Mipcom super-sizes formats, factual

Mipcom organiser Reed Midem is boosting its factual and formats content at the market in October, leading with an opening keynote from US documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super-Size Me).

Spurlock’s keynote will suggest that three evolutionary changes have reshaped entertainment: the indie film movement (which is continuing through the newest independent generation of digital content makers), the democratisation of production and now, the democratisation of distribution.

These areas will continue to drive the content industry, and it’s the people who are quickest to embrace these models and creators that will stay ahead of the content game, and will solidify loyal audiences.

Continuing the push will be a Future of Factual session on Tuesday during Mipcom, led by Michael Klein, exec VP of programming and content strategy for digital channels at Condé Nast Entertainment US.

Mipcom will also be chasing down the channel platforms sector, running a Global Channels Distribution Day, bringing together platforms and channels from around the world to discuss future opportunities in the carriage deal market.

Confirmed speakers include Sven Weißenfels, senior expert content partnering at Deutsche Telekom in Germany; Sahar Baghery, international TV formats and contents director for Eurodata TV Worldwide/Mediametrie in France; and Nicolas Gorse, CEO of France’s Gorse & Co.

Mexico, the world’s sixth largest exporter of content, will be the country of honour at this year’s 30th anniversary Mipcom.

Laurine Garuade told C21: “We expect Mipcom 2014 to be the biggest ever and our push to ensure more factual and formats content underpins that growth. We are also focusing on bringing more speakers and delegates to the event from the film business as TV becomes more attractive for producers and directors from the movie business.”

Mipcom takes place in Cannes between October 13 and 16, preceded by MipJunior.