The world’s entertainment content market MIPCOM 2011 to be launched next month

Reed Midem, part of Reed Exhibition and one of the top companies worldwide in organizing trade and consumer exhibitions, announced its final preparations for the world’s entertainment content market MIPCOM taking place from 3 to 6 October 2011. Prior to this event, there will be an international showcase for children's and youth’s programme screenings, MIPJunior, which is usually hosted at a 5 star hotels in Cannes, which will take place from 1 to 2 October 2011 prior to MIPCOM Which is  hosted at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France.

MIPCOM is the global event for creating, co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content across all platforms. It is where people can connect, do business, learn and discover future trends, network and cement partnerships face to face.

MIPJunior, the international showcase for children’s programming takes place two days before MIPCOM. MIPJunior is where international buyers and sellers gather to present, screen, license and acquire new kids properties.

Commenting on the occasion, Bassil Hajjar, Reed Midem representative of the Arab world and Middle East region said: “There is a huge surge in new commercial and satellite operators within the Arab world, MIPCOM represents a unique opportunity for the Arab world to maintain its presence, and it is the perfect platform for young Arabs to showcase their talents to the global audience in Cannes.”

Hajjar expects the participation of 10 to 12 Arab countries, taking into consideration the current political situation in the region. He pointed out that last year; the UAE had the biggest number of participants followed by Lebanon and Qatar.

“I believe it is time to start exporting our Arab programs to the world, we have what it takes - from creativity, to fresh ideas, to great potential - to produce programs that will surely appeal to a wider audience. Although we don’t have the marketing tools needed to introduce ourselves to the world as yet, I think MIPCOM is the right place to begin our journey of self-promotion.” He added.

MIPTV and MIPCOM usually include many specialized workshops, including MIPFORMAT which is held at the Palais De festival two days prior to MIPTV. This event allows young talents to showcase their ideas for new television programs and series to a specialized committee. Young talents can also pitch or sell their ideas either by presenting to a panel, or submitting a written proposal. Exciting ideas will be shortlisted, supported and promoted.