MIP Blog

MIP is just about over— again, a light rain and “global cooling” has arrived in Cannes. Two exciting new media moguls who represent the highway to the future came by. I met with Matt Hanover from Zillions TV, a free VOD service and Pete Mcguire of Muze.tv in Ireland, who introduced an amazing new advertiser-supported music platform. The space age is closer than you think …

Lunch with UK star-maker agent, Jacque Evans and Singapore’s most creative and prolific producers, Chang Soh Kiak and TanChin Chong of Sitting In Pictures— amazing new program ideas. I introduced them to KPI’s Bill Hunt. Sounds like they’ll be noodling around some new program ideas there! I had to come all the way to Cannes to meet Aaron Price, CEO of Urban Mix TV and the beautiful Ashia. Aaron produces a weekly, high-quality music series with five hosts from around the country—this is easily a worldwide music hit. But of course, we had to check out the best cosmetic and perfume shop in Cannes where they give lots of free samples—Marionnaud, 17 Square Merimee, Tel. 04-93-39-91-60. Ask for Gluslaine. Check out Flowers by Kenzo, Amore Amore by Cacharel. Let’s not forget the boys—Black by Paco Rabanne and Gio by Armani. I will leave this lovely town tired but smelling good.

I will also miss the most glamorous woman in Cannes, Ursula Polgar, our lovely hostess and working with Jaime, Daniella, Nancy, Barbara Ann and Yetkin, our great team. Au revoir a et a bientot la douce France!

Everyone who was anyone showed up for our fabulous champagne party at our new booth in the Riviera. Britain’s top Indian chef, Mridula Baljekar, prepared the canapés, featuring her homemade chutney, which will be for sale in the U.K. shortly. Everyone will learn to prepare it on her upcoming TV show “The New Spice Girl.”

Russia’s most engaging and controversial journalist, Vladimir Posner, dined with Lightworks Enterprises CEO David Dreilinger and President of Distribution John Cuddihy at Cafe Freddy. As always, Vladimir had unique insights into the necessity of Russia and America coming closer together.

Power couples spotted having lunch at Palm Square: French producer Pascal Bensoussan from F Productions France and his charming wife, Eva Wozna, along with TVN Poland’s head of format acquisition, Beata Gasiorowska, and her husband, Dariusc Gasiorowski, director of dramas at TVN. Wonder if there’s a new miniseries in the works?

Lots of people are interested in our entertainment shows. It seems as if a lot of people are snapping up “The Industry” and “Out There With Melissa DiMarco.” In the format area, everyone likes “Granny for Hire.” In my next incarnation, I may apply for a job on that show, being a granny myself!

After tonight, back on a strict diet of croissants, pizza, paella, tarte tatin topped with vanilla ice cream and a big dollop of whipped cream, or maybe chocolate mousse washed down with lots of rosé … .more tomorrow!

My favorite spot for the breakfast is Belliard, a lovely patisserie on the Rue Chabaud. They have the best croissant and coffee in Cannes, and it’s a great way to start off the morning before a long day of meetings.

Rain is threatening, but that’s not all bad, as the buyers won’t be on the beach but in the Palais.

HD Production is growing stronger by the day. Our HD “Airshow Extreme” definitely seems to be a hot property in my meetings, which is fantastic, since we are planning to expand it soon to 13 half-hour programs. I just landed a deal earlier today for 13 hours of mobile and Web site exotic-destination programming!

After a long day of meetings yesterday, I attended George Le Clere’s Cousteau reception and saw Michael Garin, CEO of Central European Media Enterprises, and the ever-lovely Laurence Kaufmann, of Media I.D.M. France.

For a charming dinner and lovely ambiance that won’t break the bank, I suggest trying Bistrot Margaux. Jessica is a fabulous waitress! And don’t forget, for the best pizza in Cannes, it’s always L’Avion—very close to the Palais with the antique airplane hanging from the ceiling. After this, I probably won’t be able to get a table!

Enjoy Cannes—check back tomorrow for more tips!

It's great to be back in Cannes again. The shopping is great in the south of France and believe me - I'm an expert! And from the look of things at the market, there are some expert shoppers here too. It's only Day One and the market is buzzing. People are buying and selling and the energy is great. I've had a full day of meetings and have seen a major interest around entertainment and lifestyle programming. Vignettes and mobile content is very popular too. On a more personal note, this is the first international market where Lightworks and Sandra Carter Global have operated as one unit. I couldn't be more pleased. We have a strong presence, a new booth, new location and most importantly, new programming. Believe it or not, 'Shop the World For Beauty Secrets' was created in Cannes after a day of fabulous shopping on the Rue d' Antibes.

Sticking with the shopping theme, I like to share a few secrets of my own. After a busy day at market, you may want to save some energy for the gorgeous deals at the Gambetta Market off the rue Chabaud and the rue d' Antibes. The most important person to ask for is Dominique, she has all of the latest fashions and everything new every week. She knows what's right for everyone. I frankly go very early to make sure that things are not bought. Early bird catches the worm. I bought some beautiful sweaters. It's a great market for impulse shoppers, as you never know what you'll find.

Back to the buzz at the market, it really has been a great day. I spent much time speaking with producers and finding out exactly what people around the world want. Now that Lightworks and Sandra Carter Global are working together, we are well-fueled to meet the needs of the international marketplace. I'd love to fill you in, but I must run out to dinner now, so come back tomorrow.