Advanced Television

Geneste named new chair of FRAPA

October 11, 2012

Ute Biernat, CEO of Grundy Light Entertainment, is to step down as chair of FRAPA on January 1st, handing over the baton to Patty Geneste, founder, CEO and president of the Amsterdam-based format specialist Absolutely Independent.

Under Biernat’s tenure, FRAPA has undergone a rebranding and restructuring programming, launching several new initiatives and expanding its suite of services to reflect the format industry’s evolving needs. In recent years, it has introduced a new mediation service with UN agency WIPO, added a unique price calculator to its redesigned website, launched world-first format bible and contract generator tools, published several definitive surveys on the global trade in television formats, and established its annual awards ceremony in Cannes as the industry’s most prestigious red-carpet event.

Geneste will carry forward Biernat’s vision of creating a “global community, a networking forum, an advice shop, an information resources and an industry thought-leader” for the formats industry. Her plans for continued growth include forging new partnerships with like-minded organisations and expanding FRAPA’s programme of events, opening some up to non-FRAPA members.

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