Both MipTV and the wider TV business are currently facing challenges amidst a changing landscape. The audiovisual production sector is feeling the strain as pay-TV revenue decreases, streaming growth slows, and consumers reach saturation with subscriptions, creating a tough economic environment. In response to these obstacles and increased competition, MipTV is in the process of redefining itself.
This year's MipTV event, scheduled for April 8-10 in Cannes, will take place in a market undergoing significant transformation. Following a more streamlined approach in 2023, the upcoming edition will see the return of MipDoc and MipFormats sessions to their traditional premarket dates on April 6-7. The event will feature a keynote from Trilogy Film founder Dawn Porter, discussions on the state of unscripted content, and insights into commissioning trends.
After six decades in Cannes, this year's edition will mark the final event held in the city, as organizers plan to relocate to London in 2025. The shift in location will also bring changes in format and focus, with the London event in 2025 emphasizing networking over exhibition.
With 130 exhibitors expected at this year's event, including prominent names like Federation, Beta Film, and Paramount Global, NBCUniversal will showcase the Tom Hanks-narrated series 'The Americas' and present a case study on the travel-reality competition 'Destination X,' co-commissioned with the BBC. The highly successful format 'The Traitors' is expected to be a significant topic of discussion throughout the event, given its impact on the industry and audience engagement.
The demand for high-quality, premium content is on the rise, leading to increased production costs. Streamers and linear broadcasters are investing in formats that blend scripted and reality elements, focusing on celebrity casts, mystery, and luxury settings. Producers are now expected to bring more financial resources to the table, as broadcasters and streamers seek fewer, larger-scale shows with significant impact.
Industry experts highlight the evolving role of TV markets in facilitating coproduction and financing for high-value non-scripted content. As budgets tighten, these events play a crucial role in connecting producers with potential partners and investors, offering concrete information, advice, and networking opportunities to navigate the changing landscape of the TV business.
