MIPTV reveals new Keynote Speakers for its 2022 edition

RX France has unveiled the addition of more keynote speakers for this Spring's in-person MIPTV event, scheduled for 4-6 April. "It could not be timelier to welcome René and Kevin to the Cannes stage. Moonbug has risen to become a category-leader, built on editorial values and a digital-first approach, in less than four years," RX France Entertainment Division Director & Director of MIPTV, Lucy Smith said. "Whilst their new owners are presently the industry’s most high profile, acquisitive startup investing in, and supporting, storytellers whose companies can thrive creatively, commercially, and technically in a future media landscape. It will make for an enlightening and entertaining session.” 

This year's goal for the event is to build on the success of last year's Mipcom. Last October, the event saw over 4500 delegates, including 1200 buyers and 145 stands from 35 countries, who have returned to Cannes to buy, sell, network, and provide insight related to the industry. Organizers continue to review health and safety measures for this Spring. The 59th annual MIPTV will incorporate Mipformats and Mipdoc into a new three-day business efficient program, with premium high-end drama showcase Mipdrama set to introduce new titles on 3 April. Also returning are the International Format Awards, while Cannes will also host the fifth season of the international TV series Festival Cannesseries from 1-6 April.

Kevin Mayer, Co-Chairman, Co-CEO of Candle Media, and René Rechtman Co-Founder and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment are among the list of new keynote speakers. Candle Media’s purchase of global children’s giant Moonbug in November 2021 is one of several recent high-profile acquisitions of, and investments in, content companies.  The opening session announcement follows the confirmation of Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios.

Since its beginning in 2018, Moonbug’s digital strategy has built a worldwide family audience through globally popular shows including "CoComelon," "Blippi" and "Little Baby Bum." The content has appeared in 30 languages and on more than 100 platforms worldwide. Founded by ex-Disney Executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, with backing from private equity firm Blackstone, Candle Media’s acquisition of Moonbug followed that of Hello Sunshine, the media company founded by Reese Witherspoon in August last year. In recent weeks the company has also completed the acquisition of Israeli production company Faraway Road Productions and taken a minority stake in Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Inc. Candle Media will also attend n hopes of achieving growth in the market this year.