Press Release from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution
Cannes, October 2, 2009 – MIPCOM in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Simpsons,” the longest-running primetime TV series in history, at this year’s October market.
The Croisette will glow yellow as “The Simpsons” series creator and executive producer Matt Groening along with executive producer Al Jean come to Cannes. Both will deliver a Creative Keynote in the Palais’ Grand Auditorium in which they will speak about the show’s success, its longevity and its migration across all distribution platforms on Tuesday October 6. The Keynote will be moderated by actor/director Morgan Spurlock. That same day they will also participate in a highly anticipated Fox International Press Conference for the series along with the actors that voice Homer and Marge in France.
On Wednesday October 7, the Mayor of Cannes will officially proclaim it “Simpsons Day” in Cannes, presenting Matt Groening with a yellow key to the city in a morning ceremony in front of Riviera Hall. That evening, Matt will receive the first-ever MIPCOM Creative Icon Award during a gala yellow carpet dinner.
“The irreverent humor of ‘The Simpsons’ has traveled around the world. It is a remarkable example of a show that for two decades has combined creative richness with huge commercial success without compromise. We are proud to be a part of the celebration of this truly global television phenomenon,” said Laurine Garaude, acting Director of Reed MIDEM’s Television Division.
“We are excited to have Matt and Al at MIPCOM, and having the show honored by Reed MIDEM as part of its 20th Anniversary celebration is worthy recognition from an international marketplace where creativity and great fun are held in high esteem,” added Mark Kaner, President, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.
In addition to “The Simpsons” celebration, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution will also be holding MIPCOM Screenings Monday October 5-8 in the Palais Auditorium H where Fox will screen all new episodes of highly anticipated series including “Glee,” “White Collar” and “Modern Family.”
ABOUT “THE SIMPSONS”:
“The Simpsons” exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Cartoonist Matt Groening created the infamous Simpson family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson – all now identifiable by their silhouettes alone. The series aired its historic 400th episode in May 2007, followed by the successful “The Simpsons Movie” in July 2007. In 2000 the show received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in Spring 2008 The Simpsons Ride opened at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, California. In May 2009 “The Simpsons” were honored with five U.S. postage stamps personally designed by Matt Groening.
“The Simpsons” is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media company, is the animation house.