France To Be Country Of Honor For Cannes TV Event Mip TV 2019

Mip TV is staying close to home this year after organizers revealed that France is to be the country of honor for the Cannes event.

The event, which runs 8-11 April 2019, will dedicate a series of conferences and promotional events to the French TV industry. This comes after France’s export association TV France International reported that sales were up over the last twelve months to €325M, it second best performance in 20 years.

This growth has been driven by animation and documentary sales as well as drama series, such as The Bureau and Midnight Sun, which increased international sales by 28% since 2016.

“It could not be better timing to celebrate France’s creativity and savoir-faire on the international content scene. Over the years, French production has taken a growing share of the international market in every genre, from animation to documentary, formats and, of course, drama series. French creators and producers are developing more and more programs with international appeal without sacrificing that undefinable French touch,” said Laurine Garaude, Director of Television Division at Mip TV organizers Reed Midem. “We are proud that MIPTV can play its part in supporting the French television industry and promoting French programming on the international market via the 2019 Country of Honour project.”

“Today, French producers and distributors are thriving in the full spectrum of program sectors and are achieving strong ratings wherever their shows are broadcast,” said Hervé Michel, President, TV France International. “TV France International is proud to support France, MIPTV Country of Honour, we welcome initiatives that raise the profile of France’s television industry and support sales of French program throughout the world.

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay Group, added, “France is our home. Ten years ago, our story started here and we have since gone on to build a business which houses iconic national talent including Nagui and Cyril Hanouna. Now standing as the leading production entity in the French market, we are thrilled to see the country recognized at this year’s MIPTV and look forward to celebrating the nation’s achievements at the market.”