Latest news with #NATPEBudapest
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NATPE Honors Europe: Meet the TV Execs Managing the Streaming Transition — and War in Ukraine
NATPE Budapest, the annual global TV market for the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, kicked off in style on Monday with a ceremony for the winners of the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe, designed to recognize trailblazers 'whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' The winners from such countries as Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Greece, and Ukraine were feted during an event at the Dorothea Hotel in the Hungarian capital. 'After an incredibly successful launch of the awards at NATPE Global in Miami this February, it was clear that we needed to recognize outstanding leadership in the CEE region,' said NATPE executive director Claire Macdonald. 'These recipients inspire us with their bold ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Shane Meadows Teams Up With 'Adolescence' Writer Jack Thorne for Feature Film Return UTA Appoints Darnell Strom to Lead London Office With Eye on Growth Into "Major International Hub" Global Media Warns of Escalation as U.S. Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites THR surveyed the NATPE Honors Europe winners to find out their takes on the state of the industry and its outlook. Check out their thoughts below. Daniel GruntCEO, Nova GroupCzechiaShift Disturber Award, 'honoring individuals whose bold ideas and leadership are driving transformative change,' NATPE says.'Recognized for the incredible success of the Voyo platform, which, with an unprecedented investment in high-end original and locally relevant content, is winning ratings and subscribers whilst competing with global streamers.' Among people lauding him and his work in a tribute video were colleagues from across the company and its corporate parent. How does it feel to receive the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award, and which professional achievement from the past year are you most proud of?I truly appreciate this recognition — both personally and on behalf of the entire TV Nova team, to whom this award belongs even more than to me. It reflects the long-term efforts of many people across the company, especially those working tirelessly to transform TV Nova into a digital-first organization, and the ongoing support we receive from [parent company] CME and [its owner] PPF. Last year was full of milestones, but I would highlight four achievements in particular. First and foremost, the continued growth of Voyo. We reached 950,000 subscribers at the end of the year, being close to our goal of one million. When we made that commitment four years ago, Voyo had just 60,000 subscribers, so this is a transformation we're extremely proud of. In the process, we've built not just a service, but a loved brand. Second, while driving that growth, we were also preparing the launch of Oneplay, which replaced both Voyo and O2 TV this March. It is a unified platform that brings together the best of streaming and television in one place. Oneplay offers high-quality content in Czech, exclusive original productions, live sports broadcasts, and modern features — all in an intuitive and user-friendly environment. It's the result of merging the country's largest local streaming service with the largest local IPTV provider — an unprecedented move in our market. Third, we've continued to invest in high-quality local original productions for both streaming and linear TV. These have earned strong recognition from audiences and industry professionals alike, and we're seeing growing international interest in our storytelling and talent. And finally, our digital transformation journey is progressing successfully. We've made significant shifts in our organizational culture, becoming truly viewer-centric. This evolution is reflected in the new visual identity of our main channel, which now more clearly communicates who we are and what we stand for. This new award recognizes 'trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' Could you share an example of your work that best reflects this?Streaming platform Voyo is the best example. We've built the biggest local streaming platform on the market — and more importantly, a brand that people truly love. Oneplay is another strong example. It was never just a technology upgrade. It was a direct response to real user frustrations — fragmented services, poor discoverability, the constant need to switch between platforms. We brought everything together into one intuitive service. For us, innovation means making tangible improvements that make people's viewing experience simpler, smoother, and more enjoyable. What drives this innovation is our deep focus on our viewers. We put a lot of effort into understanding people's lives, needs and habits — and we build around that. Over just a few years, we've transformed ourselves from a traditional TV company into a digital multimedia house, where data sits at the core of how we think, work, and make decisions. Even in a shrinking TV market, we continue to grow the reach of our content thanks to a smart combination of linear broadcasting and digital distribution. This dual approach allows us to stay relevant, expand our audience, and serve content wherever and however viewers want to watch it. How much do you try to take on Netflix and other global streaming giants directly and how much do you try to follow a different, unique strategy?Our goal has never been to imitate or directly compete with global platforms. We take a different approach, focused on our local viewers and their specific needs. Voyo was, and Oneplay is, built around what global players can't replicate: strong local content, cultural proximity, and a clear, all-in-one viewing experience. That's the strategy we believe in, and it's proving successful. We offer the broadest portfolio of local content on the market. Our strategy is built on premium, original programming that draws on deep knowledge of our cultural environment and audience. We also fully leverage synergies with our linear TV operation — the strongest television group in the country — to amplify and support our streaming offering. Magdalena SzwedkowiczProducer, MAG EntertainmentPolandShift Disturber Award, 'honoring individuals whose bold ideas and leadership are driving transformative change,' NATPE says.'Celebrated for transforming the landscape of the Polish film and television industry and for producing high-quality hits, including Forgotten Love (Znachor), Justice (Napad), Squared Love, and Sleboda (Deadly Ties) that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Poland, and resonate with global viewers.' Among colleagues and other people lauding her and her work in a tribute video was Prentiss Fraser, president of Fox Entertainment Global. How does it feel to receive the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award, and which professional achievement from the past year are you most proud of?It's always nice to be recognized by peers in the industry. I appreciate the acknowledgment and the opportunity to connect with other professionals across Europe. This past year, I am especially proud of continuing to build strong creative partnerships and pushing forward projects. I am most proud of bringing a locally rooted story to a global audience which is always an additional value. Seeing Forgotten Love (Znachor) resonating beyond its original market reinforced my belief in the power of authentic storytelling and the strength of international collaboration. This new award recognizes 'trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' Could you share an example of your work that best reflects this? A project that best reflects this is Forgotten Love (Znachor) for Netflix. While the story is a beloved and iconic part of Polish cultural heritage, it was virtually unknown outside of Poland. When we announced that we were bringing it back, the reaction was intense — there was a great deal of skepticism and even backlash, as people felt protective of the earlier film version. Touching such an iconic IP was seen as a bold risk. But together with Netflix, we believed deeply in its emotional power and universal themes. By reimagining Znachor for today's audience while honouring its roots, we found success both locally and internationally. It became one of Netflix's most-watched non-English films globally and helped spark a wider trend. Since then, there has been a noticeable rise in remakes and a renewed interest in revisiting classic stories and books — showing that heritage and innovation can coexist, and that there's real value in reintroducing timeless narratives to new generations. What makes this project especially meaningful to me is that I dedicated the film to my father, who was a brilliant cardiologist. The story's emotional core — a doctor reconnecting with his humanity — mirrors the values he lived by. So while the project pushed boundaries professionally, it was also deeply personal. Seeing how audiences around the world responded showed me that taking creative risks with cultural heritage can reshape how we tell stories — and who they reach. How much opportunity do you see for your hit series to travel abroad and in which parts of the world?Forgotten Love (Znachor) is a great example of how a deeply local story can travel globally when its emotional themes are universal. According to Netflix's What We Watched report, the film reached over 43 million views and more than 100 million watched hours in the second half of 2023 alone, and it continues to perform strongly — with an additional 19.6 million views and 45.8 million watched hours in 2024. It appeared in the Netflix Top 10 in many countries, which shows the growing appetite for non-English content that's emotionally grounded, culturally rich, and well-crafted. This success reaffirms that stories don't have to be global in subject to have global resonance. What made the film connect, I believe, was its honesty. We didn't try to make it something it wasn't — we stayed true to the emotional core of the story and its cultural roots. That authenticity builds trust with audiences. When people feel that they're being told a story with sincerity and respect, they respond — no matter where they are in the world. The opportunity today isn't about chasing universality for its own sake, but about leaning into what makes a story unique, human, and truthful. That's what travels. And we've seen that clearly not just in Central and Eastern Europe, but also across Latin America, Asia, and Western Europe — where audiences are more open than ever to diverse and emotionally honest storytelling. Levente MálnayManaging director and executive vp, AMC Networks International, Central and Northern Europe HungaryNorth Star Award, 'recognizing career achievements of individuals whose strong leadership has had a bar-raising impact, providing guidance as the industry navigates change,' says NATPE.'Honored for playing a pivotal role in establishing commercial television in the region after the fall of communism, and exceptional leadership across production, channel launches, and managing one of the most diverse portfolios of channels in the region.' Among colleagues and other people lauding him and his work in a tribute video were AMC Networks CEO Kristin Dolan and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries. How does it feel to receive the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award, and which professional achievement from the past year are you most proud of?I am truly touched. This is only the second time I have received an award in my life. The first one was over 20 years ago but it always feels special to be acknowledged by our own industry. What I am most proud of is that I have had the opportunity to empower a number of very talented executives and been able to build a best-in-class management team in the region. Launching our first SVOD service in the region — SELEKT last September in Hungary — and securing distribution on the largest Romanian platform DIGI for our recently launched linear FilmMania channel in Romania were important successes last year. This new award recognizes 'trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' Could you share an example of your work that best reflects this?I was lucky to get the opportunity, ever since the beginning of my career, to work with and learn from very motivating leaders who gave me their trust. My approach has always been to use but never abuse that trust. I have always focused on the fact that while the entertainment industry is about entertainment, it is a business — a tough one. However, serving fans and bringing them the content they love makes even a tough day more fun. My job is to change business models when necessary, stay locally relevant and make wise content selections in an environment where consumption habits keep changing and business models are constantly evolving. Foreign exchange and inflation can also influence returns in the region. So, there is never a dull moment. On top of all that, whatever worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. There are no guaranteed success recipes. In this environment our portfolio became the third largest in Hungary in the last few years and we grew quite visibly in most other territories as well — probably our growth in Romania has been the steepest. Your company has so many channel brands in your region. How much have you focused on rolling out the streaming brands the company has in the U.S. in your region or different streaming offerings?It is very fortunate to be a part of a company that is based in the U.S., the number one media market in the world, which is perhaps ahead of other markets in confronting these changes in our industry. In the U.S., AMC Networks is moving confidently and effectively into targeted streaming, FAST channels, new ways of reaching viewers. We can learn from all of this, while our challenge overall is which local market is ready for these platforms, when and in what specific form. In many Central Eastern markets, linear is still a very good value proposition. My job is not only to prepare for a world with more streaming products to satisfy our viewers and distributors, but also to figure out when and how it makes sense to invest in what works best for our local audience – this guides everything we do. George LevendisManaging director, ANT1 TV, Mak TV & Antenna StudiosGreeceNorth Star Award, 'recognizing career achievements of individuals whose strong leadership has had a bar-raising impact, providing guidance as the industry navigates change,' says NATPE.'Celebrated for a commitment to innovation, an uncanny ability to adapt to emerging trends, and advocating for burgeoning talent in Greece and beyond, as well as a knack for creating key partnerships that have driven the success of multiple global hits.' Among colleagues and other people lauding him and his work in a tribute video was none other than Simon Cowell. How does it feel to receive the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award, and which professional achievement from the past year are you most proud of?I'm honored to receive this recognition at NATPE Budapest. The North Star Award feels particularly significant because it acknowledges something beyond individual achievement — it recognizes the complexity of what we do in this industry. Our job is really about creating an environment where creativity can thrive and doing our best to shield artists from the commercial pressures that can sometimes get in the way of inspiration. It's not always easy, especially in a market that's crowded, constantly shifting, and incredibly competitive. At the same time, we're all adapting to a business model that's evolving faster than ever. I wouldn't point to one single achievement that stands above the rest. For me, it's the collective impact of helping to build a culture where creativity and innovation can thrive, while staying grounded in the realities of a competitive business environment. I like to call it a dual mindset — something I've been working to refine since my early days in the music business. Whether it's launching content that truly connects with audiences or introducing new formats that challenge the status quo, each step forward feels like a personal milestone. Receiving the NATPE Honors Europe Award is a testament to those efforts and to the collaboration of everyone in our team at ANT1 TV striving to make this possible. This new award recognizes 'trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' Could you share an example of your work that best reflects this?I'm genuinely grateful for the recognition. That said, I see my work as more grounded in the day-to-day realities of managing a creative business — especially during what is likely one of the most disruptive, yet opportunity-rich, periods our industry has faced. If anything reflects my contribution, it's the effort to stay adaptable and focused balancing creativity with commercial demands and staying closely aligned with shifting cultural and technological trends. It's not about big, singular moments, but about consistently helping teams navigate change and move good ideas forward. I would like this award to represent years of dedication to delivering content that resonates with audiences across markets. It also reflects the values at the heart of ANT1 TV's work: innovation, storytelling and creativity. From pioneering pay-TV services for the Greek diaspora to introducing digital catch-up, SVOD services and hybrid broadcast models, we've consistently embraced bold and forward-thinking strategies to entertain audiences. Rather than pointing to a single example, I think what best reflects the spirit of this award is the broader role we play in supporting creators, opening up new opportunities and building strong partnerships that enhance both the audience experience and collaboration across our companies. Over the past year, we've placed a strong focus on creating synergies across our businesses within Antenna Group — whether through deeper integration with Village Cinemas, expanding our social media presence through an innovative partnership approach, or refining our content strategy across AVOD, SVOD, and free-to-air platforms. We've also launched a live events division, extending our content beyond traditional screens, and even brought major sporting events to the big screen through our collaboration with Village. On the content side, we secured our first format deal for the drama series Wild Bees, and have worked closely with Netflix on several scripted series. These kinds of partnerships are key as they allow stories to travel, connect with diverse audiences, and still retain their authenticity. Starlight MediaYana Honcharenko, chief communications and sustainability officer, accepting on behalf of Starlight MediaUkraineCause + Action Award, 'celebrating a purpose-led champion of change for their social good impact,' says NATPE.'Recognizing Ukraine's largest broadcasting group for supporting and amplifying the voice of veterans, notably putting a war vet in the spotlight in the most recent edition of The Bachelor.' Among the people lauding her and her work in a tribute video were a broad range of Starlight colleagues. How does it feel to receive the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award, and which professional achievement from the past year are you most proud of?Receiving the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe award is an extraordinary moment — not just for me personally, but for the entire Starlight Media team. The moment the announcement was made, we were sharing it across our internal chats — with screenwriters, showrunners, marketers, producers, journalists, and top management. It became a warm moment of joy for everyone who pours their heart into building our social impact. This award specifically recognized our work supporting Ukrainian veterans and veteran women of the ongoing war with Russia — a mission that has become deeply personal and central to us as a company. For us, this honor feels not only like recognition of our creative and strategic efforts, but also like a powerful gesture of solidarity — with those who have served, with their stories, and with Ukraine itself. This new award recognizes 'trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry.' Could you share an example of your work that best reflects this? This award specifically recognizes our work supporting veterans — and I'm deeply grateful for that, because it's not just about what we do as a company, but about the people and the values we choose to stand with. My greatest privilege and passion lie in working alongside creators and industry leaders in a way that goes beyond traditional professional dialogue. It's a shared journey of asking bold questions — about who we are, what stories we tell, and how we can reshape entire systems through the power of culture and collaboration. At Starlight Media, this has meant reimagining formats beloved by generations of Ukrainians, building new narratives, and creating space — both on screen and off — for those whose lives have been shaped by war. More than 80 of our colleagues are now serving in the military. Over 20 veterans are part of our current team. These are not numbers — these are people who transform us as a company, every single day. We knew from the start that this work couldn't stay only within our own walls. That's why I initiated and co-authored the Principles of Veteran-Friendly Business — a framework quickly embraced by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Forbes Ukraine, and Veteran Hub. Just weeks later, 58 of Ukraine's leading companies became signatories, committing to long-term veteran inclusion across hiring, communication, partnerships, and workplace culture. Recently, we gathered these businesses at Ukraine's National Theater — not for a ceremony, but for a conversation. A conversation about how, together, we can shape a new national culture of respect. One that honors lived experience. One that includes everyone in rebuilding our future. So yes, we're a media company. But the change we're working on goes far beyond media. And I'm proud to be one of many in our organization who believes — with heart — that this is our role. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
YouTube Pitches Itself as a Partner for TV, Including as a Place for Longform Content and Full Episodes
'YouTube can be a partner to your business and boost your business.' This is how Andreas Briese, a top executive at the Google-owned video platform in his role as country director for Germany and regional director for Central and Northern Europe (CCE), pitched YouTube as a partner for the TV industry, rather than a rival, during the opening keynote of NATPE Budapest 2025 on Tuesday. 'YouTube can be a partner to engage with new audiences, to unlock new revenue streams and also innovate,' he argued. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'The Traitors' Are Coming to Bulgaria Diego Luna Slams Trump's Immigration Policies, Says Immigrants "Are the Ones Who Build This Country" Ezra Miller Signals "Tentative" Hollywood Return After Surviving Personal "Abyss" He pointed to a previously disclosed figure to highlight the reach and power of YouTube. The platform, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, paid $70 billion-plus to creators, artists and media companies over the last three years, he mentioned, concluding: 'No other platform is operating on that scale.' Bries also emphasized that YouTube needs TV and other content partners, citing YouTube CEO Neal Mohan who previously explained the video platform's exit from creating content itself by acknowledging:'We weren't good at picking content.' As a consequence, 'we are only successful if you are successful,' including through YouTube's revenue-share model, Briese said, with content partners bringing the premium content and talent that audiences crave. In turn, YouTube allows for monetization of content and data sharing tools that provide opportunities to optimize content, among other things. 'Television became the leading device of YouTube in the U.S.,' Briese also highlighted in his NATPE Budapest keynote. 'It's the most watched streaming service on TV devices, ahead of Netflix, Prime, Hulu, etc. We know in many other markets that is also the case. YouTube is currently serving 1 billion hours of TV watch time a day.' Also key is that 50 percent of this TV watch time is 'coming from content that is longer than 20 minutes, which means longform content is driving TV consumption of YouTube,' he said. Outlining the YouTube advertising revenue model, Briese emphasized an aspect that isn't always fully understood. 'We share revenues with our partners — that's the bread and butter business of YouTube,' he explained. 'What is important to understand is revenues do not scale with views on our platform, they scale with watch time. The more content is watched, the more we are able to sell ad breaks before and in between your content. And this is why watch time is really, really important,' and that's why producers and broadcasters look to allow users to engage more with long-form content on YouTube, 'because that is driving watch time.' He mentioned the example of Channel 4 in the U.K., which has shared data that shows that the broadcaster increased its longform content on YouTube by 81 percent, but boosted total time viewed on YouTube by 105 percent, full episode views by 169 percent and YouTube revenue by 78 percent. Briese didn't detail what period that data was for. In terms of full episodes of TV content coming to YouTube, 'we have seen interesting approaches, which both pay tribute to the fact that it's a distribution platform, but also a marketing platform,' the executive told NATPE Budapest. For example, Paramount+, one week after the launch of the first episode of Lioness launched the same episode in its full length on YouTube for a period of time 'to drive, of course, watch time, but also as a promotional tool to drive awareness of their own service,' Briese explained. Similarly, Disney+ brought the full first season of Andor to YouTube before the launch of season 2 'as a loyalty instrument to create awareness and also to drive traffic back to Disney+,' he said. 'What we do see is, specifically when we talk about producers and broadcasters, that often longform content represents a minority of their uploads, but the majority of their revenues and their watch time.' The YouTube exec also pointed to YouTube as a place for innovation for content partners or, as he called it, a 'petri dish to test new formats.' In the gaming space, that has been the case. And more recently, 'you see, for example, for live streaming a trend toward group watching of live videos,' Briese said. NATPE Budapest, which has positioned itself as a platform for deal-making, exchange and content discovery, as well as 'a launchpad for the next wave of formats, scripted hits, and cross-border partnerships,' said Monday that its latest edition was welcoming more than 750 delegates from 65-plus countries, including more than 400 buyers, up from last year. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
ITV News
23-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
ITV STUDIOS PARTNERS WITH PAPRIKA STUDIOS TO REPRESENT KEY NON-SCRIPTED FORMATS ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
ITV Studios has today announced at NATPE Budapest a strategic partnership with Paprika Studios, one of the leading independent production companies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Paprika Studios will exclusively represent six of ITV Studios' top non-scripted formats across seven key markets: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This strategic collaboration brings together a diverse mix of non-scripted formats spanning cooking, reality, and entertainment – marking a significant step forward in ITV Studios' commitment to innovative and locally resonant production in the region. The six titles Paprika Studios will represent are: This collaboration reflects ITV Studios' strategic focus on building closer creative and commercial partnerships in key international markets, ensuring broadcasters across the region have access to high-quality content with efficient, locally tailored production support. Where formats are already established, existing production partners will continue their local adaptations. Gisela Minnbergh, EVP EMEA Global Partnerships at ITV Studios, said: "Central and Eastern Europe is a dynamic and competitive region, and we're thrilled to be joining forces with Paprika Studios, who have a proven track record and deep expertise in the region. This partnership enables us to offer broadcasters a powerful combination of creative content and streamlined production, perfectly suited to local audiences." Ákos Erdös, CEO of Paprika Studios, added: "We're proud to represent ITV Studios' exciting slate of formats in CEE. These are compelling, high-quality titles that we believe will resonate strongly with local viewers. With more than 15 years of experience, offices in eight countries and a deep understanding of audience expectations and market trends in the CEE region, we are a reliable and competent partner — bringing significant added value to this strategic collaboration. Together with ITV Studios, we aim to bring fresh energy to the region's non-scripted landscape." The deal was brokered by Martijn Plaizier, Content Brand Partnership Manager, ITV Studios. – ENDS – About ITV Studios ITV Studios is a creator, producer and distributor of world-leading programmes that people can't get enough of. We connect millions of people every day and shape and reflect the world they live in. ITV Studios is home to some of the best creative minds, crafting around 7,500 hours of original programming across 60 production labels. Our global footprint spans 13 countries including the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, The Nordics, Italy and the Netherlands and our global distribution business sells our catalogue of 95,000+ hours to broadcasters and platforms around the world. ITV Studios has 160+ owned and operated channels in the social space delivering over 10bn views in 2024, as well as 20 FAST channels on 100+ channel feeds globally. It launched a new label, Zoo 55 dedicated to expanding its digital and gaming activity, in January 2025. ITV Studios is part of ITV PLC, which includes the UK's largest commercial broadcaster ITV and the ad-funded, free streaming home for ITV, ITVX.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
YouTube Keynote to Open NATPE Budapest
NATPE Budapest, the global TV market for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), has unveiled that Andreas Briese, a top executive at Google-owned video platform YouTube in his role as country director for Germany and regional director for Central and Northern Europe, will deliver the opening keynote speaker for its 2025 edition next month. 'Briese will share actionable insights tailored to the CEE market, focusing on how creators and media companies can leverage YouTube to grow audiences and monetize content,' organizers said. More from The Hollywood Reporter David di Donatello Awards: Maura Delpero's War Drama 'Vermiglio' Wins Best Film What Happens to Hollywood When the U.S. Is No Longer the Good Guy? Margaret Atwood to Receive The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Canada Honor They also promised 'high-impact conversations, fresh format strategies, and game-changing insights' from influential industry voices. More than 85 exhibitors and more than 350 buyers have confirmed their attendance at NATPE Budapest, which has positioned itself as a platform for deal-making, exchange, and content discovery, as well as 'a launchpad for the next wave of formats, scripted hits, and cross-border partnerships.' One of the big-picture panels set for the event is entitled 'View from the Top: Where do we go from here?' A description promises that it will see industry leaders sharing 'how the industry needs to innovate – and collaborate – to navigate change and build a strong regional media ecosystem.' The annual Format track will include a look at the next big hit formats and a session entitled 'Cracking the code: Behind Talpa Studios' global hits, featuring the production powerhouse behind The Voice and Big Brother's director of global distribution Sebastian van Barneveld. A new offering will be 'Format Futures,' described as 'a case studies strand curated by Realscreen,' offering insights into 'the art of transcreation and global scaling strategies.' Mary Maddever, executive vp Realscreen and executive content director for NATPE, also unveiled that the event will be 'bringing Realscreen's 30 Minutes With format – more intimate briefings with buyers – to Budapest.' Among other announced sessions are 'How to make a splash on the global stage,' which will put a spotlight on 'emerging formats securing international adaptation … from smaller but highly creative players,' and 'Making it work (locally),' which looks at how, thanks to creative financing and production models along with cultural curation, 'local versions of global franchises have the power to surpass the original by injecting buzz and meeting evolving audience needs.' Also in Budapest, the inaugural NATPE Honors Europe will recognize 'the bold voices and visionary leaders driving transformation across the European media landscape,' while the popular NATPE Boat Party will be part of the lineup of social events. 'We're excited to offer a dynamic mix of programming and events designed to celebrate innovation, spotlight regional success, and foster meaningful industry connections,' said Claire Macdonald, NATPE's executive director. NATPE Budapest will take place in the Hungarian capital June 23-26. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
