MIPTV has come to an end, making way for MIP London. Lucy Smith from MIP organizer RX France made this announcement at a well-attended press conference on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of Cannes' long-standing international television market. The new event, MIP London, is set to launch in the British capital next year.
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| International television executives bid farewell to MIPTV this week SCOTT ROXBOROUGH |
As previously announced by RX, the current edition of MIPTV, which concludes on Wednesday, will be the final one. MIP London is planned as a smaller event, scheduled to take place from February 24 to 27 alongside the popular London Screenings and BBC Screenings markets.
Launched in 1965 during the early days of the international television industry, MIPTV quickly became a crucial event for television executives worldwide. However, over the decades, the spring market has struggled to adapt to changes in the industry.
Its traditional model, which involves exhibitors renting stands to showcase new shows to international buyers, appears outdated in a landscape where streaming platforms release new series regularly. Additionally, international broadcasters are increasingly involved in projects at the script stage, acting as co-financiers or co-producers.
This year's MIPTV saw fewer than 5,000 attendees, a stark contrast to its peak attendance in previous years.
Facing the conclusion of an era, Smith acknowledged the evolving nature of the industry, emphasizing the importance of ending MIPTV and introducing MIP London. Without directly mentioning any shortcomings in RX France's management of the market, Smith highlighted the shift in the distribution calendar, noting that "February works better for the distribution business," as demonstrated by the success of the London TV Screenings.
RX France is banking on the idea that buyers who attend the London Screenings, which saw a significant increase in attendance this year, will appreciate having a central hub for meetings and networking. However, it remains uncertain whether sellers, such as distributors Banijay, Fremantle, and ITV Studios, will be willing to pay for access to this hub. Attendees of MIP London, like those at MIPTV, will receive complimentary badges, along with free catering, Wi-Fi, and access to MIP's online screenings and database.
Smith proposed that sales companies lacking a presence or team in London could leverage MIP's expertise. Additionally, she suggested that the unscripted and kids television communities, which typically attend MIPTV but not the London Screenings, might be persuaded to participate in MIP London.
"There are 750 buyers in London today. We know there are more buyers that will come," said Smith. "There are opportunities there. More buyers are good for everyone. London is a group of companies that work together. But once you get to 30 or 40 exhibitors, it gets more complicated. We will work on visibility for everyone."
MIP London is set to take place at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in the West End, with two screening venues available next door at the Institute of Engineering Technology. The event will feature luxury hotel suites, adaptable meeting spaces, lounges, international pavilions, and various event spaces. Smith mentioned that RX is currently negotiating hotel deals to reduce costs for both buyers and sellers attending next year.
Smith emphasized that MIP London is not intended to compete with the London Screenings. "We are offering a complementary venue," she stated. "These are not competitive events. We will make sure it's not in direct competition with the London TV Screenings. That's not our intention."
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