Press release from Reed MIDEM
Australia will take centre stage at MIPCOM 2010 with a special Spotlight on Australia country focus that will take place on Tuesday 5 October and which will include a series of conferences and supporting events showcasing trail-blazing Australian entertainment content, innovation and creativity from traditional and emerging screen sectors.
The Australian-focussed conferences will feature expert speakers in the areas of innovation, digital media and transmedia storytelling as well as discussions on working in Australia. Other activities being planned include speed matching sessions for international producers interested in co-production opportunities in Australia.
“Creativity, the cultural sector and the creative industries have a crucial role to play as drivers of growth in the Australian economy. They will be powering the online, mobile and broadcast digital environment,” said Minister for the Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett. “The Australian country focus at MIPCOM 2010 will be a great opportunity for Australia to further develop its creative profile and in particular its screen industries on the international market.”
MIPCOM 2009 welcomed over 12,000 delegates from 100 countries including some 4,000 international buyers. Australia was among the top ten country delegations to attend with over 130 companies participating. This October, record numbers of Australian professionals are expected to attend the 2010 edition of the trade event.
“The Australian television and entertainment industry is a key element of MIPCOM and has a reputation for looking outwards to the international market, particularly the Asian market in recent years. Spotlight on Australia recognises the dynamism of Australian companies and will provide an international platform for promoting investment opportunities within Australia as well as focussing attention on Australian programming,” said Laurine Garaude, Television Division Director at Reed MIDEM.
Reed MIDEMUK Managing Director, PeterRhodesOBE, will be visiting Australia from 30 May to 12 June to meet with government officials and industry leaders to discuss the business opportunities offered by the “Spotlight on Australia” country focus. He will also conduct public meetings in Perth 31 May, courtesy of ScreenWest, and in Melbourne 2 June, courtesy of Film Victoria, before going on to Sydney.
Commenting on the initiative Peter Rhodes said, “This country spotlight aims to highlight Australia’s pool of talent and their innovative approach to content production; this will strengthen export opportunities for Australian creative screen industries. I am looking forward to discussing this with the many companies I shall be meeting there.”
SBS National Manager, Content Sales & Distribution Sharon Ramsay-Luck commented, “MIPCOM is good for business – that's the experience of SBS Content Sales & Distribution. Relationships are forged and strengthened there – and it's the ideal opportunity to gain a good understanding of clients’ needs and interests. Face-to-face discussions are important in providing clarity around potential areas of interest or focus, particularly when your business partners are scattered around the world. We've been an exhibitor there for many years and are confident that this has contributed significantly to our growth and sales expansion."