October [contents] MIPCOM2004THE BUSINESS OF FILM COMPANY PROFILES 4 MARVISTA CONTINUES MIPCOM BRIEFS (cont) TO SOLIDIFY BUSINESS •Millichip On Acquisition Trail MODEL BASE • From The Northwest To Orgasmatron 5 REGENT PROACTIVE IN • Animus Debuts At MIPCOM 2004 CHANGING INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE • DVD Expansion Fuels Internal Growth • Call To Comedic Filmmakers For 2005 6 DIARY • Dinard Presidency Passes To Marius Mallet Mayer Of The Town • New Scheme Encourages Multimedia Music Usage In UK Schools • All3Media Launch Mobile Court • Mannheim-Heidelberg The Showcase For • Off The Fence Showcase The Equator Art House Films • Where The Truth Lies Shooting In Canada 7 - 13 MIPCOM BRIEFS 14-15 FINANCE BRIEFS • Gerhard Zeiler Honored At MIPCOM • AXN Central Europe Reached 2 Million Subscriber Mark • NBC Universal Makes International Debut • Revenue Diversification Strategies @ MIPCOM •Connie Renews With Noggin Second Season • DeAPlaneta Acquires 66% Stake In Planeta • King Arthur Starts Production In Spain • Bellevue Entertainment Acquires Scanbox With Management Group •Who Do You Trust? New Format Quiz Show • Discovery Continues Education Expansion Unit • Surviving The Unbelievable Terror • The Private Film Of Paul Weller • Granada Debuts The New Miss Marple • Gnomes Raise Ecological Issues 16 LONDON BOX OFFICE MONITOR The chart offers a valuable perspective on the effective • The Virtual Magician Is Alive And Well release patterns for both major and independent pictures. 17-38 MIPCOM 2004 PRODUCT GUIDE 10 BUSINESS CHART UPDATE The complete unabridged version of the MIPCOM 2004 Since 1982 it has tracked the fluctuation of the US Product Guide, comprising of over 1600 companies dollar against major currencies. For 2004 we have available programmes, is online at The Business Of Film’s introduced 9 new currencies and tracks the US Dollar website: www.thebusinessoffilm.com & click on Product Guides against the Euro since December 2002. THE BUSINESS OF FILM’S • MIPCOM 2004 PRODUCT GUIDE Clear concise guide to products available at MIPCOM 2004. Visit www.thebusinessoffilm.com for the unabridged Product Guide. Over 1600 titles listed. MIPCOM/MIFED OCTOBER 2004 No 199/200 Head Office: London 41-42 Berners St. London WIT 3NB Tel: 44-207-372-9992 Fax: 44-207-372-9993 Los Angeles Office: 5150 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 509, Los Angeles CA 90036 Tel: 323-935-8228 Fax: 323-935-8229 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Elspeth Tavares The Business of Film Media Foundation Training Programme Josephine McDiarmid. Contributors Miles Fielder (BoF Alumni), Allison McKenzie, Elizabeth Joseph. Product Guides Betsy Pearson. Assistant to Elspeth Tavares Kathy Hollis. Accounting (London) Barbara Bogatko. Layout/Web Designs Elspeth Tavares. Production/Webmaster Allen Boothe. Contact Email addresses: press releases: [email protected], Product Guide listings: [email protected] or go to www.thebusinessoffilm.com, click on Media Kit, then click on Product Guide Submission Forms The Business of Film has freelance contributors in: LOS ANGELES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, IRELAND FRANCE & ITALY Eastern Europe: Leposava Bukavac, Senjacka 10, 11000 Beograd, Yugoslavia. Tel: 381-11-2-650-188 Fax: 381 11 369 1648 The Business of Film is available by subscription only. The Business of Film is published 15 times per annum including daily during the Cannes Film Festival under license from Elspeth Tavares. Website: www.thebusinessoffilm.com. No portion of this publication, either on-line or printed, including text and graphics, shall be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Entire contents copyright © 2004 Elspeth Tavares. All Rights Reserved. [MIPCOM] Elspeth Tavares COMMENT2004Publisher & Editor in Chief MENTOR: A loyal adviser of Odysseus entrusted with the care and education of Telemachus, a wise and trusted counselor. CHAIR: a seat or office of authority. CARE: serious, attention, solicitude, caution. TRUST: belief in and reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person or thing. EDUCATION: the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge and of developing the powers of reasoning and judgement. ince its inception in 1980, The Business of Film has embraced an and figures from the Wild West, was responsible for the Gary Cooper editorial policy that has striven to be objective, impartial, Award presented to Peter Fonda by Jeff Bridges. This superb sculptor Sinnovative, and forthright. We live in world where, all too often, created the original maquette in just 48 hours. Without exception, all the people are afraid of their positions, or afraid because of the positions of people The Business of Film come into contact with could not have put others, and the world revolves on an axis of afraid, afraid, afraid. more into making this event an extraordinary experience for all I count myself very fortunate not to be afraid of anything or anyone. I concerned. The celebrities who attended were genuinely thrilled to be at conceive that all humans are created equal and should have an equal an intimate and down-to-earth film festival. The film The Great Raid by voice in all matters. Montana native John Dahl is an exceptional example of movie direction. This publication’s goal has always been to be proactive, to go where When one finds such an incredible ‘happening,’ it’s always with some others are ‘afraid’ for whatever reason to go. So it was with sheer sadness that one needs to report on observations that were not in keeping delight that, following an invitation from councilman Bill Doyle (I) of with the ‘true spirit’ of the event. Virginia City Montana, I became interested in HatchFest and the t is my belief that the chair of any event is there to guide the flock. sentiments it propounded. Spurred by the brilliant logo, I was When one sits on the outside, its very easy to observe how people enthusiastic to attend and experience first hand the inaugural event. Iinteract. On three separate occasions, a decision a member of the I started out with some trepidation, never having been to Bozeman, flock made based on information they had received and acted upon was Montana before. The Wild West. overturned in the presence of the persons in question, with negative head olleagues spoke of rednecks, and I was completely convinced shaking by the ‘chair.’ It was embarrassing for the individuals. The that if I did not watch out I maybe should be writing my will. The reason for the persons in question to attend that function was to see first Cpower of ignorance is evident in every aspect of our lives. hand where the HatcH Labs would be held. I observed the ‘chair’ I arrived at Bozeman airport with Edythe Preet, fellow journalist and passing out invitations among a group of people who were chatting culinary expert, who was covering the event from a culinary standpoint. together, and completely ignoring and dis-acknowledging one of the Being vegetarian, I nearly took my packets of soup, convinced I would individuals. The action was blatantly rude and was remarked upon by see nothing but MEAT everywhere. Instead, I found PLONK a great the group. On yet another occasion, as a journalist was requesting an restaurant with a great menu, great décor, great paintings, great owners. interview with the ‘chair,’ I observed the ‘chair’ – not two feet away – I am alive and in one piece to tell you all what a wonderful place block the journalist and address instead the PR company. The interview Bozeman, Montana is. The people were charming, gracious, down-to- never happened. The action was insulting, rude, and very earth, solid people of the world. The town is a sophisticated little Hollywoodesque. Finally, on the awards night, which should have been enclave of goods and fashion, worthy of any shop in Paris, London or dedicated to the Student filmmakers, once again, I observed the ‘chair’ Rome. The locals could not have been sweeter. The children, whilst they spend 30 tedious minutes (with every other word being “I”) detailing the are familiar with Naïve American Indians, were shy and fascinated by my brown complexion. When I smiled, they just opened up and started start-up of the event. A very informative and well-designed book on chatting. It was truly a revelation for someone from England who has HatchFest contained all of the information that had already been told at traveled the globe and had heard how inhospitable the West of America the Opening Ceremony. can be. hese (too many) instances were a dark cloud on an event filled he next wonderful surprise was the HatchFest itself and the with sunshine and warmth. I comment on this because perhaps committee that was responsible for the event. Special mention Tpeople in the immediate circle of the ‘chair’ may be afraid to Tmust be made of Brian Skuletich, a caring, attentive, hard speak out and say: “You and the other founding members came together, working, young man, who did everything in has power, for not only The worked extremely hard, and put on a fantastic unique event. Everyone Business of Film, but everyone with whom he came into contact. The involved gave 150% and more. The town and volunteers extended energy and enthusiasm of Yarrow Kraner, Huntley Ritter, Jenni Saks, loyalty. That ‘spirit of trust of the moment’ was betrayed by the ‘chair’ Scott Billadeau was boundless. This group of individuals worked being the only individual present who behaved as if the event was extraordinarily hard, and tirelessly, to accomplish an outstanding first occurring in the ‘illusion factory that is Hollywood’ and not the down- event, despite unimportant small start-up flaws. to-earth town of Bozeman, Montana.” In those crucial four days, several In addition, the local townspeople exuded such joy and enthusiasm it dozen volunteers and eager young people were looking to the ‘chair’ for was truly electrifying. Moonlight Basin Ranch (see page 14) committed praise for an incredible job well done.