MIPCOM 2022 was hyped up as the “Mother of all TV Markets,” and even though it didn’t come close to the splendor that was MIPCOM 2019, it was much better than MIPCOM 2021, so much so that VideoAge was able to publish one VideoAge Daily.
In pre-pandemic times, VideoAge traditionally received enough advertising support to publish three Daily editions, while at MIPCOM 2021 was only able to publish its Monthly. (This year, it published its Monthly and one Daily.)
It is well known in any industry that the success of a trade show can be judged by the number of trade publications distributed at the event. The better the expectations are from the exhibitors, the more executives will be willing to invest in promotional activities. And MIPCOM 2022 rebounded big-time with big, fat publications, as well as numerous cocktail parties.
The basement of the Palais (aka the “bunker”) also reopened, and only a scant few of its exhibition spaces were left without stands. And the beachfront portion leading to the Palais was filled with several new additions (like FOX Entertainment Global). As expected, Turkish companies dominated the market due to the sheer number of companies in attendance.
The U.S. studios also resurfaced, with all in attendance, even though a distinction is now being made between the “studios” and the “majors” since the word “studios” is becoming a favorite addition to many production and distribution companies.
Paramount was there with a gigantic structure along the beach. Warner Bros. Discovery was nearby with another enormous stand. Disney gave up its former ground location in favor of a large room on the third floor. And NBCUni retained its traditional space on a spacious terrace. Among the indies, the most striking was the Banijay stand that consisted of a two-story building.
If one could miss something from the MIPCOMs of 2019 and earlier, it would be the printed market guide. These days, it’s only available online, and requires a large amount of time to search for names.
As far as attendance was concerned, VideoAge estimated it to be an impressive 8,000. Informally, a rep for market organizer RX France reported that 11,000 badges had been issued. At the Wednesday press conference, Lucy Smith, MIPCOM’s director, said that there were 10,896 participants from 108 countries with 3,100 buyers and 321 stands. The dates for MIPCOM 2023 are set for October 16-19, and, once again, the event will go on without a “Personality of the Year” celebration, contrary to what happened in pre-pandemic times.
Some participants left as early as Wednesday, October 19, the market’s third day. Still, the presence of a large number of MIPCOM old-timers made the event feel like a family reunion.
As for Cannes, the entire town seemed to be under construction, with a good number of big hotels being remodeled. The town’s iconic carousel near the Palais had also been dismantled.
Leave A Comment