Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, will present the MIPCOM Junior 2008 keynote address on Sunday, Oct. 12. Zarghami will share her vision of how the localization of global hit creative properties can result in a stronger worldwide brand presence as she kicks off the 16th edition of the international marketplace and conference for children’s programming and merchandising. This year’s MIP Jr. is taking place Oct. 11-12 at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes.
Under Zarghami’s leadership, Nickelodeon has been the top-rated cable network in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years with such animated hits as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, as well as live-action tween favorites iCarly and Zoey 101. She oversees all business operations for its divisions, including Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite; Noggin; The N; Nicktoons Network; Nick Movies; Nickelodeon’s consumer products, magazine and recreation businesses; and Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of digital properties including all of the Nickelodeon branded websites, Neopets, Shockwave, AddictingGames, ParentsConnect and Quizilla. Zarghami has also expanded the brand through the launch of hotels, theme parks and a new multi-year partnership with Sony Music Label Group.
Among the other children’s programming professionals attending MIP Jr. this year are Cindy Rose, Walt Disney Internet Group’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Paul Robinson, managing director worldwide for KidsCo Ltd.; Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for cartoon Network; Ira Rubenstein, exec VP of Marvel Ent.’s global digital media group; Mostapha Mellouk, deputy managing director of Al Jazeera Children’s; David Ripert, senior manager of content and partnerships for Dailymotion; Neil Ross Russell, managing director of children’s for BBC Worldwide; Anthony Lilley, managing director of Magic Lantern Prods.; Nicole Keeb, head of international coproductions and acquisitions for ZDF Children and Youth; and Matthias Mickshe, CEO of Stardoll.
The 2008 edition of MIP Jr. will feature a focus on Spain, and Catalan channel TV3 will be hosting a conference dubbed ‘Animation From Spain: Sharing Expertise.’ Other key events will include the 5th edition of the ‘MIPCOM Junior Licensing Challenge,’ in which a selection of the newest TV properties will be showcased and a jury of industry experts will evaluate their licensing and merchandising potential.
New this year is a Matchmaking Breakfast organized to create a networking forum for programming investors and licensing. For the latest information on MIPCOM Junior 2008, go to www.mipcomjunior.com.
Win a Funko X Lilo & Stitch Prize Pack! 