22 March/April 2017 V I D E O A G E Canada at TV Markets trade show websites after the shows. “This adds a lot of value as it means the market experience extends beyond the actual show days. We can be more reflective on the information shared, putting the leads and opportunities reviewed to use,” explained Carbone Fleury. Blue Ant International executives often participate in seminars and panels at international trade shows throughout the year. “Their participation on various panels offers us a platform to discuss current industry trends with our peers and position ourselves as thought leaders in our areas of expertise. It is also an opportunity to share the lessons and hear the results of other companies and their work. With shifts in consumer viewing habits, it is key to understand the challenges that our clients are facing in order to help them find solutions for their respective businesses to thrive,” said Attwood. Over and above the regular business of buying and selling, in any year a company may have particular objectives that influence its market strategy. At MIP, for instance, said Muse’s Shawn Rosengarten, it will be completing the pre-sales for its miniseries. Blue Ant International is keen to seek additional co-production partners, listen and experiment across new funding models and diversify its slate of genres to sell internationally. 9 Story, for this MIP-TV, has an expanded space in the Riviera section of the Palais: “It will give us a whole host of benefits, including more room for the team and our clients, a greater presence and a private boardroom. Lastly, seven members of our team will be attending and working on their respective objectives,” said Osborne. “Discoverability is always the challenge at any market for Gusto,” said Knight. “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to reach potential customers, in particular, using the most costeffective form of advertising.” Today’s political climate does not seem to be a deterrent to participation. “But one must always remain flexible and ready to respond to issues as they present themselves,” Gusto added. And, within an ever-evolving industry, business issues can arise. For Muse “programming with global appeal across all platforms keeps us insulated from industry fluctuations,” said Rosengarten. 9 Story, Osborne says, also tries to mitigate any risk by acting globally. She finds the emergence of digital platforms has created a great deal of opportunity, particularly for content creators and producers in the kids’ space. “Children and family programming is a major driver of subscription retention for OTT platforms, and as a result has created a tremendous demand for new programming and library content.” These sellers all hope to meet with buyers in the best circumstances. And the buyer’s view is no different: “No matter how seamless the technology is over which we now communicate, the importance of a face-to-face interaction cannot be underestimated,” said DavidKines, president and cofounder of Canada’s Hollywood Suite. “It’s only when we’re sitting across from each other that you can see the nuances, body language and emotions that make up the individual you’re dealing with. Even in a short meeting, you have the time to listen to each other and gain some understanding of each other’s goals and challenges without interruption or distraction (though ameeting on a beach in Cannes can make that challenging!).” (Continued from Page 20) Contact us to explore distribution opportunities. Natalie Osborne, chief strategy officer, 9 Story Media Group
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