MUMBAI: The first episode of the mini-series ?Titanic? will be screened at the television trade event MipTV 2012 on 1 April in the Grand Auditorium in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Hosted by distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Lookout Point, the gala screening will be followed by a conversation with creators and cast members of ?Titanic?, and the writer Julian Fellowes.

Titanic is a co-production from ITV Studios with Shaw Media, Deep Indigo Productions and Lookout Point in the United Kingdom, Sienna Films Inc. in Canada and Mid Atlantic Films in Hungary, where it was filmed.

The mini-series is distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, and has already been sold in more than 80 countries. Produced by Nigel Stafford-Clark and Chris Thompson, the series of four one-hour episodes is scheduled for broadcast in March/April 2012, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ?Titanic?.

Following the screening of episode one at MipTV, writer Julian Fellowes, who won an Oscar for ?Gosford Park?, will take part in a Q&Asession on the stage of the Grand Auditorium. He will be accompanied by cast members, who will also be attending the MipTV 2012 Opening Party Red Carpet.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment MD Maria Kyriacou said, "This fantastic drama offers a vividly different experience of the ship?s last hours alongside a snapshot of what was a unique and uncertain moment in history. With our partners, we?re looking forward to celebrating this wonderful production in Cannes."

Lookout Point MD and ?Titanic? executive producer Simon Vaughan said, "MipTV and Mipcom had been hugely important to the financing of Titanic. Julian and I were here with ITVS GE 18 months ago talking to potential partners and co-producers, so it feels most fitting to celebrate its launch with a gala screening here in Cannes. We are extremely proud to have the chance to screen it to our friends and colleagues in this way."

Reed Midem director of the television division Laurine Garaude said, "We are delighted and honoured to host this exceptional gala screening of such a prestigious drama mini-series. As a major co-production, it coincides particularly well with our focus on drama co-production at this MIPTV and will be one of its highlights".