Day 3 of MIP CANCUN 2024 was nothing short of electrifying. Packed with events that inspired, connected, and continue to shape the future of the audiovisual industry, it was a day to remember. Here’s a recap of the key highlights, memorable quotes, and the lasting impact of this global benchmark event.
Welcome to Day 3
The day kicked off with a call to explore “new horizons.” The agenda was ambitious, and it delivered: from groundbreaking sessions and exclusive screenings to networking spaces designed to foster meaningful connections. Innovation and opportunity took center stage, firmly placing #MIPCANCUN as a hub of creativity.
SHOWCASE & BREAKFAST: Manía de Ti
Presented by Globo
The day began with an immersive breakfast showcase of Manía de Ti, presented by Globo. This production captivated attendees with its great narrative, promising to resonate with both local and international markets. Accompanied by good coffee and an engaging story, it set the tone for a day full of inspiration.
KEYNOTE: Paulo Koelle, Prime Video Latin America
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the keynote by Paulo Koelle, Director of Prime Video Latin America and the recipient of the 2024 TV Latina Icon Award. Koelle shared a strategic vision for the future of streaming in the region: “We’re creating original content not just to enrich our service, but to surprise people with what Latin America can truly achieve,” Koelle emphasized, highlighting quality content as a key differentiator in an oversaturated market.
He addressed the challenge of balancing growing demand with the need to stand out: “People who love entertainment will always want more, but they can’t watch everything. A robust content strategy needs to account for both factors.”
Koelle also underscored regional growth, revealing that Prime Video now averages 10 million monthly subscriptions in Mexico and 20 million in Brazil.
The session concluded with a Meet the Speaker segment, where attendees engaged directly with Koelle, gaining deeper insights into his vision.
WHAT DO UNSCRIPTED BUYERS WANT?
This panel brought together experts to dissect trends in unscripted content, a booming genre spanning reality shows to documentaries.
Marie Leguizamo, Managing Director at Banijay emphasized: “The key is preserving the local essence of the target audience and respecting cultural nuances in the content.”
Adriana Cechetti, Sr Director of Unscripted Production and Development at Warner Bros. Discovery Brazil, added that true crime continues to dominate this space, predicting its sustained popularity.
Edgar L. Jaramillo, Sr Director Unscripted at Vice Studios rounded out the discussion: “Audiences want representation. The most engaging ideas respect the cultural interests of the region they’re targeting.”
BRANDS AS NEW AUDIOVISUAL ALLIES
In partnership with PRODU
The evolving relationship between brands and audiovisual content was explored in-depth. Marcelo Romeo, Chief Marketing Officer at Newsan, highlighted the importance of organic integration: “Advertising should feel like a natural part of the story, standing out without being forced.”
Teresa Fernández-Valdés, CEO of Te Espero En Marte took a more philosophical stance: “My goal is to develop content where a brand grows alongside the story, focusing on values and philosophy rather than just itself.”
This collaborative approach promises to redefine how stories are told and consumed.
SCREENING: Valentina. My Special Love
Presented by VIP 2000 and Zee Entertainment
The screening of Valentina. My Special Love delivered an emotional experience. This production stood out for its ability to connect on a human level, sparking conversations around diversity and inclusion—values reshaping modern storytelling.
CO-PRODUCTION BOOTCAMP: Maximizing Production Value
Industry experts led this hands-on workshop, sharing strategies to enhance production value. From leveraging film commission resources to practical tips for collaborating with studios and TV broadcasters, the session offered invaluable guidance for creators.
TV TRENDS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT’S NEXT
Presented by The WIT
This session explored the impact of unscripted content on global TV trends. Caroline Servy from The WIT highlighted the rising popularity of genres like documentaries, true crime, and heartfelt family stories, noting their growing appeal among audiences worldwide.
STREAMING: THE RACE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES’ ATTENTION
This panel tackled the challenge of capturing the attention of younger viewers in an oversaturated landscape.
Josué Palacios Casas, LatAm TikTok LIVE Ops Head Live highlighted the platform’s ability to build strong, monetizable communities: “Content creators must use digital platforms like TikTok to connect and engage deeply with their audiences, creating a bond strong enough to support monetization strategies.”
Ariana Spenza, Creator Partnerships Manager at Spotify, emphasized transmedia storytelling as a way to enhance and complement core content: “How do I ensure my film or series gets wide viewership? By supplementing it with transmedia storytelling that allows your audience to access your ideas in practical, relatable ways.”
Adrián Garelik, CEO of Flixxo, discussed the advantages of leveraging digital platforms: “Creating content for digital platforms provides metrics. I know who’s watching, their age range, which episodes drive engagement, and which don’t. This data equips me with tools and arguments for future sales that traditional distribution channels can’t offer.”
PRODU AWARDS
The PRODU Awards honored the best in the Latin industry, gathering over 300 attendees, including producers, distributors, and executives.
The event celebrated executives with outstanding careers. Laura Fernández Espeso, CEO of The Mediapro Studios, was named Executive of the Year, and Nagidmy Márquez Acosta, Chief Content Officer for the Americas at ¡HOLA!, received the Digital Convergence Award.
Seven industry icons were also recognized: Doris Vogelmann (Vme Media), Georgina Terán (EFD Group), Leonardo Aranguibel (Disney Latin America), Michelle Alexander (Del Barrio Producciones), Miguel Smirnoff (Prensario), Roxana Rotundo (VIP 2000 TV), and Teresa Fernández-Valdés (Independent Producer).
CLOSING PARTY
Co-hosted with PRODU
The closing party was the perfect finale for an unforgettable MIP CANCUN. Networking, celebrations, and a vibrant atmosphere marked the end of three days filled with creativity, collaboration, and vision.
Day 3 of MIP CANCUN ended with a promise of a bright future for the audiovisual industry. The connections made, ideas shared, and narratives sparked here will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of global production. See you on Day 4 for a grand finale filled with connections, business opportunities, and an unparalleled community spirit!
