Format Content is King at MIPCOM, Especially in Asia

Gene Simmons - AP photo

The recent MIPCOM edition had a record attendance of 13,700 from 112 countries and many of those attendees were in a buying frenzy of Formats, especially Asia. It is the number one genre that several Asian companies such as Star China and others were searching for. Star China picked up Miss Country Girl from Asian distributor Bomanbridge Media, in partnership with Small World IFT. And Gene Simmons of Kiss fame was in Cannes, courting certain Asian companies with his new Format Coliseum. Gene told me (a little name dropping here) that he was glad to be back in Cannes. He really appreciates the serious business done at the MIP markets and it was the best place to launch is new format. The show challenges contestants from all musical backgrounds to form bands and create an act to impress Simmons and the audience. It is being sold by Chris Philip's Sierra/Engine Television and co-developed by The Format People's Justin Scroggie and Michel Rodrigue. Expect deal announcements in the coming months. 

Other Format happenings at MIPCOM, Fremantle Media was at the market selling several Formats while touting its success in Asia, with multiple deals for Got Talent, Idols, X Factor, along with other titles - selling an average of 2 formats per month, during the last year. Asian Formats pioneer, Robert Chua, returned to the genre with a pro-social Format called Someone Who Cares, as well as a food-themed show. In keeping with the theme, Robert told me he spent the past few years opening "formatted" restaurants throughout Asia. And C21 Media announced a revamped Format Awards for MIPCOM for 2015, including a Gala dinner.

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