Miramax making MIPCOM bow as it preps move into channels business

Miramax will be exhibiting at MIPCOM for the first time this October as it ramps up its sales business and aims to get into the branded cable channels business.

Mike Lang, the CEO of the US TV and movie producer and distributor, will also give a keynote address on the opening day of the Cannes TV market.

Miramax plans to use MIPCOM to continue the expansion of its international TV and movie distribution business and boost its longer term aim to launch Miramax-branded cable channels.

Lang said: “Our key initiatives will include the on-going expansion of our international television and digital sales efforts, development of both distinctive film as well as television programming and our hope to ultimately launch Miramax-branded cable channels as we seek to reach new audiences.”

Miramax, which was found by Bob and Harvey Weinstein and subsequently sold to Disney in the early 1990s, was bought by Filmyard Holdings last year for about US$660 million.

Miramax’s MIPCOM sales charge, meanwhile, will be spearheaded by Joe Patrick, the company’s senior VP and head of domestic television and digital sales. He joined Miramax this March, having previously had several roles at MGM.