12 (Continued from Page 10) NBCUniversal’s Hannah Mabruk said: “We don’t have MIPTV in the spring anymore, and I think it’s great to have a spring market in Europe.” That sentiment was widely shared. Reps for several companies indicated that they came specifically because the industry still needs a European market between MIPCOM in October and the L.A. Screenings in May. Indeed, a number of distributors confirmed that they would also be attending the upcoming L.A. Screenings, though many emphasized that the two events serve different purposes. Lisbon was viewed as relationshipdriven and pan-European, while the Los Angeles Screenings remain focused on major studio pipelines, U.S. content supply, and high-level acquisition meetings. The market recorded a strong opening, with backing from the Portuguese government in the form of a statement from Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, who presented a €350 million (U.S. $410 million) funding program called SCRI.PT, designed to strengthen the country’s audiovisual sector and increase international competitiveness. The hotel’s largest room, the Mediterraneo, hosted a strong Turkish presence. Another space, the Casablanca, was strongly anchored by French companies, including Unifrance, which hosted an exclusive invitation-only cocktail reception at the Embassy of France in Lisbon on April 22. Asian firms were also out in full force, with a large presence from Japan and Korea, in particular. The latter one included Korean distribution company, Something Special. Many exhibitors praised Lisbon as a venue. While the hotel is outside the historic city center, many participants felt the location was strategically smart. It kept delegates inside the property, while still maximizing spontaneous encounters. Claudia Marra of Mediaset Italy confirmed that she arrived without any scheduled meetings, but was still able to meet with many buyers. Rocio Cachero of Mediaset Espana was happy with her 12 meetings, but she regrets that the market was more focused on formats than dramas. Simona Frau, head of Formats at Banijay Italy, said that she decided to come at the last minute, but that she had still had almost 20 productive meetings with independent producers and studios. While no official territory breakdown was released, exhibitors repeatedly cited strong attendance from Southern Europe, Iberia, Italy, Turkey, and Latin markets, with visible executives from Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Many sellers also reported meaningful conversations with buyers from Central Europe and the Nordics. Maria Chiara Duranti contributed to this story. Dori Media's Nadav Palti and Carolina Sabbag at Content Europe VIDEOAGE May 2026 April TV Markets Review CONNECTING LATAM & US HISPANIC CONTENT WITH THE WORLD 17 → 20 Nov. 2026 Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico Save the date
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