Advanced Television

CABSAT and DISCOP in Dubai

March 16, 2022

Organisers of the MENA-centric DISCOP Dubai content distribution and coproduction market have announced an initiative to showcase solid homegrown film and television projects in advanced stages of development and funding.

A full-service lounge, the First Look Salon, will cater to the needs of independent MENA producers wanting to shop their projects to production and distribution partners, local OTTs and global streamers in need of authentic, non-English language entertainment content.

“Tomorrow’s transformative potential will come from allowing local creatives to tell stories about their own cultures and then distributing them truly internationally.” Says Patrick Zuchowicki Jucaud, Co-Manager of DISCOP Dubai, who adds, “Our ambition is to showcase +/- 20 project, from romantic dramas, funny comedies, to action-packed thrillers, and help their producers fast-track development, funding and distribution.”

In the meantime, DISCOP Dubai and CABSAT have agreed to join forces and collocate their respective events, with The DISCOP Content Market taking place within the halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre, alongside CABSAT’s Broadcast tradeshow. The two entities will join forces in various aspects of this Broadcast/ Content industry Mega-Event.

Technical Innovations evolve and new programming trends unfold, converging to create seismic changes. Bringing these two well established industry gatherings closer together is the result of efforts undertaken by HCONSULT, MENA’s specialised Content Market Consultancy.

“MENA is changing fast. Like everywhere else in the world, viewers’ habits are shifting radically and competition for the 18-34 tech-savvy demographic is fierce.” Says Heba Korayem, CEO of Dubai-based HConsult, who adds, “The transformative impact of new technologies, data and artificial intelligence on the local media and entertainment industry was the primary driver behind the Co-location of DISCOP Dubai with CABSAT.

2.000+ delegates are expected at DISCOP Dubai. High-level, high-performance networking will be a top priority for both tradeshows. Research and matchmaking efforts have been reinforced, and 600+ MENA platforms are under the organisers’ radar.

The first list of confirmed delegates will be available five weeks ahead of time, and engagement between confirmed participants will then be activated. Keeping the Ramadan peak TV Season in mind, networking efforts will double from May 2nd at the end of the holiday.

A jointly curated learning and networking component, the NextGen Content programme, will put a strong emphasis on the Metaverse, coproduction opportunities between the Middle East and Africa, and the importance of dubbing and content localization.

“Getting the correct translation and dubbing is more important than ever for international rights holders with a focus on expanding into the MENA region.” Says Adnan Hamza, CEO of Dubai-based ABC Marketing and Distribution and Managing Partner of DISCOP Dubai, who adds, “The demand for dubbed programmes has increased by more than 50% from 2020 to 2022. High-quality dubbing has powerfully attracted more viewers and gained significant interest from Broadcasters and Streaming platforms in the Middle East and North Africa.”

Turkey will be welcome as DISCOP Dubai’s Guest Country. As part of the Guest Country programme, the best of Turkish television entertainment will be screened, and a National Pavilion will promote the country’s production capabilities and on-going initiatives to attract and nurture talent, international projects, and MENA partners.

Categories: Press Releases

Tags: , , ,