MIP TV

Northwest Producers Prepare for Road Trip to Cannes

North West Vision has launched a pioneering new scheme that will provide support for independent production companies from the Northwest so they can attend MIP-TV in Cannes.

This is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and is being funded jointly by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and North West Vision's Regional Attraction Fund (RAF). The project is targeted specifically at production companies who are looking at building their international profile and expanding their distribution expertise.

Turn on TV, Diplomat Films, Moonbeam, Bigger Pictures, JDA Centre Screen and Title Role have already been given tailored support from expert advisors and specific financial assistance towards the costs of attending MIP TV. 'On the ground' support will also be given in Cannes to help win new business for the companies.

Greenfield, the media solutions business run by former S4CI managing director Wyn Innes, and Road Trip, the TV company run by former Action Time joint managing director Caroline Beaton were selected by North West Vision, to create an international business strategy for six of the region's independent production companies.

Chris Moll, Head of Funds at North West Vision said:

"This is a unique scheme which will allow the production companies to obtain an unprecedented insight into the international market, and will provide them with access, in Wyn and Caroline, two of the leading international experts in the UK. We are extremely impressed by their knowledge of the market, and together with other specialist advisors and workshop contributions, believe that the scheme participants will benefit greatly from their involvement in the scheme. The ultimate aim will be to generate vibrant, forward thinking, internationally focused independent production companies in the North West."

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(Greenfield/Road Trip)

Wyn Innes said: "It is absolutely fantastic to be partnering with Road Trip on North West Vision's scheme. It is a critical time for independent production companies, as they seek to exploit their rights under the new terms of trade. The timing of this scheme, and its objectives in creating forward thinking dynamic businesses could not be better."

Caroline Beaton said: "I am delighted to be working alongside Greenfield and to be continuing my relationship with North West Vision on this project. Wyn and I have a great deal of complementary experience to bring to the production companies in the scheme. We are both really impressed with the calibre of the participating businesses, which range from start-ups to long-established network producers, across the full range of programme genres."

The scheme will run until the end of May, when North West Vision will consider further support. The long-term aim is to continue with a range of internationally focused schemes of this kind to make the North West a market leader.

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