitched?
In person -- with onesheet and realistic casting ideas.

What is your biggest pitch turnoff?
Pitching a celeb-driven documentary without actually booking the celebrity.

What is your market circuit?
70-100 million subscriber-based national audience; growing international subscriber-base in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Russia (VH1 International).