NEM Dubrovnik 2023, started on June 5. Bigger than ever, the jubilee edition started with a record number of participants, exhibitors, and sponsors, the organizers report.

Frank Spotnitz, CEO & Executive Producer, Big Light Productions and one of NEM’s favorite frequent visitors was introduced as the first of a record 11 keynote speakers. Mr. Spotnitz shared insights into the ever-changing TV industry: “If we are to improve European television, then it seems to me that a good first step is having core values that we know we are striving to live up to. We need more practical, concrete strategies put into place – in all territories in Europe, but especially in smaller countries where resources are in shorter supply. That lack of economic power might may be seen as a handicap, but it can also be seen as an advantage – places where change is easier to embrace because of their size.”

The presentation FAST Revenues by Maria Rua Aguete, Omdia followed at the Panel Room where data predictions for FAST business were first announced for CEE - there is less consumer interest in FAST since pay TV is still growing and traditional free-to-air viewing is also strong. In Eastern Europe FAST revenues will double in the next 5 years, reaching $42m by 2028.

The first day was also a tribute to ten exciting years of building New Europe Market (NEM). During the panel 10 Years of NEM sponsored by Mediavision, Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, CEO of Pickbox, Mediatranslations, Mediavision and NEM, gathered long-standing supporters and friends of NEM: Sabrina Pluvinage, Video Sales Director Europe, Eutelsat; Branko Čakarmiš, General Director, Pro Plus; Pavel Stanchev, CEO, TV2 Media Group and Planet TV; and drian Ježina, CEO, Telemach Croatia and Telemach Slovenia

They reminisced over the past decade, remembering various anecdotes and unforgettable moments shared at the TV market to which they all gladly return each year. “It’s amazing to see how this event grew up. It is the only event where you can see your competitors and exchange ideas. This closed circle is so full of energy” said Pavel Stanchev and Branko Čakarmiš added: “NEM started with a small idea which turned into a world class event for our industry. “

As a proud sponsor of the opening night, Sony Pictures Television held an exclusive screening of Alert: Missing Persons Unit featuring very special guests, Dania Ramirez (Sweet Tooth, Once Upon a Time, Entourage) and Ryan Broussard (Only Murders in the Building, Sistas, Black Bird). During the Q&A session, hosted by Mark Young (EVP, Distribution, SPT, EMEA), the show's stars shared their delight at Fox's quick second season renewal following its multi-platform success, discussed Carla Kettner (Panhandle, The Blacklist, Bones) taking the reins as showrunner of Alert’s second season, with John Eisendrath executive producing, and how the series will continue to deliver powerful storytelling.

This was followed by a party sponsored by Eutelsat.