In this series, we highlight our clients to help them build connections that count, and shine ahead of MIPCOM.
In the Fall of 2023, GRB Studios and Media Ranch joined the distribution arms of their globally respected brands to create a new robust entity that combines the strengths of both companies. Distributing over 5,000 hours of premium entertainment — from factual to fiction to formats, GRB Media Ranch offers a comprehensive approach to marketing of programming. Based in Los Angeles, the two principals, Gary R. Benz, and Sophie Ferron, bring diversified experience, expertise, and ingenuity to the Company. Maintaining high visibility at most global industry events, they have far-reaching contacts and trend-knowledge, which they have shared as sought-after industry speakers. The new, merged portfolio includes the Company’s flagship series Untold Stories of the E.R.; and over 100 formats, including Round Table from Wonwoo Park (creator of Masked Singer), Watch, and hits such as Surprise sur prise, Comedy on the Edge, Rose D’or winning Street Jungle, among many others. GRB Studios’ production work includes the long-running, Emmy Award-winning hit Intervention. Media Ranch’s creative format development includes paper format acquisitions and incubator Horsepower. Both companies will continue these activities under their respective banners.
What are you bringing to MIPCOM?
Our portfolio includes a variety of genres. We recently acquired some hard-hitting U.S. political documentaries which are especially timely – from the iconic actor/producer Rob Reiner and Dan Partland – the new Of God & Country; Untruth: the War for Democracy; and #Unfit: the Psychology of Donald Trump.
What is GRB Media Ranch looking for at this MIPCOM?
We are soon launching a Paranormal FAST channel and are sourcing programs for this channel as well as always on the hunt for great factual and dramas to round out or ever-growing catalog.
What are some stories from past MIPCOMs in celebration of 40th Anniversary?
I remember my first venture to television’s largest international market in 1987. After a super-long flight in coach, with more than 1 stopover, I arrived in Nice, France and managed to find a bus to take me to Cannes. To my dismay, the inexpensive hotel I had chosen wasn’t in Cannes; it was 25 km away, far off the beaten path of the normal accommodations that participants usually choose. Yes, it was a drag getting to the Palais every day, as well as getting back, often very late in the evenings. Travel conditions improved many years later, especially when Delta began to fly directly from LA to Nice. The benefit of that convenience was enhanced when one of my productions – Movie Magic – happened to be playing on the plane’s single screen – the only visual for the captive passenger audience to watch on a 10-hour flight. Many of my friends – and competitors from the studios – wondered how I was able to pull that off. It was sheer dumb luck! I had previously sold the airline rights and Delta just happened to be playing it on this flight. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good!
While attending over 70 MIP and MIPCOMs trade shows, I’ve certainly had my share of memorable experiences. I have had the pleasure of meeting scores of remarkable individuals representing a wide variety of companies from over 100 countries. You never know who you’ll run into! Among them were the basketball legend Julius Erving, “Dr. J”. (See attached Photo)
I’ve also been fortunate enough to create numerous international co-productions and sell thousands of hours of programming. One of my most exciting experiences was when I produced “Live! The World’s Greatest Stunts” for the Fox network. Canal+ came in as my partner and I brought in Remy Julienne, the famous French Cascadeur (stuntman). Together we crashed cars, motorcycles, and lit people on fire in the name of entertainment all over Europe and the Americas. It was a huge hit – the highest rated original special in Fox’s history. (See attached photo)
We also had several celebrities at our MIPCOM booth to represent for various projects, such as the iconic William Shatner for a show called Aftermath which we produced; and Entourage star, Adrian Grener who hosted sustainable environmental series “Alter Eco” which we distributed.
Among the other delightful surprise experiences were dinners at Eden Roc and free rooms at Hotel du Cap – courtesy of a dear friend who was a studio exec who arrived in Cannes too late to use his room, so he gave it to me. It was a major step from that 25km bus trip. There are so many wonderful restaurants in the south of France I don’t think I was able to try them all… but try I did.
These are but a few of the many, many splendid memories of my long days and even longer nights in Cannes.
Join them at MIPCOM !
