CEETV’s Yako Molhov talked with Rod Perth, NATPE President and CEO, about the upcoming market NATPE Europe 2014, following its relocation from Budapest to Prague. The event will be held at the Hilton Prague Hotel between June 23 and 26.


ceetv: Mr. Perth, NATPE Europe is fast approaching and will take place in Prague instead of Budapest. What is the main reason for this relocation?

RP: Our move from Budapest to Prague represents a deep and ongoing commitment to the EEC countries and their growing television and content businesses. We believe in Eastern and Central Europe, and this move represents a chance to refresh this yearly television market institution. Budapest has been a wonderful location for many years, and after careful consideration and many conversations with our customers, the consensus was that Prague will provide more flexibility that will make NATPE||Europe an even better market. We are incredibly appreciative of all of our friends in Budapest that made us feel welcome for so many years. The facilities of the Hilton Prague Hotel will enable the market, screenings, special events, networking and social events to take place under one roof. We made a similar decision when we relocated our annual U.S. market and conference to the Fontainebleau in Miami four years ago, enabling all attendees to network and do business under the same roof, maximizing return on their time and investment.

ceetv: NATPE Budapest 2013 was your second market in the region, following the 2012 market. What have you planned for this year's inaugural edition in the Czech capital, based on your previous Budapest editions?

RP: In an effort to accommodate screenings and meetings, NATPE Europe has adjusted its schedule for the upcoming market. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will feature studio screenings that are invitation only. Registration opens on Monday for NATPE Europe, and the market floor will open Tuesday, followed by full market days on Wednesday and Thursday.

ceetv: In 2013 you highlighted the launch of your new initiative that facilitates a better market experience - The Navigator Program. Will there new similar initiatives this year in Prague?

RP: The NATPE||Navigator is a break-through networking experience that matches buyers and sellers to the people and projects they need to succeed. Through an online platform for matching and scheduling and Meeting Concierge packages for additional services, this program works to increase connectivity, maximize deal flow and generate revenue. NATPE||Navigator gives you the tools online and onsite to facilitate connections and schedule meetings with colleagues, clients and prospects. Registrants for the upcoming NATPE event can use myNATPE - our online tool and resource - to access a robust list of suggested matches, make new connections and request meetings with other registrants.

ceetv: How does NATPE||Europe stand out from other similar markets and events in the region? What makes the market special and what are its strongest sides?

RP: We’re incentivizing buyers. We have a robust VIP buyers program and an outreach program that is language-specific that answers any questions that potential buyers have. We’re reemphasizing the unique reasons that NATPE Europe serves their needs unlike any other competing market. First among them is that we’re the only market to allow buyers to have a first look at all the Hollywood studios’ content. That’s a big, big advantage over other markets. Many of these buyers cannot afford to go to the L.A. Screenings because that’s a long journey. A mere four weeks after the L.A. Screenings, they’re able to see everything here in Prague.

ceetv: This year, alongside the traditional organized meetings between buyers and sellers and the screenings of US content, what other types of events have been prepared? You will put the spotlight on Poland this year, what kind of events and conferences have been planned in this respect?

RP: We plan to turn the spotlight on Poland and its diverse television industry in a Showcase event. The event will place specific focus on the outstanding television programming being produced in the region alongside Poland’s fast growing and fiercely competitive TV landscape. With 80% of homes now accessing pay TV via cable or satellite and more than 20 DTT channels available, Poland is now one of Europe’s largest TV markets. Sponsored by leading Polish companies TVN, ATM Group and Monolith Films, the spotlight on Poland will take place at a Showcase event on Wednesday, June 25 at the Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge at the Hilton Prague Hotel. All three sponsoring companies will also participate as exhibitors in the Polish Programming Pavilion on the NATPE||Europe Market Floor.

We plan to jointly host a high level breakfast summit with Tandem Communications at NATPE||Europe in Prague on Tuesday 24th June entitled Now, the Story Starts in Europe!, the summit will cover all aspects of building a global narrative and moving the international production industry to re-think how the business is run. It will feature a line-up of eminent contributors including network executives actively involved in international co-productions, European show-runners whose narratives are going global, U.S. show-runners who are breaking the mold and European production companies who are developing creative strategies.

Other highlights for market attendees include an opening-night cocktail reception at the Cloud 9 bar and lounge on the rooftop of the Hilton Prague Hotel. The event is sponsored by TV Nova, Prima, Czech TV and TV Barrandov. Even though these compete with one another, we think it’s fantastic that we were able to help them understand why it might be important for them to cooperate, by welcoming everyone to their great city. It’s going to be a real celebration of Prague and the culture and the city, and a fun welcome to everybody who’s attending.

We are also excited to announce that Prague Studios just signed on to sponsor the Wednesday night cocktail party in the atrium of the Hilton.