In the MIPTV Preview 2021 Curtain Raiser Edition, MIPTV director Lucy Smith has given a curtain raiser of sorts on what’s in store this year at the much awaited event. “We are looking forward more than ever to bringing everyone together for the best of MIPTV, MIPDoc & MIPFormats online this April.”

The 58th edition of Cannes’ TV market MipTV, set to run from April 12, will be a virtual affair for the second consecutive year. The 2020 edition was also forced to go digital due to the pandemic.

Organizer Reed MIDEM has said sister events MipDoc and MipFormats will also become virtual events.

According to Lucy Smith, Digital MIPTV, with its rich content showcases will be your guide to the very best in the new programming. The 7th annual MIPDrama, an exclusive look at the most anticipated series in production around the world gets underway just ahead of the MIPTV week.

This is followed by a series of non-scripted showcases offering a first look at factual programming, high-end documentary and factual formats from the biggest names in the industry.

“And our exclusive Fresh TV sessions even more in demand as the industry looks to the future and adjusts to the effects the past year, we introduce two brand new sessions focussing on young-adult content, esports, podcasts and brands,” says Lucy.

She adds: “We’re also excited to be welcoming for the first time two of the biggest names in global entertainment- David Becham and Marc Anthony- as they turn their focus towards television production and share their ambitions for their studio enterprises.”

The launch of the MIP SDG Award last year, supporting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, underlines our commitment to galvanising the industry to support social change, she says and adds: “This year we honour A+E Networks president Paul Buccieri, for his company’s outstanding efforts in reducing inequality both in programming and behind the camera.”

She says, “we have designed this year’s MIPTV programme around the elements that we know are most valuable to you: one-to-one matchmaking, networking, conferences and market intelligence, with a sharp focus on doing real business.”

Before signing off, she adds: “We have also learned how much Cannes means to you and that nothing replaces meeting face-to-face to share our love of television.”