Natpe Europe: the challenges of the main CEE trade show

The expectations, from organizers and participants, are high because new location means new people and new environments. Natpe expects over 400 buyers and 150 exhibitors, keeping this market as the biggest one of the region.

The structure of the show is similar to last year in Budapest, with Monday June 23 dedicated to the U.S. Studios Screenings (NBC, FOX and CBS), and the market itself starting on Tuesday June 23 at 10am, while Lionsgate Screenings takes place from 1pm to 6pm. Full market days are Wednesday and Thursday.

Rod Perth, CEO at Natpe, explained to Prensario: ‘We are very optimistic about this show, our first in Prague, a magnificent city; the reception has been very positive both among exhibitors and buyers, and we feel the market needed a new perspective, a move for change’.

He underscores that ‘we have added things we have never done before. We are saluting Poland, celebrating the wonderful quality of content that is being produced there, and we have a very respectful guest of honor from that country, movie director Agnieszka Holland. And, there is a co-production summit Now, the Story Starts in Europe! with the participation of Tandem Communications, Barrandov Studios, Universal Productions Partners and Stillking Films. Rola Bauer, president and partner at Tandem, has been very helpful in programming the event with Natpe’.

‘We have 145 exhibiting companies, almost 40 of which are for the first time at this show; there are buyers from 47 countries and I am particularly proud of being able to report a 100% increase in the participation from Poland. Two years ago, when I first arrived, one of the complaints was that the Polish market was not well represented at Natpe Europe; one year ago I met in Poland the most important principals of its industry and created the reasons for them to participate. The Czech Republic participation has also increased by 100%’.

‘One of the major advantages of attending Natpe Europe is that we offer the buyers of this region a chance to have a first look at the major product by Fox, CBS, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal and Warner at the screenings they host here. In addition, Disney and Sony are screening product at their suites’.

An he concludes: ‘All in all, if you are a buyer or a seller, there is an advantage in learning about and cooperating with the latest developments in media platforms, digital media and advertising. This combination is unique, fresh and it represents the future’.

Regarding social events, the welcome cocktail is held today at 6pm at Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge – Hilton Prague Hotel, sponsored by Czech broadcasters NOVA (CME), Prima TV (MTG), Česká televize and TV Barrandov.

Tomorrow, the Polish Luncheon is at 12.30pm at the same place, with the support of the main Polish players, as the leading broadcaster TVN, the producer ATM and film distributor Monolith Films, as well as Agnieszka Holland, who will be offering a press conference after launch. A second cocktail reception sponsored by Prague Studios will round out the activities on Wednesday at 6pm in the Atrium at the Hilton Prague.

Prensario International, from Prague