We know you’ve probably just unpacked from NATPE (and may be readying yourself to pack again for DISCOP Istanbul), but we thought we’d look ahead to the next really big market — MIP-TV, and give readers a sneak peek of what to expect.
The big news at MIP-TV this year is that the market will start on Sunday, April 1 — rather than its usual Monday — and run through Wednesday, April 4.
Supposedly, the move is because of Easter Sunday, which falls exactly one week after the market begins (and is preceded by Holy Week, which coincides with MIP). Plus, that Friday marks the beginning of Passover.
Other big news is that the U.S. studios presence as full exhibitors will continue to be limited to CBS and NBC Universal, due to MIP’s close date proximity to the L.A. Screenings. The fact that MIP dates are getting closer to where the major U.S. studios would prefer them to be (mid- or late-February) is not helping insofar as encouraging more U.S. studios’ full-fledged participation because, this year, the L.A. Screenings will began on May 17, a bit earlier than last year.
In addition to the usual bustling marketplace, this year’s MIP-TV will feature several special events. From March 30-31 — before MIP kicks off — MIPDoc will bring together international buyers, sellers, producers and commissioners of documentary and factual programs.
MipDoc’s online screenings represent the world’s largest international digital library of docs and factual programs, and the event also features a conference and networking program where commissioning editors, producers and industry talent discuss and debate market trends, financing, co-production and other issues of importance to the documentary side of the business.
There’s also the annual MipDoc International Pitch, a pitching competition for creators and producers of documentaries from around the world. It’s now open and crowd-financing is open now online.
Once the market begins, days one and two (Sunday and Monday), will see the Drama CoProXchange, a program for commissioners, producers and deal-brokers involved in international co-production. There will be a closed-door co-production summit, case studies
on successful international co-productions and interviews with major commissioners.
The Fiction Screenings will take place alongside Mip, from April 1-4, and include the exclusive red-carpet event, the World Premiere Television Screenings.
Days two and three of the market (April 2-3) will focus on Branded Entertainment, with case studies and screenings showcasing examples of the best in internationally branded entertainment. As part of the program, Jonathan Mildenhall, vice president Global Advertising Strategy and Content Excellence for The Coca-Cola Company, will deliver a keynote on April 2.
Also part of the branding program, the second “Brand of the Year Award” will once again recognize a global brand for its contribution to the development and production of branded entertainment programming.
On day 1 (April 1), there will also be a focus on kids and animation with the Global Animation Marketplace, where attendees can learn how to leverage co-production partnerships in global animation market. There will also be a spotlight on the best live-action series being produced for kids around the world.
Days 3 and 4 (April 3-4) will offer MIP guests the opportunity to screen the latest 3D programs and meet with major 3D acquisition companies to discuss the latest developments in that side of the business.
Josh Sapan, president and CEO of AMC Networks, will deliver a Media Mastermind keynote on April 2. AMC has debuted hit original series such as Mad Men and The Walking Dead.
As usual, VideoAge will be publishing its Monthly and three dailies, starting on Sunday.
