Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, will present the MIPCOM Junior 2008 Keynote on Sunday October 12. The 16th edition of MIPCOM Junior, the specialist international screening marketplace and conference for children's programming and merchandising will be held on the October 11-12 at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France.
During her address, Zarghami will share her vision of how the localization of global hit creative properties can result in a stronger worldwide brand presence.
Under Zarghami's leadership, Nickelodeon has been the number-one-rated cable network in the United States for 14 straight years and has been the top producer of original content for kids across all entertainment platforms, from animated mega hits SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and DORA THE EXPLORER to live action tween hits Icarly and ZOEY 101 and major events such as the Kids' Choice Awards.
She oversees all business operations for its divisions, including: Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite; Noggin; The N; Nicktoons Network; Nick Movies; Nickelodeon's consumer products, magazine and recreation businesses; and Nickelodeon's growing portfolio of digital properties including all of the Nickelodeon branded Web sites: Neopets, Shockwave, AddictingGames, ParentsConnect, and Quizilla. She has expanded the brand through the launch of hotels, theme parks and a new multi-year partnership with Sony Music Label Group.
MIPCOM Junior's two day conference program will also feature major industry figures such as: Cindy Rose, MD for Europe, Middle East & Africa, Walt Disney Internet Group; Paul Robinson, Managing Director Worldwide, KidsCo; Rob Sorcher, Chief Content Officer, Cartoon Network; Ira Rubenstein, Exec VP, Global Digital Media Group, Marvel Ent.; Mostapha Mellouk, Deputy Managing Director, Al Jazeera Children's; David Ripert, Senior Manager Content & Partnerships, Dailymotion; Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director of Children's, BBC Worldwide; Anthony Lilley, Managing Director, Magic Lantern Productions; Nicole Keeb, Head International Co-productions & Acquisitions, Children & Youth, ZDF and Matthias Mickshe, CEO of Stardoll.
In conjunction with "Focus on Spain," the special country focus taking place at MIPCOM, the Catalan channel TV3 will be hosting a conference titled "Animation From Spain: Sharing Expertise."
Other key events include the fifth edition of the "MIPCOM Junior Licensing Challenge" in which a selection of the newest TV properties will be showcased. A jury of industry experts will evaluate their licensing and merchandising potential. New this year, a Matchmaking Breakfast will create a networking forum for programming investors and licensing.
For the latest information on MIPCOM Junior 2008 go to www.mipcomjunior.com.