MIPCOM Cannes is the global entertainment industry’s most significant event, bringing together key decision-makers for new series, international collaborations, and future trends in content development.
20 Irish digital entertainment businesses will drive home Ireland’s prowess in the world of film and television this week (23 October) at Marché International des Programmes de Communication (MIPCOM) in Cannes.
MIPCOM Cannes will bring together the world’s largest array of studios and distributors, offering Irish companies unparalleled opportunities to connect, network, and negotiate deals for new television series and digital projects.
“From immersive AR experiences to dynamic TV drama, the Irish creative sector continues to thrive on the global stage, positioning Ireland as a leader in digital entertainment”
The event remains a vital gateway for Irish companies to push creative boundaries and secure international market success.
Promoting Irish talent
This year, Irish participation is led by prominent companies, including ShinAwiL and Deadpan Pictures, while several emerging players in immersive technologies and interactive media will also be featured, including Carlichauns, and Turnip + Duck.
The Ireland on Screen stand, managed by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Screen Ireland and Tourism Ireland to further investment and partnership in Ireland, will serve as a central hub for promoting Irish talent and facilitating key partnerships and investment opportunities.
The Irish creative sector is coming off a period of sustained growth, with Irish-produced series and digital content garnering attention from audiences around the globe.
Ireland’s Entertainment & Media (E&M) industry is set to grow at an annual rate of 2.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to 2028 reaching €7.6bn, up from €6.6bn in 2023.
“We are thrilled to support Irish digital entertainment companies at MIPCOM, showcasing the innovative talent and cutting-edge storytelling emerging from Ireland,” said Eileen Bell, senior development advisor, digital Technologies, Enterprise Ireland.
“From immersive AR experiences to dynamic TV drama, the Irish creative sector continues to thrive on the global stage, positioning Ireland as a leader in digital entertainment. MIPCOM is an invaluable platform for these companies to forge new partnerships and expand their international presence.”
Ireland’s commitment to high-quality production, technological innovation, and storytelling excellence continues to attract major global studios and distributors.
Bell said Enterprise Ireland remains dedicated to supporting over 100 companies in this space, ranging from early-stage exporters to established High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs). Ireland’s media landscape spans sectors like AR/VR, animation, VFX, gaming, content distribution, and immersive audio technologies.
Irish culture and storytelling in sharp focus
Ailish McElmeel from Deadpan Pictures at MIPCOM 2024
ShinAwiL, one of the largest and most successful independent production companies, recently released the detective series “Borderline”, which premieres on the Roku Channel. The series produced by ShinAwiL in collaboration with Further South Productions, Screen Ireland, and Lionsgate Television, who are managing its international distribution. “Borderline” brings a fresh perspective to the detective genre, with a strong focus on Irish culture and storytelling.
In March this year, Louth-based Carlichauns, a global omnichannel pre-school kids & family entertainment brand, successfully launched a LBE (location-based experience) AR app called ‘Carlichauns Adventure Trail’ which will be rolling out to additional markets early next year. There have also been some recent high-profile additions to the Carlichauns advisory board: Daniel Mulhall, former Irish ambassador to the US, and Keith Chapman, creator of Bob the Builder and Paw Patrol.
Award-winning writer-led creator studio Turnip + Duck has recently launched its inclusive series aimed at preschool and family audiences “Maddie + Triggs”, distributed worldwide by Mediawan Kids & Family. The show features a visually impaired girl (played by Bonnie O’Meara) and her dog who explore the world through sound. It premieres on CBeebies and RTÉjr on 21st October 2024, with a 15-episode drop on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player landing the same day. The series emphasizes accessibility, representation, education, empowerment, and collaboration, aiming to provide an inclusive viewing experience for all children. The team at Turnip + Duck have collaborated with the National Talent Academy for Animation to support emerging voices with disabilities.
Meanwhile, award-winning production company Deadpan Pictures mark its 10th year in business with an unprecedented production slate. “Video Nasty” was listed by Broadcast Now as Hot Pick for MIPCOM, previewed at the Cologne Film festival earlier this month, and Boat Rocker Studios will handle international distribution. “Video Nasty” is a returnable coming of age horror comedy, produced for BBC, WDR and Virgin which will premiere at the top of 2025.
Deadpan, in coproduction with Potemkino (Belgium) are in post-production on “Showkids”, a returnable family comedy for RTE and APC Kids and have just delivered “I’m Your’s” for RTEs Storyland scheme, a look at arranged marriages in contemporary Dublin which will premiere in November. Thy are also currently filming “This is Not Another Murder Mystery”, a high-end period comedy drama which is a coproduction with Belgium’s Paneka, for Studio Canal and The New Eight.
Finally, they are also co-producing a new series titled “Irish Blood” for Acorn TV, starring Alicia Silverstone. The series is a six-part murder mystery that follows Fiona Sharpe, a Los Angeles divorce lawyer, who travels to Ireland to uncover the mystery of her estranged father’s disappearance. Deadpan Pictures is collaborating with Shaftesbury and AMC Studios on this project. The series is directed by Molly McGlynn and features a strong cast including Jason O’Mara, Dearbhla Molloy, and Simone Kirby. These production highlights Deadpan Pictures’ commitment to creating engaging, internationally appealing content with a distinct Irish flavour. All of the above series have been supported by Screen Ireland and tax incentives from the Government of Ireland.
“Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Ireland on Screen stand at MIPCOM, which continues to provide a unique platform for leading Irish producers and production companies to showcase their work and make new international partnerships,” said Libbie McQuillan, director of Industry and Corporate Affairs at Screen Ireland.
“We are thrilled to see a wealth of original stories led by Irish creatives traveling and reaching new audiences across the globe each year, highlighting Ireland’s strong voice and immense talent across television drama, factual entertainment and animation.”
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