Event Preview: MIP Junior

NEW YORK: TV Kids, a partner of MIP Junior this year, looks at some of the highlights of this year’s two-day conference and screenings event.

With all signs pointing to a recovery in the kids’ business after the woes of last year, MIP Junior is shaping up to be busy, vibrant event this October, according to Laurine Garaude, director of television at Reed MIDEM. Indeed, there will be some 1,000 programs being screened at the Martinez, and about 500 buyers are registered to attend—a 6-percent increase on last year, Garaude says.

In addition, "we have a lot of newcomers from the animation space, like Skechers Entertainment, 41 Entertainment, and Saban is back with the Power Rangers."

The event kicks off Saturday morning with a workshop titled "How to Pitch!", offering up tips on how best to present your project to potential broadcast or distribution partners. Later on Saturday afternoon, a slew of top buyers, including Julien Borde from France Télévisions, Debbie MacDonald from Nickelodeon U.K. and Tracy McAndrew from Disney Channels Worldwide, will be providing insight into what programs they need to fill their grids.

Garaude also points to the increased focus on licensing and merchandising. In addition to the Licensing Challenge, back for a seventh year, case studios will be presented and a Licensing Lounge has been created for rights-owners to meet with licensing agents. Plus, Garaude adds, "There’s a new matchmaking breakfast, for producers to pitch their programs to the agents."

MIP Junior will also be presenting a Kids’ Jury Screening on Saturday evening, where 20 kids evaluate 15 programs across three categories: preschool, kids and pre-teen. "We got in close to 80 programs," says Garaude of the call for entries, which closed earlier this month.

Also on the packed schedule is a spotlight on Korea, with 12 companies presenting their programs to broadcasters and potential co-production partners.

Plus, there will also be an enhanced focus on new media. “Games, apps and emerging platforms are fast becoming an integral part of the lifecycle of kids’ programming as they increase audience engagement and provide new revenue streams," says Garaude. "We will be focusing attention on this vibrant sector of the industry throughout MIP Junior.”

The weekend activities wrap with a keynote by Michael Poryes, the co-creator of Hannah Montana who is now working on a new show, Life with Boys, which is being represented by Classic Media, Nelvana and Helion Pictures.