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International formats consultancy group The Format People have been appointed to curate the MIPFormats event in 2020.
MIPFormats is an international showcase for the very best in global [entertainment and factual entertainment] formats. Taking place over the weekend of 28-29 March 2020, ahead of MIPTV, it is the number one event for the formats community with the largest gathering of the world’s leading producers, creators, commissioners, buyers and distributors.
The Format People, established in 2009 by CEO Michel Rodrigue and CCO Justin Scroggie, are already working with organisers Reed MIDEM to bring a fresh look to the schedule and new faces to the podium, in line with the ambition to ‘re-imagine’ the weekend-long event in Cannes in March.

“The formats business continues to evolve and disrupt,” says Michel Rodrigue. “It is essential we find new ways to talk about our industry, and new voices to reflect the changing demographic of content creators and viewers. We are excited Reed MIDEM have given The Format People the opportunity to make this happen.”

“Ideas remain at the heart of our industry”, says Justin Scroggie. “The challenge for today’s format creators is to develop original content that uses the form and function of new technology to deliver compelling narratives that repurpose genres, drive the action, tell a story and find an audience. MIPFormats 2020 will help delegates do both.”

Lucy Smith, Deputy Director of Reed MIDEM’s TV Division says: “Successfully translating global content for local audiences is the lifeblood of the international TV industry and is why formats play such a prominent role at all our international markets. Michel and Justin’s expertise and involvement in MIPFormats will bring new thinking, new faces and a fresh focus on this fast-growing genre. MIPTV is the biggest calendar event for producers and buyers of formats and we have underlined our commitment to them this year with the introduction of a brand new programme extended into the week with formats showcases offering an exclusive first look at the next generation of breakthrough shows, a curated list of proven talented and innovative new format producers from all over the world, and ‘matching sessions’ offering a unique opportunity to meet new partners and unlock business opportunities in key markets.”