MIPTV Preview: A Note from the Editors

March 21, 2012 World Screen
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NEW YORK: World Screen’s editors provide a snapshot of what you’ll find in our ambitious MIPTV edition.

 

We at World Screen are much more than independent observers of what’s happening in the TV business; we’re fans too. And while tastes across the office run the gamut from celebrity reality to sports, quirky science fiction to documentaries, there is one constant: we are all avid watchers of the high-quality dramas that are redefining television. And it is that passion for smart, edgy, well-scripted series that made this April/MIPTV issue, which we have dubbed “The Drama Edition,” such a joy to put together.

We asked our contributing editor, Elizabeth Guider, to explore what is driving this creative renaissance in television drama today. Her report, which includes interviews with Warner Bros.’ Bruce Rosenblum, NBC’s Robert Greenblatt, CBS’s Nina Tassler, EOS’s Jan Mojto, and Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs, among many others, is a comprehensive look at the latest developments in television drama in the U.S. and Europe.

This main feature is accompanied by Q&As with Mad Men’s Matthew Weiner, Homeland’s Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, Boardwalk Empire’s Terence Winter, Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes, NCIS’s Mark Harmon and Gary Glasberg, Touch’s Tim Kring and Kiefer Sutherland, House’s David Shore, Person of Interest’s Jonathan Nolan, The Killing’s Piv Bernth, Revenge’s Mike Kelley, Borgia’s Tom Fontana, Missing’s Ashley Judd and Lilyhammer’s Steven Van Zandt.
 
Here’s a look at what else the MIPTV edition has to offer:
 
World Screen
  • In our signature One on One interview, Home Box Office (HBO) Co-President Richard Plepler and President of Programming Michael Lombardo talk about their continual search for distinctive and genre-defining content.
  • David Haslingden, Fox Networks Group’s President and COO, discusses the company’s broad portfolio of profitable channels, both in the U.S. and internationally, in our On the Record interview.
  • We speak to Peter Chernin in our in-depth In Conversation, where the well-respected former News Corporation executive talks about his new endeavors, including producing hit U.S. shows and investing in Asia.
  • Chris Albrecht sheds some insight into his original-programming strategy at Starz.
  • Tim Worner discusses what’s driving the ratings gains at Australia’s Seven Network.
  • Sony Pictures Television’s Andy Kaplan talks about 15 years of AXN.
 
TV Europe
  • A look at Europe’s super indies, which are grouping together independents across multiple genres.
  • Continental European producers are delivering English-language drama worldwide.
  • A spotlight on Spanish broadcasters and producers and how they’re coping with the country’s challenges.
  • ProSiebenSat.1 chief Thomas Ebeling discusses his growth and diversification strategy for the pan-European broadcaster.
  • Thomas Valentin shares the highlights in the 25-year history of French broadcaster M6.
  • Dogan TV’s Irfan Sahin on the local and international appeal of Kanal D’s Turkish dramas.
  • Carl Hall on Parthenon’s tenth anniversary.
  • In her first interview since joining Shine International, Camilla Hammer reveals her plans for the company.
  • A profile of Panini Media.
 
TV Real
 
  • Multipart documentaries are sitting alongside expensive wildlife specials in channels’ prime-time schedules.
  • Programs focused on health and wellness are being given a boost by the VOD and home-video markets.
  • A revealing Q&A with Werner Herzog provides a look at this renowned filmmaker’s approach to his life and work.
  • Sheila Nevins on what attracted her to the case of the West Memphis Three, the trio featured in HBO’s acclaimed Paradise Lost trilogy.
  • Yann Arthus-Bertrand discusses his philosophy towards photography and documentary filmmaking.
 
TV Kids
 
  • Several independent distributors share their views on how toy brands are influencing the content business.
  • Producers are adapting books, comic strips, video games and more for TV.
  • A look at some of Spain’s leading animation companies.
  • The legendary Stan Lee talks about his classic superhero creations and the new projects that are afoot at POW!
  • Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst on House of Anubis and Studio 100’s other hits.
  • Nancy Kanter talks about the Disney Junior brand.
  • Sander Schwartz on FremantleMedia Enterprises’ entry, and success in, the kids’ space.
  • Nigel Pickard discusses what’s new for Zodiak’s U.K. kids’ business.
 
TV Formats
 
  • Despite the challenges associated with scripted formats, they are in high demand around the world.
  • Interactive elements and enhanced play-along features are bringing new life to the always-in-demand game-show genre.
  • NBC’S Paul Telegdy talks up The Voice, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers and his approach to acquiring and developing new format concepts.
  • Andrea Wong weighs in on the strength of Sony’s international production network and deep scripted and unscripted library.
 
TV Asia Pacific
 
  • Digitization is transforming India’s media market, creating new opportunities for local and international players.
  • Indian television pioneer Subhash Chandra talks about growth opportunities for Zee.
 
TV Middle East & Africa
 
  • Major international channel brands are stepping up their distribution efforts in the Middle East.
  • David Butorac talks about the importance of HD, DVRs and exclusive programming to the merged OSN Network.
 
TV Latina
 
  • Latin American distributors continue to take their products to international audiences.
 
TV Listings
 
  • The most comprehensive programming guide you’ll find at MIPTV includes detailed information on the shows on offer from more than 120 leading distributors. Watch clips of many of these new shows on WorldScreenings.com.
 
This MIPTV, we have also published a new edition of our portable World Screen Distributors Guide.
 
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of World Screen at the Palais, or in a number of hotels in Cannes.