News round-up: MIPCOM to expand co-pro focus; UK’s C4 orders Kevin Spacey docuseries; The Creatives launch think tank

MIPCOM 2019

MIPCOM to expand co-pro focus

RX France (fka Reed Midem) is targeting co-production execs for its MIPCOM event in Cannes in October, with an expanded area and programming strand focused on the international market.

‘The Seaview Producers Hub’ will consist of a 10,673sqft networking lounge and event space, designed “to accommodate hundreds of daily meetings prioritised for creators, producers, commissioners, and development executives.”

The Seaview stage will also support a co-production programme strand and daily events, with its introduction “reflecting the increased focus at the market for exploring early-stage development and co-production partnerships.”

The strand will run alongside the traditional MIPCOM exhibition in the Palais des Festivals and is dedicated “to accelerating international co-production and development business”.

The 38th iteration of MIPCOM takes place 17-20 October 2022, with MIPJUNIOR returning to its pre-market weekend schedule 15-16 October at the JW Marriott Cannes. There has not been a MIPCOM in Cannes since 2019.

Organisers said today that more than 200 exhibitors from 30 countries have already booked stand space for the October event. These include: 9 Story Media Group, Aardman, A+E Networks, Abacus Media Rights, ABC Commercial, About Premium Content, All3Media International, AMC Studios, Armoza Formats, Arte France, Avalon Distribution, Banijay, Bavaria, Beta Film, Beyond Rights, Blue Ant Media, Cake Distribution, Caracol, Catalan Films, Cineflix Rights, CJ E&M, Cyber Group Studios, Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DCD Rights, Deutsche Welle, Dori Media, Dynamic Television, Eccho Rights, Electric Entertainment, Endeavor Content, Federation International, FilmRise, Fuji Television Network, Gaumont, Global Agency, Global Screen, ITV Studios, The Jim Henson Company, Kanal D International, KBS Media, Keshet International, Lionsgate, M6, MarVista Entertainment/Fox Entertainment, Mattel, Mediapro, Mercury Studios, NBCUniversal International, Netflix, Newen Connect, Nippon Television Network, NRK, ORF, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, PBS international, Rai Com, Red Arrow Studios International, RTE, RTVE, SBS Content, Screen Australia, Shaftesbury, SVT, SODEC – Quebec Creatif, Spin Master Entertainment, Studiocanal, Talpa, TelevisaUnivision, Terra Mater Studios, TF1 Studios, TV Azteca, TVP, Ukrainian National Stand, Unifrance, Viaplay, Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, WildBrain, ZDF Studios, ZEE Entertainment.

UK’s C4 orders Kevin Spacey docuseries

Channel 4 in the UK has ordered a docuseries exploring the life of disgraced actor Kevin Spacey.

Spacey Unmasked (working title) is being produced by All3Media’s UK prodco Roast Beef Productions, in association with sales arm All3Media International. Former C4 current affairs chief Dorothy Byrne is also attached on the project.

C4 said the docuseries would “take a forensic look at one of the most powerful and respected actors in the world” and “his spectacular fall from grace as he now faces accusations from multiple men of grooming, sexual harassment and abuse.”

The show will also follow the outcomes of two court cases against Spacey by his accusers in the UK and the US, with Kira Phillips directing.

Global group The Creatives launches writer, producer think tank

The Creatives, represented by Netherlands-based Lemming Film, Germany-based Razor Film and France-based Haut Et Court, have teamed to launch a new think tank for writers and producers called Creative Connection which has received funding from the European Commission.

The initiative is designed to strengthen new and established writing talent in Europe, increase the quality of high-end series and share knowledge and expertise.

The group has hired Pathé International and TF1 alum Laura Gragg as head of programme for Creative Connection and she is charged with overseeing both the content and logistical aspects of the programme and workshops, with the aid of outside experts and consultants. She will have a small team and work in close collaboration with the Creatives.

Lemming, Razor and Haut Et Court are all founding members of The Creatives, the alliance of ten independent production companies which was established in 2020. Creative Connection will be managed by the three companies in close collaboration between the other members of The Creatives and with the support of Le Groupe Ouest.

The project aims to connect writers to the group’s network of producers, funding, broadcasters, sales companies and creative talents and seed development of European content in a safe and curated environment. Full details of how the project will operate will be revealed shortly.