MIPJunior 2016 kicks off this weekend, running October 15-16 in Cannes ahead of the MIPCOM content market. But this two-day appetizer has plenty to offer attendees, with an impressive line-up of conferences, screenings and events, headlined by keynotes from major kids’ entertainment players.
The first keynote on Oct. 15 at 4:45 p.m. will be delivered by Deirdre Brennan, Vice President of Content for Canada’s Corus Entertainment. The former Australian Broadcasting Corporation exec will relate some of her adventures in over a decade of children’s broadcasting on both sides of the pay wall, and her take on the risks and opportunities of the industry today and important questions about the future.
On Oct. 16 at 4:30, a second keynote will be given by Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Chief Content Officer for Mattel, who will tackle global trends and innovations shaping the future of the kids’ industry. Balsam-Schwaber leads global teams in strategic content creation and distribution, digital development and media.
Two animated series will have World Premiere TV screenings at MIPJunior. On Saturday, catch Splash and Bubbles (80 x 11) from The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Enterprises coming to PBS KIDS in the US this fall (see our article in the Animag October ‘16 issue). On Sunday, Hari International will present a fresh slapstick comedy about a wild bear who enjoys modern conveniences: Grizzy and the Lemmings.
Conferences for 2016 will explore the future of kids’ content and new storytelling, with sessions on international coproductions, licensing and merchandising, and the MIPJunior International Pitch –backed by Majid Entertainment, set for Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Among the influential speakers slated for panels this year are Arne Lohmann (VP, ZDFE.JUNIOR), Lisa Olfman (CEO/Co-Founder, Portfolio Ent.), Sean Chu (Founder/CEO, WeKids Asia), Layla Lewis (VP Global Acquisitions, Nickelodeon), Hitendra Merchant (Founder/CEO, YoBoHo HooplaKidz), Pontus Torpvret (Head of Acquisitions – Children, SVT), Catherine Fulton (Creative Director for Marketing Strategy and Engagement, Viacom Media Networks), Henrietta Hurford-Jones (Director of Children’s, BBC Worldwide), Helene Juguet (VP Business Development, TV & Digital Production, Ubisoft Motion Pictures) and Finn Arnesen (SVP International Distribution & Development, Hasbro Studios).
