nce again, the annual MIPCOM market, which ended in mid-October and was held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, has been hailed by Reed Midem as its biggest TV market ever. The 23 rd edition of the event drew a total of 1 3 ,3 71 participants, a seven percent increase over last year’s market. News events trampled all over each other. Industry superstars were forced to split the spotlight and business deals blossomed, aided by the very weak U.S. dollar — and all that happened in just five days ( out of a seven-day market, that is, if one considers Mipcom Jr., the children’s program market that precedes MIPCOM, to truly be a part of it) . “This historic success for MIPCOM demonstrates the importance of content in our industry,” said Paul Johnson, director of Television at Reed Midem. “Numerous factors contributed to making the 23 rd edition break records, including the increased presence of companies in the technology, mobile and advertising sectors.” At MIPCOM, NBC-Universal announced that the NBC network in the U.S. acquired a new series based on the classic “Robinson Crusoe” masterpiece by Daniel Defoe. The show was produced by U.K.-based Power with Universal Media Studios. “One of our key strategies is to look abroad for great production partners,” said Ben Silverman, co-chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. “This was an opportunity that made perfect sense for us.” Justin Bodle, founder and CEO of Power, commented: “This deal is the first for nearly 4 0 years where a British producer has received an order directly from a U.S. network. It is exciting to be producing a network show for NBC, and to be working with Ben and his creative team.” Added Power’s Chris Philip: “Crusoewill be a valuable addition to our 2008 slate and to our library for years to come.” Disney-ABC International Television Latin America ( DAIT-LA) inked a twoyear agreement with Venezuela’s Venevision. “We are very happy that Venevision, the leading channel in Venezuela, will maximize our presence and our brand locally,” said Fernando Barbosa,” senior vp of DAIT-LA. Disney Latin America also struck a deal with Discovery Networks Latin America/ US Hispanic for shows such as Dirtand Six Degrees , which will soon air on the People+Arts network. “We trust our series will generate solid ratings for our partners at Discovery,” said Henri Ringel, vp, DAIT Latin America. In addition, DAIT closed a deal with Latin American Internet company Terra. “This is a hugely significant agreement since it reflects an important step forward,” commented DAIT-LA’s president Diego Lerner, since Terra is now offering Disney-branded and non-branded content to its TV users in Latin America. Argentina’s Telefe International and Colombia’s RCN both announced the opening of offices in Russia through which they hope to increase their presences in the territory. The offices will be run by Anastasia Korchagina, a Russian specialist who has a successful track record in Russian television. “Being in Russia will allow us a closer vision of the needs of such a competitive market,” said Alejandro Parra, director of International Business for Telefe. In addition, Canada’s largest private broadcaster, CTV, together with 1 9 Entertainment and dick clark productions, announced that they would produce and broadcast a Canadian version of Emmy Award-winning show So You Think You Can Dance . “The joy of dance is at the center of So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” said Susanne Boyce, president, Creative, Content and Channels for CTV. “But it’s also about the passion and energy of young dancers from across Canada and their dreams to excel in this art form.” Just one day prior to the start of the market, the third edition of the Telenovelas Screenings was held, and many of the telenovoleros remain pleased with the relatively new event. “We were very happy with the Screenings,” said Guadalupe D’Agostino, vice president and general manager of RCTV International. “A lot of people from Europe and Asia took the time to see our product,” added Telemundo’s Karen Barroeta. MIPCOM 2007 also offered a variety of unique events. This year’s market featured a slew of high-profile keynotes, including speeches from CBS Corp. president Les Moonves, Televisa’s Emilio Acarraga Jean, United Artists’ CEO Paula Wagner and the aforementioned Ben Silverman from NBC. “The international marketplace is vital to our survival,” said Wagner, Tom Cruise’s longtime producing partner, before a packed house in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais. Silverman concurred, saying that the global marketplace is “a huge part of our growth strategy.” In fact, before joining NBC, Silverman had a hand in bringing both The Office ( once a British comedy) and Ugly Betty( a series based on Colombia’s Betty la Fea) to U.S. audiences. “Our titles are built for the globe,” he said. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where something comes from, he told attendees. All that really matters is: “where are the best ideas? ” V I D E O • A G E NO V E M B E R/ DE C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 10 M I P C O M R E V I E W Big Shots and Big Deals Make for a Merry Market Les M oonv es deliv ers his k eynote address Telev isa’s E milio Az c arraga J ean during his k eynote sp eec h Carlo N ardello, RAI Trade’s new CE O Pow er’s p rez Chris Philip . The E nglish c omp any introduc ed new drama series Robinson Crusoe in Cannes (Continued on page 12)
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