together broadcasters and producers from more than 30 countries to network, share experiences and find product. The event began simply enough as a conference for the local television industry. But two years ago, organizers expanded it into an international market. “There are many changes this year,” said Forum Brasil’s André Mermelstein. First, the Forum is moving to a different floor at the Frei Caneca Convention Center, which will double last year’s exhibition space. Second, the Forum will, for the first time, offer a lounge where TV executives can have meetings and stop for coffee. And third, this year’s Forum will also present the Portuguese-Speaking Broadcasters Meeting. Broadcasters hailing from Portuguese-speaking territories around the world will gather on June 6 (the day after the Forum ends) to discuss technological innovations and coproduction opportunities. “This meeting is especially interesting because Portuguese is not spoken in all that many territories,” said Mermelstein. “So it’s a great opportunity for producers to do business with these countries.” In addition, the Forum is putting in its best efforts to lure buyers by paying for their flights and hotel accommodations. Mermelstein expects roughly 1,500 people to attend the Forum this year. “Last year we had about 900 people,” he said. “But we’re growing. It takes a while for word of mouth to spread.” A majority of attendees will still be Brazilian, but Mermelstein said the event should also draw execs from other Latin American countries, the U.S., and Europe, specifically from regions like Portugal, Spain and France. Canadians should also be in attendance in droves since there are currently a number of Brazil-Canada co-productions in the works. But, being that it is still mainly a Brazil-centric market, TV Globo, which is also an associated partner of the event, will be there in full force. “This year, we are going to present our main products to the international market, as well as our new visual identity,” said a Globo rep. “As in previous editions of Brasil TV Forum, our executives will participate in lectures and roundtables, debating subjects related to the production and distribution of content. As the biggest broadcaster in Brazil, TV Globo is always aiming to be present at events such as these, specifically ones where the production and distribution of content is to be discussed.” U.K.-based Granada International will also be present at the Forum. “We go there to meet local clients so we can better understand local trends and market changes,” said Flavio Medeiros, senior sales executive for Granada. “It’s a well-attended event and Granada would like to foster local relationships to acquire and co-produce local content.” Granada will not, however, have a stand, because, as Medeiros pointed out, “it’s not a distribution event per se.” As for why it’s important for Granada to be there, Medeiros pointed to the fact that Brazil is “the biggest market in Latin America, with a strong and fast-growing media sector. Any major company should have a strong presence” at the Forum. But he did suggest a few things that could be done to improve the event. Minutes With…” sessions have included HBO, Canal Futura, National Geographic, Discovery, Canal + and Channel 4. The event will also play host to approximately 15 seminars designed to foster the knowledge bases of those in the television industry. Topics include the international market for Latin American productions, the challenges of international co-productions, mechanisms for financing production and these methods’ impact on local and international markets, the changing face of TV as telecom operators enter the video services arena, programming trends (the rise of formats and documentaries), and the advance of new distribution platforms such as IPTV, Web TV and mobile phones. “It’s a good moment for the Brazilian economy, and therefore, a good time for local production,” said Mermelstein. He went on to say that Brazilian government funds established for TV production should soon inject a lot of money into the arena. “Local productions are definitely going to boom,” he said. “These funds can be used to make TV series, animated programming or co-productions.” Another bill in Brazil’s Congress would give tax credits for co-productions. Forum Brasil will also offer attendees the opportunity to pitch a project to the Discovery Channel, with a U.S.$20,000 prize for the best documentary. Screenings of programs and pilots throughout the market will be relatively easy, due to a fully automated system that should help even the least tech-savvy of industry execs. “For producers, the Forum is a great opportunity to be part of a growing market,” said Mermelstein. “Brazil was never very open to the international market, but now, that’s changing. Globo is entering the documentary world. And many companies are selling formats and scripts rather than telenovelas that have already been produced. And for broadcasters, the event, obviously, offers them the opportunity to sell their content. And if they’re looking for original programming outside of major U.S. studios, the Forum is a great place to search for new content.” Mermelstein went on to say that industry insiders looking to break into the Brazilian market should come on down. “The Forum is not like NATPE or MIPCOM, where you know what you’re getting,” he said. “It’s something new.” Next year, the event will move to Rio, which, Mermelstein said, “should make it more attractive for visitors.” LHR V I D E O • A G E MAY 2 0 0 8 (Continued from Cover) 52 Latin America’s Top Guns Flavio Medeiros of Granada Forum Brasil 2007 Forum Brasil’s André Mermelstein Forum Brasil 2007 “Make it more international,” he said. “And keep the guest speakers and the focus on production.” In addition to the new additions, the market will feature “30 Minutes With…” sessions in which directors from around the globe can discuss their programming and acquisition policies, as well as offer tips for producers and distributors on how best to pitch projects to acquisition execs. Participants in previous editions of the Forum’s “30 “ This year’s ninth edition promises improvements, and, next year, there’s an even more drastic plan to move the event from its traditional São Paulo location to Rio de Janeiro.
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