Hannah Montana co-creator/executive producer to keynote at MIPJUNIOR 2010
During his keynote address, Poryes will talk about the secrets behind the success of Hannah Montana and unveil his plans for the future. Poryes is co-creator and served as executive producer of another Disney Channel Emmy-nominated series That's So Raven. He also served as co-executive producer on Veronica's Closet as well as co-executive producer on Cybill. Poryes first started out in the entertainment business as a stand-up comedian, then became a writer for a host of popular series including The Facts of Life, Who's the Boss? and Saved by the Bell.
The keynote address will be a focal point of the event, which is launching a new Licensing Initiative this year. A series of case studies and sessions will feature international leaders from the licensing and merchandising business, to give MIPJunior attendees the most appropriate tools and networking opportunities to interact with this major sector. Key licensing agents will be discussing what they look for in kids programming before committing to a licensing agreement and a new Matchmaking Breakfast will be especially scheduled to let MIPJunior producers pitch their programme licensing rights to them.
MIPJunior Licensing Challenge returns
As part of this new initiative, the MIPJunior Licensing Challenge* returns for the seventh year, with Holly Stein, vice president, licensing acquisitions, Mattel Inc. as president of the jury. The event will provide producers and rights holders with the chance to put forward their projects as candidates to be pitched to a jury of licensing experts which will judge the licensing potential of the programme. MIPJunior Licensing Challenge finalist The Hive was recently picked up by Playhouse Disney for broadcast in 150 countries.
Following a successful launch in 2009, MIPJunior's Kids' Jury** is back. A jury of 20 children will decide which animation programme they prefer in three age categories - Pre-school (3-6-year-olds), Kids (7-10-year-olds) and Pre-teens (11-14-year-olds). Entries for both competitions close on September 1.
In 2010, MIPJunior is expanding its matchmaking events in order to help producers and content creators meet the key international executives working in youth programming. Leading buyers and commissioners looking for projects to develop will come together at a special MIPJunior pitching breakfast to meet MIPJunior attendees.
A second matchmaking event will bring together international agents looking to acquire new youth programming from producers.
As part of the 2010 MIPJunior conference programme, the Buyers' Summit will see international acquisition executives explaining what their channels are looking for in youth programming and discussing global acquisition trends for 2011 and beyond. Buyers and programme commissioners will also take centre stage in the How to Pitch Workshop, designed as a guide to approaching buyers of youth programming.
*For details about the MIPJunior Licensing Challenge click here.
** For more information on the Kid's Jury click here.
