contributed by MJ Sorenson
As the Year of the Snake begins, we reflect back on the recent NATPE market where a major conference theme was "disruptive TV". It seemed every panel explored the tension between technology-driven changes in content distribution and consumer behavior and how to remain nimble in a changing landscape. Nowhere was this reflected more than in the composition of the panels themselves. A few years ago panelists from Google/YouTube and Hulu were lucky to be included on a panel as junior speakers where traditional television execs led the discussion. Now the tables have turned and these digital execs lead alongside veteran colleagues. It is an exciting and collaborative time as the industry reinvents itself.
In fact, at NATPE more and more senior level executives were engaged not only as speakers but as participants, enthusiastically learning about the new drivers of change. The large Fontaine Ballroom (cap. 600) was packed for almost every session, sometimes standing-room only. Just 10 years ago when NATPE (and other markets) were lucky to have a room half full!
A highlight for MGC was hearing from maverick producer Ben Silverman of Electus whose hits "Ugly Betty" and "The Office" paved the way for direct digital distribution of shows via its own website, CollegeHumor.
On the deal front, MGC client GRB Entertainment, one of the few remaining independent global television distributors, was enjoying business not only with Latin America, which NATPE has been come to be known for, but also international deals.Their estimated business was 80% from Latin America and 20% European.
MGC caught up with global industry veteran Farrell Meisel, recently returned from two years establishing television in the war zone of Afghanistan, Farrell is now advising Turkish production/distribution company, Global Agency. Farrell is excited about the development opportunities for Global Agency -- and to be in a safe zone back in California!
In fact, at NATPE more and more senior level executives were engaged not only as speakers but as participants, enthusiastically learning about the new drivers of change. The large Fontaine Ballroom (cap. 600) was packed for almost every session, sometimes standing-room only. Just 10 years ago when NATPE (and other markets) were lucky to have a room half full!
A highlight for MGC was hearing from maverick producer Ben Silverman of Electus whose hits "Ugly Betty" and "The Office" paved the way for direct digital distribution of shows via its own website, CollegeHumor.
On the deal front, MGC client GRB Entertainment, one of the few remaining independent global television distributors, was enjoying business not only with Latin America, which NATPE has been come to be known for, but also international deals.Their estimated business was 80% from Latin America and 20% European.
MGC caught up with global industry veteran Farrell Meisel, recently returned from two years establishing television in the war zone of Afghanistan, Farrell is now advising Turkish production/distribution company, Global Agency. Farrell is excited about the development opportunities for Global Agency -- and to be in a safe zone back in California!
Over in Mongolia, we congratulate Michel Rodrigue (pictured above, third from right) of The Format People who successfully re-launched Mongol TV along with Mongol TV CEO, Nomin Chinbat (pictured above, in red dress), after two years of hard work, building new studios, overseeing the training of local producers by global tv experts and changing the face of Mongolian TV forever.
We are looking forward to many more exciting things ahead for both the industry and MGC in this Year of the Snake.
We are looking forward to many more exciting things ahead for both the industry and MGC in this Year of the Snake.
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