MUMBAI: The Natpe Content First PitchCon returns to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the US from 7-8 June 2012 to provide independent content producers with access to influential, multi-platform media executives during two full days of clinics and educational sessions, pitch critiques and networking opportunities.

Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman also announced that Oxygen?s The Glee Project will receive this year?s Innovator Award.

Previously known as LATV Fest and now in its second year under the PitchCon banner, the conference features a diverse lineup of speakers, hands-on sessions, workshops and master classes for those looking to advance their careers in the content business. Hot topics during the two-day event include multiplatform pitching, pitch prep, developing ideas and succeeding as an independent producer.

For five years, one of the main conference highlights has been the Innovator Award, which recognises achievement in unscripted programming. Recipients of the award showcase extraordinary passion and leadership, leveraging their platform in new, innovative and productive ways.

This year during a special luncheon and panel on 8 June, President of Oxygen Media, Jason Klarman; series Executive Producers, Michael Davies and Shauna Minoprio from Embassy Row; Casting Director and on-air mentor, Robert Ulrich; and choreographer and on-air mentor, Zach Woodlee, are confirmed to accept the award on behalf of the critically acclaimed reality competition series, The Glee Project.

The Glee Project, which averaged more than one million total viewers linearly over the course of its summer run and reached almost 45 million viewers on multiple platforms, is approaching its second season premiere on Oxygen this summer. The series serves as an audition platform for Fox?s Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning musical comedy-drama sensation, Glee, and the winner receives a seven episode arc on the show. Both shows were created and are produced by Ryan Murphy.

Feldman said, ?The Glee Project represents a truly unique and forward-thinking relationship between the worlds of unscripted and scripted programming and has delivered an exciting twist on talent discovery. Natpe is proud to honor this show and everyone associated with its early successes and bright future.?

Klarman said, ?Ryan Murphy has created a true pop culture phenomenon with Glee and The Glee Project. Oxygen is proud to be in business with him as the exclusive cable home for both series.?

Each episode of The Glee Project has an overall theme and contestants are asked to complete a series of tasks, including learning and practicing chosen songs before performing in front of a surprise guest judge; and creating a music video inspired by the famous performances on Glee. Callbacks and last chance recitals eventually reveal the contestants who will continue on to the next week of competition.

MUMBAI: Rick Feldman, who has served as Natpe president, CEO for the past nine years, will segue, as planned, from his post at the end of his contract on 30 April into a three-year consultancy with the organisation, it was jointly announced by Natpe co-chairmen Jordan Levin and Chris Grant.

Natpe has retained Korn Ferry to administer an executive search to select a new operating chief for it. Feldman will assist with the transition.

Levin stated, "We deeply appreciate the contributions Rick has made to Natpe including his work most recently on our very successful Miami Conference, which grew in all key categories for the second year in a row. His knowledge and experience will continue to be put to good use as a consultant to the person we select and to the organization as a whole."

Grant said, "Our goal now is to find an individual who can oversee the proposed plans we have for our 50th Anniversary celebration and can help implement the ideas we have discussed to grow Natpe and solidify its position as the premier content association in the world across all platforms, both traditional and emerging."

Celebrating nearly 50 years of service to the ever-evolving television industry, Natpe continues to redefine itself and the services it provide to meet the needs of its members. In light of the changing dynamics of the global industry, Natpe has remained flexible in an effort to encourage and support the progress of the industry and all of the platforms it now serves.

MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System chairman, CEO Phil Kent will be the opening morning keynote speaker at Natpe |Content First, the US based marketplace for buyers and sellers.

The announcement was made by Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman. Natpe will take place at Miami Beach from 23 - 25 January 2011 at the Fontainebleau Resort, bringing together industry professionals from around the world to conduct business, identify new opportunities and discuss new models for the future.

Feldman said, "Phil has a broad portfolio. Because of all the content that Turner creates and distributes here and around the world, Phil is in a unique position from which to view the present and the future. He can speak to the creative and business challenges and can also speak to the vast global, multiplatform opportunities which are dramatically changing our business."

Kent oversees a portfolio of domestic and international news, entertainment and animation, young adult and kids networks and businesses including CNN/US, CNN International, CNN.com and HLN; TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and truTV; Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim; and Turner Sports.

MUMBAI: Natpe, the US-based media marketplace organisers, is now turning its sights toward the critically important markets in South Asia. It is working with a Mumbai-based team of Murtuza Kagalwala overseeing business development along with public relations consultant Pallavi Deshmukh to raise its profile with Indian buyers and sellers of content and to attract more Indian and Asian attendees to both Natpe Miami and Natpe Budapest.

The continued European focus will be overseen by long-time business development and client relations executive Gary Mitchell who will be joined by Elina Nesterova overseeing Central and Eastern Europe/ Russia. Also China representative Grace Ip will be assisted by Mingfen Lee who will represent Natpe in Asia (excluding China) / Africa / Middle East.

The two events aim to create a global year-round marketplace; together they connect more than 6,500 television professionals from all over the world.

Said Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman, ?Natpe has long attracted strong attendance from Europe, Latin America and Asia and, as part of our increased global focus, we have been eager to get the word out in India about its importance as an international marketplace. This represents a great opportunity both for those who currently attend Natpe and for the Indian market.?

Natpe is working with an international team devoted to creating a smooth transition for the rebranded Natpe Budapest in 2012 and to grow worldwide attendance for Natpe Miami, which is scheduled for 23 - 25 January, 2012.

Natpe Budapest is a three-day market primarily covering Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is home to 1,000 TV stations with national coverage; 3,000 regional, local and thematic channels produced/dubbed in local languages; 200 major pay-TV platforms (satellite/cable/telco); 150 major home video physical distributors; 50 major formats producers; and a fast-growing number of alternative content-distribution platforms.

Approximately 1,500 participants, representing 710 international companies, attend Natpe Budapest and more than 65 per cent of the TV content buyers there never or seldom attend other major international markets.

Natpe acquired Discop East in June 2011 from event management firm Basic Lead, which specialises in working with international entertainment content and brand licensing companies to identify business opportunities in regional marketplaces.

Feldman said, ?Natpe Budapest is a terrific step forward for NATPE?s worldwide growth and, as it transitions from DISCOP East, we are committed to making sure it remains a key international market for content. We are working closely with the Basic Lead team as we take over responsibility for organizing and managing the event, which will ensure a seamless handoff and a great year-round experience for attendees.?