Public broadcasters will meet behind closed doors at MIPJUNIOR in Cannes on Sunday 11 October, from 11:00 to 13:00, to take stock of the pressures and opportunities now shaping kids’ animation. More than 20 broadcasters are expected at the invitation-only session.
The meeting was set in motion by VRT Ketnet (Flemish Belgium) and Yle (Finland), with MIPJUNIOR acting as facilitator. BBC (UK), RTP (Portugal), RTS (Switzerland), RTBF (French-speaking Belgium), ZDF (Germany), NRK (Norway) and RUV (Iceland) are among those taking part. Each will bring a view from its own market, and the group will look at how they might work more closely together.
The session will also include a look at selected local animation projects currently in development, with the aim of opening up talks about possible partnerships and support for original content.
A Sector in Transition
The initiative comes as the children‘s media landscape goes through a period of significant change. Shifting audience behaviors and industry economics are affecting how high-quality animation gets developed and financed, and how far it reaches.
Lucy Smith, Director of MIPJUNIOR, said:
“As the children’s media landscape continues to evolve, bringing the industry together to exchange ideas and explore new ways of working is more important than ever. We’re delighted that MIPJUNIOR can provide the space for this important discussion and help facilitate greater collaboration around the future of kid’s animation.”
Telidja Klai, Content Manager, Program Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Animation, VRT Ketnet, and Vicky Schroderus, Senior Executive, International Co-Productions and Acquisitions, Yle Children’s Programs, said:
“Our shared love for the art of creation, for the animation industry and for our target audience is strong and keeps us motivated to find ways to get through the uncertain and fast-changing period within the kids media industry. As public broadcasters we do believe that it is now more important than ever to keep each other informed, to encourage collaboration, to join forces so that, in our own way, we can seize the opportunities to support the creation of wonderful content.”
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