AMC Networks Hires Data-Mapping Company Katch to Find Out Why You Watch This and Not That (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterAMC Networks isn’t satisfied with knowing you like “The Walking Dead,” “Better Call Saul” and “Killing Eve” — they want to know why you like those shows.

The owner of AMC, BBC America and streaming service AMC Plus has signed a multiyear deal with entertainment-data-mapping company Katch to get the answer to that question, Variety has learned exclusively.Katch, which has previously provided data-driven insights to a variety of partners in the world of film, is entering into the television space with its AMC Networks deal.

Under the pact, Katch, the creator of the world’s first “human-powered media genome” for the entertainment industry, will offer insights in support of AMC Networks’ linear channels — AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv — and growing portfolio of targeted streaming services — AMC Plus, ALLBLK, Shudder, Acorn TV, Sundance Now and HIDIVE — by mapping audience preferences.

The Katch Genome, designed by former Pandorma architect Dr. Nolan Gasser, consists of 2,500 unique elements “that capture every media layer, including cinematography, context, directorial approach, score, and much more.” Throughout the next year, large portions of AMC’s library will be analyzed by hand-classified and trained human content analysts from Katch.Per AMC Networks and Katch, “By providing a genomic view of AMC Networks’ entire slate of original programming, down to individual network and streaming brands, Katch is able to illuminate the specific attributes that cause viewers to connect with the company’s content.