The first day of Natpe Budapest at the InterContinental Hotel shows signs of recovery, although still below its pre-pandemic numbers. A first day that was marked by distribution news, the A+E Media Group showcase, and more.

*By ttvnews, from Budapest, Hungary

The first day of Natpe Budapest shows an acceptable level of participation, although it is still far from recovering pre-pandemic attendance levels. A first day characterized by several conferences, announcements, a content showcase and a cocktail at the end of the day.

The day began with the words of Claire Macdonald, SVP, Executive Director of Natpe, who welcomed everyone to the event. At mid-morning, KunHee Park, CEO of Kocowa, shared a few words, after which the talks continued with Alexander Rodnyanksy, the acclaimed producer and director who was forced to flee Russia in 2022 after declaring himself against the war in Ukraine.

The panel on market news regarding unscripted content served as a relay on the content that the market is looking for in the region. Present were Agnieszka Kubiak, Head of Content Development and Creative at A+E Networks CEE, Lisette Schlippe, Commissioning Editor at INSIGHT TV and Laszlo Gaspar, Head of Infotainment Portfolio at AMC Networks Central Europe, who also spoke about the launch of Selekt towards the end of September, the new AMC Networks content channel: “Everyone would have expected the launch of an AMC Plus, but the truth is that we are going to pursue another model. Linear television is still in very good health in the region, so we are going to partner with a pay TV operator and launch it in another way, it will not be a direct to consumer channel.”

Regarding the good health of linear television and pay TV services, in addition to FAST Channels services, it could be said that it has been the recurring theme among attendees.

This was followed by the A+E Media Group Content showcase led by Maria Sorescu, Manager International Conent Distribution CEE and Greece, who presented a vast catalog of unscripted and historical content.

At the end of the day, the Opening Night Party took place at the ARZ Restaurant & Corso Bar.