NATPE Budapest has officially opened its doors at the Intercontinental Hotel. Studios attending include A&E, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal Global Distribution, and Paramount Global Content Distribution which, as well as exhibiting, are holding screenings at the hotel and local theaters. Additionally, YLE Finland as well as the Ukrainian Content Association are hosting screenings at the hotel.
Natpe Budapest will also welcome a number of international Pavilions including the ICEX Spanish Pavilion, the Türkiye Pavilion which is supported by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Ukraine Pavilion hosted by NATPE. Alongside many long-term exhibitors which have attended Natpe Budapest for a number of years, new attendees on the exhibit floor and in suites include Polish Public Television’s TVP, ABC Japan, Yes Studios Israel, Leonine Germany, and TRT Türkiye.
“With buyer registrations at the 350-plus mark and more than 200 sellers, we are delighted to return to Budapest and look forward to putting on a great show. We know that many companies throughout the region have been unable to travel until now and coming to Budapest to network face to face is a great step forward for everyone,” JP Bommel, President and CEO of NATPE, stated. “We are very pleased to see a strong line-up of Studios join us here, hot on the heels of the May Screenings, as well as a plethora of local content with international potential from the CEE region,” he added.
A brand new edition of the popular Pitch & Play Live! which highlights CEE-created formats with international potential, will take place on Wednesday, 29 June. Entries from across the region have been evaluated and reviewed by a pre-selection committee of international industry executives. The three selected finalists will pitch live in front of an audience and a jury of highly respected TV professionals who will select the winner.
With networking high on the agenda for the event, Natpe Budapest opened with a Buyers Reception and an Opening Party at the Intercontinental Hotel. The event will culminate with a sparkling invitation-only Gala Party, sponsored by Kanal D, featuring talent from the leading drama series "Three Sisters" on Wednesday night at Budapest hot spot Ötkert Night Club.