PARIS: The Asian tigers are expected to put up a strong showing at this month's MIPTV.
MIPTV, which claims to be the largest and longest running trade fair dedicated to the television industry, takes place from 24 - 28 March at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. 131 companies from Asia will use the 40th anniversary of the trade fair to to launch and promote their products.
The Asian television markets have been improving over the past couple of years judging by the steady increase in participation from the region at the Cannes television markets. Reed MIDEM which organises MIPTV claims to have already attracted key buyers, distributors and producers from Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Asian companies expected to put up a strong show include SBS, EBS, MBC, Arirang TV, Eight Peaks, A9 Media, and KIPA (Korean Independent Productions Association).
On 24 March at 1 pm, Arirang TV (The Korea International Broadcasting Foundation) will host a special lunch at the Carlton Hotel, to present Korea's broadcasting and content initiatives. An official release informs that after commercial satellite broadcasting was introduced in South Korea, the territory became a key player in the global television industry. This year the umbrella organisation KOCCA (Korean Culture & Contents Agency) has increased the size of its stand in order to cater for approximately 40 animation companies and seven digital broadcast services.
There will be at least 43 buyers from China. In the new Marina Hall, CCTV's China International TV Corporation is mounting its biggest MIPTV stand ever. Content on display will include new drama, animation and factual programming. The broadcaster will also be looking to acquire US/ European movies and documentaries. Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group will hold its global launch at a large beachside stand, with a press conference and reception on 24 March. Beijing Radio, Film and TV Group is sending a senior delegation with buying and selling powers for the capital's nine channels. In light of the extensive international interest in Kung Fu, Guangzhou Beauty & Culture has doubled its exhibition space, and is considering bringing some famous masters of the martial art to Cannes in a bid to promote the brand further.
Ranked fourth in the list of top 10 exhibiting countries during the event, Japan will be represented by 37 companies. As NHK commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, the broadcaster will display a selection of special anniversary programmes. The line-up will feature the project Project Antarctic 2003, which marks the first ever live HDTV transmission from the Syowa Station in the Antarctic. This programme captures images of auroras from the Arctic and Antarctic circles for the first time ever, contrasted with shots taken of the landscape and effects of global warming.
NHK has also teamed up with broadcasters from India, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to co-produce Voyage to the Future. This broadcasting event which invites children from the countries to board a marine research vessel and carry out various oceanographic scientific experiments in order to broaden their understanding of the environment.