MIPTV is coming to an end – but the hard truth is that people did not travel here to Cannes in the numbers of yesteryear to say goodbye. Market organizers RX France said Tuesday that the final MIPTV has attracted 3,500 people including 1,100 buyers. For context, there were over 5,000 in town last year and the event regularly topped 10,000 delegates in the earlier 2000s. MIPCOM in October, by contrast, still hits those numbers and remains a focal point for the international TV industry.
The final MIPTV has been a pared back version of the market many people remember. The iconic ‘bunker’ – the downstairs part of the Palais Des Festivals that used to thrum with buyers and distributors hashing out deals – is closed, as are several other parts of the huge venue that hosts the event. One floor of the Riviera part of the Palais was the focus of the market activity this time, and sales execs said they had fairly busy schedules.
The attendance numbers underline why RX has had to take action and bring the curtain down on MIPTV. Its new event, MIP London, launches in 2025 and was the subject of much chatter among those who have made the trip to Cannes this week. A scurrilous rumor suggested RX might make a late switch from London to Barcelona, but RX Entertainment Division Director, Lucy Smith, put paid to that notion as she outlined what people can expect from the UK event next Feb.
“It is the right time to take action, it’s been reinforced here at the market that change is constant,” Smith said about the London move. Discussing the new event she noted: “It will be a completely different market to MIPTV in terms of format and size.” She added: “Forget exhibition and think screenings, meetings and networking.”
The target will be distributors that want to be in London but do not have a base there. Smith said there is the potential to bring many more buyers to town, which, she added, will benefit everyone. RX will conduct site visits for clients ahead of time. RX reaffirmed its continued commitment to having MIPCOM situated in Cannes.
Discussing the international TV landscape, Smith said: “The challenging conditions for the industry are not abating yet,” but added a hopeful note by adding the business remains resilient.