June/July 2015 22 NATPE Europe Preview last March renewed his employment contract through February 2016. And industry executives are converging in Prague for NATPE Europe, which kicks off on Monday, June 22 at the Hilton Prague Hotel. The four-day market (which could be considered a three-day market because the floor does not actually open until the second day) will once again host screenings by the Hollywood studios on the first day, by invitation only. The times and locations vary by studio. New this year is a screening and cocktail hosted by Telemundo Internacional on Monday at the Hilton Prague Hotel. Other studios hosting screenings include CBS Studios International, DreamWorks, NBCUniversal International Television Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television, among others. Last year, NATPE Europe honored Poland, and this year, attendance from Poland is up. Perth explained, “Poland had always been underrepresented. Having more Polish companies attend last year increased the enthusiasm regarding what can be accomplished here at NATPE Europe.” Another country seeing growth in attendance is the Czech Republic. Perth told VideoAge that buyer attendance was on pace with the 2014 event and attendance from individual countries has not gone down compared to last year. Yet, he did acknowledge that due to the current political climate in the area, “Ukraine and Russia are more difficult, but we’re reaching out to those countries in a very aggressive way and we are confident that there will be results.” Georgina McNeilly, VP of International Sales at Power, is particularly excited about the opportunity the market offers to “spend quality time on home turf with my Czech clients.” She added that the market also “attracts attendees from across Europe,” and is looking forward component, which we brought to Prague last year. Over the years, we will continue to increase this component.” Three conferences will be held on day one: “Global TV Formats – What’s Hot and What’s Not?,” “Formats Futures: Buying or Selling? Creating or Adapting?” and “International CoProductions: Partnerships That Are Taking Center Stage.” On Monday, “Global TV Formats – What’s Hot and What’s Not?” will see Keri Lewis Brown, managing director at international media consultancy firm K7 Media showcase her top 10 list of international shows for 2015. “Formats Futures: Buying or Selling? Creating or Adapting?” will also run on Monday. Confirmed speakers include Luci Burnley of Small World IFT, Pascal Dalton of Endemol Shine Group, Nathan Gibbs of Zodiak Media and Jerome Pichot of French TV, who will discuss the future of the formats business and the push and pull between local broadcasters and producers launching original creations and a tendency to rely on major format brands. Also on Monday, attendees will learn more about co-productions in the session “International Co-Productions: Partnerships That Are Taking Center Stage,” featuring Claude Chelli, producer of Zodiak’s Versailles; Ben Donald of BBC Worldwide; Simon Maxwell of Channel 4 and Anne Mensah of Sky. On Tuesday morning there is a “Breakfast Keynote Session: A Chat With Adrian Hodges,” executive producer/creator of the BBC series The Musketeers. As for parties, there will be a cocktail reception on Tuesday at Cloud 9 Sky Bar and Lounge, hosted by Nova, TV Barrandov and APA, the Czech Producers Association. On Wednesday, NATPE Europe will host its traditional party at the Municipal House in Republic Square, only a short walk from the Hilton. Perth’s enthusiasm for the event was reflected in his stance that, “We’re committed to NATPE Europe. This is still an underserved region, yet they produce programming and they are there to buy.” As for Perth’s own future, he will lead the organization until the conclusion of NATPE Miami next January, at which time he will return to his consultancy business. Meanwhile, he’s helping the NATPE board select his replacement, who, it is hoped, will continue to have a good relationship with — and access to — U.S. studio executives. By Sara Alessi to meeting with those registered from Poland, Slovakia, Russia and Ukraine. For Entertainment One’s part, Nada Cirjanic, Sales director for France, Nordics, CEE and CIS reported, “We are focusing on the major broadcasters and digital platforms across all territories.” Starz Worldwide Distribution’s Sales executive Meggan Kimberley summed it up best: “It really is all about the buyers — so long as the turnout continues to grow, we are quite happy.” Confirmed exhibiting companies include Armoza Formats, Scripps Networks, Gaumont, Sony Pictures Television, Globo TV, Viacom, ITV Inter Medya, Caracol TV Internacional, Televisa Internacional, Breakthrough Entertainment, Telefe Internacional, Studio 100 Media, Content Television, eOne and Starz Worldwide Distribution, to name a few of the approximately 150 companies that will be catering to over 350 content buyers, mostly from CEE territories. This is the second year NATPE Europe will be held in Prague, and organizers are pleased with the new city. “Last year was a transition year, but we were pleased. The facilities are great because we can do screenings onsite, so everyone isn’t spread around,” Perth explained. “Last year, some people expressed a desire to be right in the city, but the heart of Prague is about a four-minute taxi ride away, and the setting is beautiful.” Asked whether he thought the market would remain in Prague, Perth said, “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and listen to our attendees. We want to make sure we’re flexible and responsive. Nothing is forever, but we’re certainly committed to the region.” And organizers have listened to attendees and already made some changes. Last year, there were some complaints about the high cost of the hotel’s in-room Internet connection. “This year, we’ll have stunning WiFi, complimentary for everyone,” Perth said. WiFi access is available to all participants anywhere on the hotel property, including guest rooms. As far as the misunderstandings with the hotel regarding checkout time, “We fixed all that,” Perth assured us. Now for the real bread and butter of the market — the buying and selling of television content. The market floor and suites will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 9 a.m.-noon on Thursday. Exhibition options once again include a screening suite, a viewing box or a meeting table. “We have a reputation for putting together relevant conversations for the industry,” said Perth. “We are committed to doing that, and this year, we are increasing the conference (Continued from Cover) Cloud 9 Sky Bar and Lounge The viewing box area Elevator hall of the first-floor suite area Meeting table area at NATPE Europe
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