MIPCOM 2015. How was it? Ruby TV found out from the point of view of a star UK events consultant, an Australian Children’s Content producer, Jordan’s heavy weight media group, a successful Canadian start up and a fun British blogger. They told us about their experiences, successes and tips- from carrying cash, to packing gum boots to stop drinking rosé after midnight! And they’re all planning to head back for 2016.
JO DYE (UK)
Director JJD Consultancy
http://jjdconsultancy.com/
1.Why did you go to MIP ad how many times have you been?
I have been going for 25 years, to both MIP and MIPCOM but not been to every one every year so I would suggest about 25 times.
2. And why do you go?
I organise events for my clients in the TV industry so I am either there to execute said event or to see my clients to talk about upcoming projects and potential new business
3.What were your specific goals and expectations?
For this year I was very busy working with 3 separate companies on various projects from private screenings of a brand new TV series, to guerrilla marketing antics around Cannes with gorgeous young models, to a dinner for talent of another TV series. And finally a launch party for a TV station.
4.What what your experiences- challenges and successes?
Every market presents it own challenges and successes. Challenges this year was the horrendous weather which just disrupted everything including internet and telephone so it made communications that much more difficult. All the activations for me this year were a resounding success so very pleased with this years results.
5.Most memorable moment (business and/or personal)? Your best encounter?
The weather this year has to be up their in the memory bank. It truly was incredible. But from a business prospective I organised an amazing event at Chateau La NAPOULE a few years ago for a Canadian production company for their one off program entitled Puppetry of the Penis. I will say no more other than it is certainly an event I will never forget and always brings a smile to my face when I think about it! Do look it up. It’s quite enlightening and good clean fun.
6.What did you learn?
I have learnt to pack sunglasses and wellies. You never know what is going to happen in Cannes. To make sure I get at least 4 hours good sleep a night and to stop drinking rosé after midnight!
7. How have/will things now evolve?
It certainly seems from someone who works on the edges of the industry that things are improving and with the advent of Netflix and Amazon etc the appetite for new content has grown and the market place more competitive which for me is great as we must keep coming up with new and innovative ways to engage the buyers for our clients.
8. What’s next?
So for me I am off to AFM (American Film Market) to start to talk to my clients about sponsorship and events at the Cannes Film Festival next May where I will be producing my very successful pop up members space at Plage Royale beach. We are always striving to offer our members more benefits and this is mainly through sponsor partners be it airlines or drinks companies or technology or luxury goods brands. We have an eclectic membership but all are film industry lovers and shakers and so very appealing to sponsors.
ARAB TELE MEDIA (Jordan)
http://arabtelemedia.net
1. Why did you go to MIP and how many times have you been?
CEO Mr. Talal Awamleh says “We’ve been exhibiting at MIP for numerous seasons. The Arab TV conventions are not as well organised as MIP. Here we can meet the TV stations representatives in an international platform in south of France and they come with a willingness to listen. It clears their minds when they are away from their offices-meeting them at MIP twice a year is much better.”
2. What were your specific goals and expectations?
A. Promoting Arab Telemedia Group
B. Promoting the New Releases for 2016
C. Selling our Blockbuster Productions
D. Tackling New Markets
E. Meeting with Potential Clients
F. Continue and Broaden our Successful Journey thus far
3. What your experiences- challenges and successes?
This MIPCOM was an extremely fruitful experience where we went with an unconventional design for our booth which was a double decker bus (booth C20.B).
Our booth attracted many visitors and hosted multiple meetings with big company names in the industry.
4. Most memorable moment?
The best memorable moments were seeing our team of hard working professionals ranging from various departments; gathering as one entity and enjoying Arab Telemedia Group’s successful journey thus far.
5. What did you learn?
One of our objectives was to tackle new markets.
We achieved that and we hope to take what we’ve learned by applying new tools at our next marketing campaign at MIPTV 2016.
Also, after attending keynotes and screenings at MIP, we have acquired and learned various type of new information and latest technologies that currently exist in the production industry.
6. How have/will things now evolve?
As we prepare for our next journey at MIPTV 2016 we are working diligently to further improve and create a bigger hype at our stand.
7. What’s next?
Hop on our bus and join our next Journey at MIPTV2016!
Shady Hamzeh
President Mondo Globo (Canada)
www.mondoglobo.ca
1.Why did you go to MIP ad how many times have you been?
MIPCOM is a key market for Mondo Globo because it’s a good opportunity to get in touch with both the content owner and the broadcaster.
2. How many MIPs have you attended?
I have been attending MIP (in both shows) for the past 4 years.
3.What were your specific goals and expectations?
The goal is to meet with the content owners/ broadcasters and operators and it’s perfect opportunity during MIP to see them all.
4.What what your experiences- challenges and successes?
There’s always something new to learn when meeting new people and business owners. Challenge is to keep up with a very dynamic market and the success would be by embracing change.
5.Most memorable moment (business and/or personal)?
Most memorable moment is not having enough cash and restaurants not accepting credit cards!
6.What did you learn?
That I always need to carry cash and never rely on technology and ATM machines!
7. How have/will things now evolve?
Putting all the ideas discussed during MIP into action plans and then start implementing.
8. What’s next?
The future is bright.
Tom Slater
Producer (Australia)
F3 Productions
1.Why did you go to MIP?
We’re presenting our brand new, live action kids show, The Fo-Fo Figgily Show. We just wrapped our first season, so are swinging into gear to sell it. We launched with a screening on the Monday of MIP.
2. How many times have you been?
This was my first MIP.
3. Goals and expectations?
Our number one goal was to have a successful screening and debut the show with a bit of a splash. Expectations? They varied wildly, from the realistic to the ridiculous. Mainly, we wanted people to see the show and to enjoy it.
4. Challenges and successes?
The challenge was to stand out in a sea of such eye-catching projects. As for successes, we had a near-full house at our screening and have received really positive responses. Now the challenge is to bed down our conversations and start to put Fo-Fo on screens.
5. Best encounter?
One of the best encounters was with Kristin Brzoznowski from World Screen – she knew about our show! I know that’s probably just part of her job, but it was nice to know that awareness about it is spreading, especially in such important corners of the industry.
6.What did you learn?
Over the week I heard a number of people affirm that above all, success comes down to stories and characters. If you nail those, you have a compelling show. The rest is window dressing.
7. How will things now evolve?
One of the really interesting parts of the launch was gauging reactions from international buyers. Part of our concept is that we will produce Fo-Fo in several different languages, with several different casts speaking their native tongue, so seeing how that resonated with different markets was fascinating. Our next stage of evolution will involve distilling those reactions and planning which languages and markets to produce for next.
8. What’s next?
Next is to see Fo-Fo on TV (and computer and tablet and phone) screens in markets around the world. Beyond that, an important step is to develop our L&M strategies and look to have them ready to launch once the show does. We’ve got a long road ahead, but are picking up steam.
Kelly Convey
Blogger (UK)
http://adventuresofkellyandnelson.com
1.Why did you go to MIP ad how many times have you been?
I have been to MIP 15 times – this would be my 16th. If I am honest, I simply came to see old friends and drink some rosé with them on the riviera – I left the TV industry 18 months ago to become a blogger.
2. How many times have you been?
I have been to MIP 15 times – this would be my 16th.
3.What were your specific goals and expectations?
To reconnect with people and network with new interesting people from around the world, in one place.
4.What what your experiences- challenges and successes?
As ever, great conversation with like minded people is always a winner when you come to Cannes. I think the biggest challenge I faced was waking up on Thursday morning!
5.Most memorable moment (business and/or personal)? Your best encounter?
Having dinner with 15 of my oldest friends in the industry and making a (slightly emotional) speech.
6.What did you learn?
That I miss the TV industry more than I realised!
7. How have/will things now evolve?
I’ve decided TV is in my blood and I will never be too far away form the industry.
8. What’s next?
Booking my ticket for next year!
Sadly, Nelson (her dog who stars and also ‘writes’ in the blog…) can’t fly but maybe next year I’ll drive down and parade him around the grand. 🙂
