V I D E O • A G E AP R I L 2 0 1 0 16 Even though it is not easy to spot, the official theme of this edition of MIP-TV and derivatives, such as MipDoc (all taking place April 10-16 in Cannes), is “Charting the Next Decade.” “Focus on China” provided the spring sparkle in 2009, and “Rethinking” offered the Fall guidance. Perhaps, looking at the next decade, attendees at this MIP face a show whose main attraction is a new event geared towards formats. The theme also reflects the somber attitude with which many are approaching the once carefree market. Nevertheless, the consensus seems to be that this year’s MIP is an opportunity for companies to bounce back from a shaky 2009, and it’s not to be taken lightly. The premiere of the event dubbed “MIPFormats” is described by organizers as “a one-day premium business conference and pitching forum, designed for producers, commissioners, brands and aspiring creators of breakthrough entertainment formats.” MIPFormats is set to take place April 11, on the eve of opening day for MIP proper, overlapping with MipDoc, which runs April 10-11. Although the market will be less flashy than in years past, the feeling amongst executives interviewed was that there is reason to be optimistic. However, this time around the key issue facing the market is not the economy, but its place in the calendar year, since it presents a recurrent problem for big studios the world over. Such companies depend on May’s L.A. Screenings for new product, and this year the proximity of the two events is proving to be an obstacle. While the studios readily acknowledge that MIPCOM is their best TV trade show, they also admit that MIP-TV’s dates represent a problem. “It would be great if MIP could move to early March. Then, it could make more sense for us,” commented the president of a major U.S. studio who asked that his name not be used. Naturally, MIP-TV organizers have to squeeze the TV event in before MIPIM, a large real estate market which is held in Cannes in mid-March, and at the same time, keep it far away from both the Easter and Passover holidays — not an easy task. On the other hand, organizers could continue with the April start-date, banking on the fact that MIP is popular among smaller companies. Then again, it’s most likely the presence of the large TV studios that attract so many buyers in the first place — something the studios are quick to point out. According to one major European buyer, “Disney and Warner are not sending their European sales teams. The other majors are attending. For us, that means around 70 meetings, mostly with independent distributors.” Despite the dearth of studios, MIP can expect a strong showing from smaller companies and indies. Claudia Sahab, Televisa Internacional’s director of Europe, who works out of the company’s Spain office, had high hopes. “I’m sure that this year will be busier than the last,” she said. Over the course of 2009, she said, Televisa saw huge growth in its ready-made series sector, a side effect of production budget cuts. As a response to dwindling funds, “Countries like Hungary started buying ready-made telenovelas again,” she said. Sahab expects this trend to continue in 2010, and help bolster Televisa’s business at MIP. Additionally, she noted that the analog switch-off currently taking place across Europe is proving to be a very good thing for product sellers. “Everything will soon be on DTT (digital terrestrial television) and have two or three more channels,” she said, “So broadcasters will need more content.” Saralo MacGregor, L.A.-based vice president of Worldwide Distribution for the U.K.’s Fireworks International, concurred that this MIP-TV will be a busy one. Fireworks will be launching a range of titles, including the fourth season of drama series Heartland and new reality series Wildlife Rescue Africa. Regarding the global economy, MacGregor was realistic. “Broadcasters might be operating with reduced budgets,” she said, “But there are still schedules to fill.” Other TV execs from Los Angeles were gung-ho about the market. GRB Entertainment’s svp, International Distribution, Marielle Zuccarelli, remarked, “Buying is definitely back, and we’re confident that MIP-TV will be a strong market.” Zuccarelli is bringing a full team to Cannes, and plans to hit the ground running with a host of new shows as well as a number of already successful series. Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee and Money Saving Meals top GRB’s slate. Of the late market date, Zuccarelli stated that it makes no difference to her company because the firm plans to have a different focus for each market. “At the L.A. Screenings we focus on Latin American buyers that are not attending MIP-TV,” she said. Another L.A. exec, Jon Kramer, CEO of Rive Gauche Television, said of the delayed opening: “I’d like to see MIP at the end of March, although it’s hard to tell if it makes a difference.” He went on to point out that the later the conference falls in the year, the better the idea programmers have of what the first quarter looked like and can make decisions accordingly. Although he’s already a seasoned MIP-TV veteran, Ken Dubow, founder and president of new L.A.-based Opus Distribution, explained that “this will be the first TV market for Opus Distribution with product to deliver, so it’s an exciting time.” As a new company, Opus has a full plate for the market, and Dubow named cash flow as his firm’s biggest challenge. “Cash is still tight around the world,” he said, “But there seems to be some thawing going on with budgets.” Opus’ inaugural MIP slate includes TV movies and documentaries, including a new romance feature starring Alyssa Milano. The Canadian contingent will be out in full force as well, though whether they’ll attend Tuesday morning’s “Connect with Canada — Producers Matchmaking” event remains to be seen. Les Harris, president of Toronto-based Canamedia, said his company will be highlighting HD programming. Harris was also optimistic about attendance figures. “From what I understand, MIP-TV last year was dead,” he said, “MIPCOM had more people, but the people who were there seemed serious. I’m hoping that the trend we saw starting at MIPCOM will continue at MIP-TV this year.” Another Canadian company, Toronto’s Fremantle Corp., is looking forward to touching base with its traditional broadcast clients as well as embracing the new digital world. The Fremantle team will be set up in the Palais presenting a new miniseries called Doc West, automobile/lifestyle shows Hot Import Night andDream Car Garage, new series Healthy Gourmet and much more. Randy Zalkin, president of Fremantle Corp., predicted that attendees can expect a significant core of new and returning buyers. “Given the rollercoaster ride that the world economy is undergoing, some regions In Exchange For Some Needed Cash, Market Sold Its Sparkle M I P P r e v i e w (Continued on Page 18) Claudia Sahab, director of Europe for Televisa Internacional Nat Abraham, head of Distribution, Breakthrough Entertainment
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