Several U.S. studios and distributors will hold screenings at NATPE Budapest in June. A+E Global Media, Lionsgate, Paramount Global Content Distribution and Sony Pictures Television are the confirmed U.S. players that will have their own screenings at the Central and Eastern Europe-focused market.
The studio screenings will take place at the Dorothea Hotel in the Hungarian capital, across the street from the InterContinental Budapest where the market take place. The June timing allows the studios taking part to show off their new wares soon after the LA Screenings in May, with many of the CEE buyers not making the trip to the U.S. and waiting to see the new U.S. shows closer to home.
The success of any TV market is, of course, contingent upon the number of acquisition execs in attendance. NATPE Budapest organizers said that 300 buyers have signed up. That’s a healthy uptick on the 200 they reported at the same point last year.
“NATPE Budapest has long been regarded as the most effective and efficient marketplace in CEE, and this year builds on that tradition,” said Claire Macdonald, Executive Director, NATPE Budapest. “Our raison d’être is to bring together the major players in the region, and this year we’ve expanded the market floor due to exhibitor demand.”
NATPE Budapest is run by Canada-based Brunico Communications. It also organizes events including the Banff World Media Festival and the Realscreen and Kidscreen summits. NATPE Budapest will have a formats track curated by Realscreen as well as keynotes, and conference and pitch sessions.
The CEE event runs from June 23 to 26.