New Pitching, Training & Matchmaking Program for DISCOP Istanbul

LOS ANGELES/ISTANBUL: Globus Fairs and Basic Lead are set to launch a new pitching, training and matchmaking program at the sixth edition of DISCOP Istanbul, which is taking place next year from March 1 to 3.

The new program is meant to emphasize the important role the production industry plays in territories experiencing rapid digitization as well as growth in population size and consumer spending. It also reinforces the significance of Turkey in driving expansion across a region that generates nearly $10 billion in licensing sales.

The sidebar pitching, training and matchmaking program will allow independent producers to market their ideas, increase their knowledge and connect with potential partners and key industry professionals to get projects greenlit, financed and distributed. A format day will offer up-and-coming content creators the chance to pitch their show concepts to production, commissioning, distribution and ad execs looking for fresh ideas and talent. There will also be hands-on, small group formative workshops, which will help seasoned and aspiring producers navigate the process of content development, funding and monetization. Meetings between producers and potential partners will take place during special matchmaking sessions.

"This program will place a special emphasis on regional and international partnerships and demonstrate that Turkey is emerging as an important new proving ground for multicultural, cross-border co-production," noted Patrick Zuchowicki, the general manager of Basic Lead, co-organizer of DISCOP Istanbul.

"We have seen the volume of production and the geographical relevance of Eurasian and primarily Turkish content rise in parallel to the growing demand for original stories and local content, and this new program will be a highly valuable tool for producers as they respond to this trend," added Ozlem Adiguzel, the CEO of trade show organizer Globus Fairs.