 US | LA SCREENINGS |
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| Indies Searching for New Markets |
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The LA Screenings' first day at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza has ended. Here are all the details.
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By RODRIGO ROS, from Los Angeles, US.
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Certain anxiety was noticeable during the first day of the LA Screenings as the number of attendees decreased versus previous editions; making independent production companies a tad restless. Yet, as the evening went on, the amount of people increased as they gathered at the hotel lobby.
New digital platforms and the search for strategic alliances took center stage, especially the development and growth of VOD platforms and the future of linear programming.
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"I remember the great pay TV boom," said Rodrigo Piza, sales SVP at Cookie Jar Entertainment. "These networks needed content they didn't have, and major distribution companies were able to take advantage of the opportunity. Nowadays, the same thing's happening again with VOD and DTT platforms. It's part of what I'm negotiating here: promoting content for these new platforms," he said.
Another example of this trend is the deal signed between Colombian company Metro Films and Echelon to develop a VOD platform in which both companies' catalogs would compete with Netflix.
In fact, several projects like this one were determined during the event, yet no details can be revealed just yet.
The demand for content promotes the birth of new companies and independent projects. One of the newest companies at the Screenings is Mannam Media, a distribution company run by Sebastian Choy (former KBS), present at the market for the first time.
The search for new content also means new opportunities for several companies such as High Hill in Brazil, with Raquel Yepes (former Zodiak Latino) running the project.
All in all, a busy evening with several deals we'll reveal during the week.
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