A+E, BEYOND, FREMANTLE AND ITV STUDIOS WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN MIPCOM 2020

Fremantle, A+E Networks, Beyond Distribution and ITV Studios have joined BBC Studios in abandoning its physical presence at Mipcom this year, as they seek to protect staff amid the coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes almost a month after Mipcom organisers Reed Midem outlined their plans for the market and confirmed its intentions of doing a physical event.

“Although we will not have a physical presence at Mipcom this year, we look forward to showcasing our incredible slate through an enhanced digital experience,”  a Fremantle spokesperson told Señal News. This is a similar case as the one of BBC Studios, which also has extensive plans to take its content to buyers via Mipcom Online+.

A+E Networks is “planning a robust virtual presence in coordination and partnership with Reed Midem, including virtual engagements with and for clients; the Women in Global Entertainment Lunch; and the Diversify Summit and Awards”. On the other hand, Beyond Distribution has confirmed that it will not have a booth this year, although it did not mention his participation in Mipcom Online+.

ITV STUDIOS BETS ON ITS FALL FESTIVAL
Meanwhile, after confirming that the company is not going to Mipcom, ITV Studios announced the launch of an extension to its Spring Drama and Formats Festivals. The inaugural ITV Studios Fall Festival will be a series of virtual content and production sessions for buyers held over three weeks from September 14, 2020.

In addition to providing a dedicated space for buyers to connect with the ITV Studios sales teams (including Global Distribution, Global Entertainment and Armoza Formats) face-to-face, underpinned by leading-edge technology, it will include a calendar of screenings as well as punchy interactive and pre-recorded sessions which will enable clients to take a deeper dive into its titles and talent.

“The ITV Studios Fall Festival will be an unmissable event for our buyers, from enhanced one-to-one meetings to fully produced content sessions. It will be a fitting extension to our must-attend Spring Drama and Formats Festivals as well as the Non-Scripted Carbon Neutral Factual Screenings launched earlier this year. We promise to deliver it all in the inimitable style our clients are accustomed to, a valuable experience for them as they look to plan their schedules for 2021 and beyond,”  said Ruth Berry, Managing Director, Global Distribution; and Maarten Meijs, President Global Entertainment at ITV Studios.