Video Age International December 2016

A t the recently concluded MIPCOM, which took place in the traditional Cannes setting from October 15-20, all major U.S. studios were in full force. In particular, CBS, Disney, NBCUni and Fox scheduled special events to highlight their new slates. But the six major U.S. studios were all in Cannes with a total of 60 new series. Some of the studios reported that this market was surprisingly very hectic. In terms of events, Disney showcased three of its brightest stars: Shonda Rhimes as MIPCOM’s Personality of the Year, Ben Sherwood as keynote speaker and Ben Pyne at his traditional luncheon- presentation, plus they premiered Love and War. Sony Pictures had keynote speaker Kazuo Hirai and screened The Halcyon ; Fox TV Distribution honored “its” veteran TV distribution executive Marion Edwards with a party upon receiving a Vanguard Award, screened Mars and premiered The Rocky Horror Picture Show . VideoAge calculated that the U.S. studios took up close to 30 percent of all of MIPCOM’s programmed event hours. In terms of content, Belinda Menendez, president, NBCUniversal International Distribution and Networks, reported that compared to last MIPCOM, “We had a higher volume of shows this year and more breakout series such as Taken and Chicago Justice for NBC, My So Called Wife for E! and Falling Water for USA Network. We were also very excited to screen Jamestown , which is our next big show from Carnival [the producers of Downton Abbey ].” As far as which show has the potential to become a super hit, Menendez said, “nearly all our clients across FTV, basic, pay-TV and SVoD are enthusiastic about Taken .” At Twentieth Century Fox TV Distribution, senior vice president Greg Drebin reported that they had the most quantity and diversity of product in many years. For Fox, the current buzz is This is Us (for NBC), and there is expectation for “their big brands” — the mid-season 24 Legacy and Prison Break — which will air in March. CBSSI’s president of sales, Barry Chamberlain, said, “we are extremely pleased with the performance of Bull and MacGyver, the top two new series on television. Our number one new series Bull and number two new series MacGyver have all the necessary elements — action, adventure, humor, and entertaining storytelling — to become our next international’s super hits.” Ben Pyne, president of Global Distribution at Disney Media Network, reported that in comparison with last year Disney now has more returning series than ever. During his traditional press luncheon, Pyne introduced Keli Lee, who moved to London as managing director, International Content and Talent ABC Studios, using the successful model of Disney LATAM “for local production, local content and local talent.” The Cannes market started with a busy Sunday, before the Palais opened for business, with a sneak press preview of A+E Networks’ new stand. In addition to MipJunior’s official parties, there were screenings and cocktails from Italy’s Rai Com and Turkey’s Global Agency, which took guests by helicopter from Cannes to Monte Carlo. Indeed, the Turkish companies made their presence known throughout the market: from helicopter rides to a mega party from ITV Inter Medya on Tuesday and Kanal D’s “screening car” along the Croisette, after Tuesday. OnMonday, MIPCOM’s first day, the floor in the Palais was unexpectedly quiet, mostly because the action had moved to the U.S. studios’ stands, which was a typical pattern, since studios’ buyers tend to flock to the studios before going to visit the indies. More activities were registered late in the afternoon with many on-the-floor receptions, including one at Scripps Networks. However, the evening rain slowed the activities again for participantswhohad to run fromthe FoxNetworks Group cocktail to the Eccho Rights party, to the market opening night reception and to the Disney party (in its tent adjacent to the Palais). As predicted, on day two, the floor was flooded with buyers meeting with indies in a very hectic environment helped by sunny weather. This year, Japan was MIPCOM’s Country of Honor. Under the theme “Spirit of Imagination,” the market kicked off with a Japanese producer workshop and co-sponsoredPress Breakfast. Plus, the Opening Party featured live performances from Japanese DJs and musicians, along with the 4K HDR world premieres of WOWOW’s Cold Case Japan and Moribito from NHK. In celebration of Japanese culture, people in traditional geisha clothes served sake and held a matcha tea ceremony in the Japanese Plaza. There was also a Japanese umbrella stand and a Japan Pavilion, where the sake tasting was courtesy of Tohokushinsha Film Corporation. On Tuesday, at the Lionsgate booth, the OTT platform Vimeo officially launched its new Global Television Storefront digital pay-TV service in partnership with Lionsgate, the first major Hollywood studio to provide content for the new venture. Vimeo also announced Starz as the latest partner to license its programming. The former Media Development Authority (MDA)was inCannes under a restructuredentity: the Infocommunications Media Development Authority (IMDA), after merging with the former Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). The restructuring aims to better capitalize on the convergence of pay-TV and telecommunications. IMDA’s CEO is Gabriel Lim (who was MDA’s CEO) and Angeline Poh is assistant CEO. Both were in attendance at MIPCOM. According to 10 The Biggest TV Content Show On Earth Delivered On Its Promise December 2016 MIPCOM 2016 Review Marion Edwards at the Carlton hotel for a reception to honor her career at Twentieth Century Fox Televsion Distribution IMDA’s CEO Gabriel Lim On Sunday, A+E Networks hosted a “first look” press event at their new stand Japan’s “Spirit of Imagination” Plaza and sake tasting area (Continued on Page 12)