CABSAT 2016 to focus on ‘content’

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RITIKA SHARMA / EMIRATES BUSINESS

By creating one-of-its-kind dedicated platform for TV and film content industry to buy, sell and explore co-production business opportunities for the Arabic market, 22nd edition of CABSAT 2016 has rung a bell.
Although the industry recognises the fact that content is the king in the world of media and entertainment, not much has been done to facilitate better business in this segment. Bringing about a much-needed change, CABSAT 2016 announced it will host — the Content Marketplace.
CABSAT — an event for the broadcast, satellite and entertainment sectors across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) to be held from March 9 – 11 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is expected to welcome hundreds of major content and production industry professionals at the first Content Marketplace feature.
More than 500 local, regional and international content buyers will acquire, programme and commission new and existing content from scores of free-to-air, digital and Pay TV channels and networks, broadcasters and sportscasters, telcos, satellite companies and video content platforms.
With more than 950 local, regional and international companies participating in the core CABSAT 2016 exhibition, the new Content Marketplace feature is a direct response to 32 per cent of last year’s show visitors claiming new content was ‘critical’ to their business in the next 12 to 18 months.
“The Content Marketplace is the region’s first exhibition focused purely on the selling and co-production of all filmed entertainment content for the Arabic market,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, the exhibition organiser.
“International players from east and west will meet to discuss accessing and procuring content, co-production and format opportunities for scripted & non-scripted content, as well as monetising viewing mechanisms that are thriving across the Middle East and beyond – from the demand for increased production of local, Arabic content, to the highly-lucrative, emerging post-TV market for multi-language content,” LohMirmand said. The Content Marketplace has attracted more than 30 brands including 9X Media, Selevision, Rajshri, AP International, and various regional broadcast pavilion organisers including the Nigerian Broadcast Commission.
With a huge focus on buying, selling and co-production opportunities for international and Arabic content, Dubai Studio Commission City TV & Film will also be present at the Content Marketplace.
“CABSAT is an excellent platform for experts from around the world to discuss and showcase key industry trends and developments,” said Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film & TV Commission and Managing Director of Dubai Studio City (DSC).
“The exhibition offers great opportunities for emerging and aspiring talent to learn first-hand about new techniques and gain valuable industry insights. After the success of the post-production workshop last year, extending our partnership with CABSAT for a second consecutive year underlines our strategic commitment to improve standards across the local industry,” Al Sharif added.
“In addition to giving professionals opportunities to master new editing software and learn production tips and tricks at this tailored platform, we are also launching a Short Film Competition for industry professionals and students to showcase their talent. Our aim is to foster local talent and showcase the Emirate’s success in becoming the region’s most advanced production hub,” he pointed out.

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