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ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 5.8 - NOVEMBER 2000
MIPCOM 2000: A Report from the Frontcompiled by Heather Kenyon
MIPCOM, the international content market for TV, video, cable and satellite was held in Cannes from October 2 to 6, 2000, with 11,762 people converging on the Palais to meet, discuss and conduct business. While business has seemed in recent years sluggish, this market had an energy that was based in real television and Internet business; and when speaking of the Internet it was for the first year real business and not dot.com hype. The talk was of taking characters from one medium to the next, using both as a tool to raise awareness and profitability. There were a lot of first timers at this market with the total number of stands (494) increasing in excess of 7.15% since last year’s edition (461 stands), while the number of companies registered at the show (2,924) grew by 11.90% (2,613 companies at MIPCOM 1999). The number of buyers reached an all-time record as well with 2,895 executives (up 11.75%). This included a significant increase in Asian buyers, proving that their economic crisis is over. The record number of visitors was up 11.45% from last year’s 10,555, and was attributed to the addition of new media companies. "With 22% of the companies involved in new media activities, MIPCOM 2000 has clearly demonstrated its ability to address the way broadband and convergence are impacting the media industry," explains Xavier Roy, Chief Officer, Reed Midem Organisation. "If content is still king, the context in which it is produced, branded and delivered is now playing an essential role. With MIPCOM, and MIPTV next April, we are determined to offer industry professionals a key opportunity to take on this new challenge." Focused on television in the new economy, the various MIPNET panel discussions further enhanced the growing importance of convergence as nearly 2,000 international television executives gathered at the sessions which were spread over three-days. On the floor one could hear people discussing the issues raised at MIPNET, especially the worries of ownership and copyright infringement in this digital age… MIPCOM 2000 was Momentum Animation Studios first market, and what an experience it was. We made the decision to attend a mere 6 weeks before it began, and by the time we arrived in France we were exhausted. What followed was five days of intense learning. We had no real idea of what to expect, and meeting with the main players in the animation game -- whether it be TV stations, heads of acquisitions, distributors or other companies interested in co-productions -- was great. The feedback from the people we met with was invaluable and being able to wander around and see what other companies were producing was interesting. One of the main points highlighted was how necessary it is to go to the markets, meet people face to face, and see what the buyers are buying. We had wondered if we were throwing ourselves in the deep end, and we were, but with fabulous results. It is true the only way to learn is by doing, and we now have several parties interested in a couple of our products and a possible co-production deal. None of this would have happened if we had stayed at home. Compared to how I had envisioned it, the market was surprisingly relaxed and casual, despite the huge deals being negotiated and signed, and everyone was happy to help in any way they could. Lisa Zerbe, Producer Organization is the key -- we pre-booked our key appointments first, but left some space to accommodate other interested parties whilst at the market. Both MIPCOM Junior and MIPCOM were extremely productive, mainly due to the fact that we were in the happy position of launching 6 fully-financed animated properties into the marketplace at MIP Junior. The shows were well-received resulting in 19 pages of follow up contact information, most of whom we subsequently met with during MIPCOM. A very busy and rewarding market indeed. 1. Less Internet trawling this time and, happily, many more seriously interested TV buyers, especially from Europe. 2. A resurgence of interest from Asia -- at pains to tell us that the economic crisis is now over and it's business as usual. Lynn Chadwick, Vice President MIPCOM 2000 was a vital week for TV-Loonland. Prior to this market, the TV-Loonland name and reputation for producing and distributing high calibre, original animation for children, youth and family was building momentum but even so, many people were not making the invaluable, immediate connection between the TV-Loonland corporate identity and its production output. The recent purchase of Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary Sony Wonder combined with the acquisition of number one European distribution specialist for Latin America Salsa Distribution and UK animation house Telemagination has really established TV-Loonland as a major player within the international marketplace. Through these strategic deals, and with the co-sponsorship of MIPCOM Junior featuring the super-successful In a Heartbeat and Yvon of the Yukon, the TV-Loonland name was buzzing around the market to no end. We're off to the races now and already gearing up for Natpe 2001. Lisa Hryniewicz, Head of Distribution Both MIPCOM-Junior and the Cartoon Forum before it were distinguished by a "professionalisation" of the presentation of new projects. The Internet has created a fascinating openness, and a new type of input and movement is now possible, both technically and with content. The Internet itself is often the subject-matter of series. With this we can see the far-reaching effects it has not only on society but also on the individual. The gates were open again for real creativity as everyone needs original content with its finger on the pulse. There was a clear trend to the ‘70s, and many series had "flower power" elements, either graphically or as subject matter. There was also a trend toward historical series. Sure, even new media has to be a part of life-long learning! As knowledge changes quickly, it needs to be continually updated or deepened. History is an important theme. Live-action for teens with good special effects was also well-received. I noticed a lot of smart pre-school programs -- target group fun-addicted adults? A surprising market in the most positive sense! Marie-Line Petrequin, Managing Director Animation & Development
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