MIP-TV: Yes We Cannes!

Long gap since my last post, apologies. But last week I went to the annual MIP-TV market in Cannes which gave me plenty to think (and write) about. Four days of meetings equated a big batch of ideas – though the word product seems more appropriate in such a marketplace. Fewer people were wandering the Palais this year –… Continue reading MIP-TV: Yes We Cannes!

Murder (and other dramas) in the cathedral

A couple of weeks ago at BBC Worldwide’s annual showcase in Liverpool that I attended for SBS,  drama was to the fore. The big programme  being promoted was Wolf Hall, the six-parter which became the biggest drama launch on BBC2 for years. At Showcase, BBC Worldwide laid on a dinner in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. This is a… Continue reading Murder (and other dramas) in the cathedral

Money for nothing and your flicks for nearly free

Berlinale! BAFTAs! The Golden Globes! The Oscars! February seems to be the most concentrated period in the film calendar, especially the ‘award-winning film’ calendar. But how do all these star-laden and artistically challenging films get funded these days? And why do the plots often include scenes in unlikely countries? Step forward into the spotlight the unsung hero… Continue reading Money for nothing and your flicks for nearly free

A transfer window for TV production companies?

For me today is going to be a challenge to focus on work while keeping an eye on the info-fest that is Transfer Deadline Day. For those that aren’t into football, it’s one of the two days in the year (the other is the end of August) when the transfer window closes, and clubs are… Continue reading A transfer window for TV production companies?

My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea

I’ve just spent a few days at FIPA in Biarritz,  France. That’s the Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels. A few thoughts from my time there. There’s something about waves, beaches and lighthouses that is very inspiring. Even though I didn’t actually get to the beach. Being in a beautiful venue with big windows, the Bellevue, made… Continue reading My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea

I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching

Last week’s Asia TV Forum was my first visit, and my first visit to Singapore. Plenty of channels, distributors, funding organisations and producers in an airy exhibition floor in the huge Singapore Convention centre. The event was organised by Reed Midem, with support from the impressive Media Development Authority of Singapore. It was good to… Continue reading I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching