NATPE Budapest Unveils 2024 Program Lineup

NATPE Budapest has unveiled the speaker and program lineup for its 2024 event, taking place from June 24 to 27, with ZDF Studios, Sony Pictures Television and more to host screenings.

“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s lineup of visionary speakers, set to ignite engaging discussions and reveal insights ranging from cutting-edge technologies to the latest trends and challenges facing the industry,” said Claire Macdonald, executive director of NATPE Budapest.

In a panel titled CEO Insights from CEE, Stella Litou, CEO, of CME Adria and CEO Pro Plus and president of the management board of RTL Croatia; Ralf Bartoleit, CEO of bTV Media Group; and Pavel Stantchev, CEO of TV2 Hungary will discuss the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the Central and Eastern European media landscape, with a particular focus on the health of linear TV and investment in local content. Stewart Clarke, senior VP of international content at Deadline, is moderating.

Calinos Films’ Elif Dagdeviren, managing partner and producer, will deliver a keynote titled AI & Technology: Redefining Entertainment in a Connected World, in which she will focus on the intersection of technology and entertainment today and how it will evolve in the future.

The CEE Breakout Hits keynote, presented by Georgi R. Chakarov, president and CEO of TVBIZZ Group, will sum up the past TV season by picking the most successful premieres across the CEE region. Chakarov will lead the presentation and focus on the factors for the success of the new hits and how those could affect the programming strategies and acquisition policies of broadcasters in their respective markets moving forward.

New this year, Realscreen is programming a special track dedicated to the unscripted genre, delivering panels and networking sessions highlighting the opportunities for unscripted producers in CEE and beyond.

Curated networking opportunities throughout the 2024 event include Media Leadership Breakfast and Meet an Expert sessions, aimed at fostering connections, exploring new partnerships and driving business growth.

To promote international collaborations, delegations from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Ukraine Content Club and Unifrance will be in attendance.

Additionally, the Pitch & Play LIVE competition, showcasing the region’s best new format concepts is returning. Previous winners have successfully financed, produced and sold their shows globally. Any original concepts created after May 1, 2023, are eligible for submission. The deadline to submit is May 24. The Pitch & Play LIVE final will take place on Tuesday, June 25.

Also, Antenna Studios, Sony Pictures Television and ZDF Studios the confirmed to host screenings at the event.

More than 300 buyers representing nearly 60 countries and 100 exhibitors are already confirmed to attend NATPE Budapest 2024.