Format Awards set for Cannes finale

This year’s International Format Awards will recognise CBS Studios International’s (CBSSI) Paul Gilbert for his outstanding contribution to the business at an awards gala dinner hosted by reality star, singer and model Brooke Hogan.

Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert, senior vice-president of international formats at CBSSI, will receive the Gold Award, presented annually to industry figures who have defined the formats business.

Gilbert began his career at Merv Griffin Productions, eventually producing such syndication hits as Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, before moving to work with A-list companies such as Merrill Heatter Productions and syndication giant King World Productions, where he headed up international programme development.

His work in format development and distribution continued with Sony as he pioneered its ventures into the format business, ultimately serving as head of international development and sales.

As senior VP of CBSSI, Gilbert is responsible for the development, production and distribution of some of television’s most successful programmes, including America’s Next Top Model, I Love Lucy, Hotel, Dynasty, Taxi, Family Ties, Numb3rs and other branded shows on the company’s slate.

C21 editor-in-chief & managing director David Jenkinson said: “On behalf of C21, FRAPA, EMC and MipFormats, we are delighted Paul has agreed to accept this award. His contribution has been immense and we will recognise his achievements this year in Cannes.”

Gilbert will be guest of honour at the International Format Awards Dinner on the evening of Saturday April 1, where winners across nine formats categories will be announced.

Gilbert will also keynote at MipFormats under the banner ‘Will the US conquer the formats world?’ Together with Conrad Riggs, head of unscripted at Amazon Originals, he will take the stage between 14.55 and 16.20 on Saturday April 1.

Brooke Hogan

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Hogan, co-star of hit US reality shows Hogan Knows Best and Brooke Knows Best with her wrestling superstar father Hulk Hogan.

Hogan is also appearing at MipTV to launch her new show The Fashion Hero, a competitive entertainment format produced by Beauty World Search that celebrates diversity and challenges the preconceptions of beauty in the fashion industry.

“I’m proud to be hosting the International Format Awards and I can’t wait for what promises to be a fabulous evening,” Hogan said. “The TV industry can be a powerful voice for change and networks are increasingly taking their cues from social movements around the world.”

More than 40 formats buyers are currently considering more than 300 entries from around the world. Finalists will be announced on March 22. You can buy tickets and tables for the event by clicking here.

Please note that all guests at the International Format Awards Gala Dinner must be registered for MipFormats

The International Format Awards is a coproduction between C21 Media/EMC and FRAPA, in association with MipFormats.