Global content producers to converge on Dubai

Content takes the centre stage with the launch of MyContent 2010, an international content show in the Mena region, which is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to be worth $2 trillion (Dh7.34trn) by 2011, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

To be held under the patronage of Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the first edition of MyContent 2010 is set to be held in November.

This was announced by Index Conferences & Exhibitions Org Est – member of Index Holding, in conjunction with Character Dubai and Dubai World Game Expo.

Organisers of the show emphasised at the media gathering that "MyContent will for the first time attract global content producers across all platforms to the region and provide an opportunity to the Middle East broadcasters, producers and distributors to evaluate, buy, sell, co-produce and finance in their own backyard.

"In addition, the event will also provide professionals involved in the TV, film, animation, comics, music, digital content and media content industry with the perfect platform to do business."

With more than 250 million viewers served by 400 TV channels generating a $4 billion market these staggering numbers point to the immense potential and demand in the region, clearly placing the Middle East content industry among the fastest growing markets in the world, highlighted officials, citing these figures as the basis of their intention to host a global exhibition.

MyContent will also open new horizons of investment for online, mobile and digital entertainment content industry that is seeing a sharp increase in demand with 40 million internet users and 175 million mobile users.

Mobile content, including music, games, ring tones and interactive TV, is worth more than $45bn globally, revealed officials.

"Preparations for MyContent are under way. There is a tremendous demand for content in the region due to numerous broadcasters emerging all over the Middle East and North Africa. We are pleased with the support and participation of leading content producers from different parts of the world. Opportunities in the content market are tremendous, from TV, to mobile phones and the internet.

"The event will also be an opportunity for leading Arab content producers to showcase their production and network with their international peers," said Abdul Salam Al Madani, President, Index Holding and Chairman of the Arab Asian Entertainment Content and Licensing Alliance.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: "We are very pleased to be supporting My Content 2010. We strongly believe that this initiative will have a positive impact on the overall character licensing industry in the region.

"My Content 2010 comes at the right time to cater to a demanding industry that has grown proportionally across the region backed by various cartoon characters that have gained huge popularity in the past few years. As managers of Modhesh character, we understand the need for these exhibitions, hence our continuous support for such initiatives."

The event is sponsored by Twofour54 and is supported by leading international industry associations and local government authorities, including Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Gulf Co-operation Council Joint Program Production Institution, Gulf Radio & TV Organisation (Gulf Vision) and International Television Expert Group. Major exhibitors include Telemundo International (part of NBC Universal), Charisma TV Productions, Mondo TV and C in Motion, among others.

"Twofour54's sponsorship of MyContent, and Dubai World Game Expo reinforces our commitment to support the development of a sustainable Arabic media and entertainment content creation industry. Events such as these, which bring together some of the region's leading content creators, are important as they provide impetus to the region's aspiring media professionals," said Noura Al Kaabi, head of tawasol, twofour54.

Dubai International Character & Licensing Fair and Dubai World Game Expo are to be held from November 29 to December 1. The events have attracted more than 10,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors in their previous editions. Many fruitful business agreements have also been side during both events.

The Mena is rapidly emerging in terms of licensing and merchandising with the toy market that is growing at an impressive 11.8 per cent per year and is estimated to be worth $1.5bn. Retail sales of licensed products in the entertainment category are expected to be worth $21.7bn worldwide.

"A steady platform where we can create and feature new business is what we had experienced by participating in the Dubai Character and Licensing Fair. The last two years of participation turned out to be a remarkable venture for Fanar Production and this has given us unequaled determination to consolidate our position as a frontline player in the region's animated series. We strongly believe that Dubai Character and Licensing Fair will help us achieve our strategic objectives," said Adnan Omar Al Obthani, CEO of Fanar Production.

Animation is also seeing tremendous growth in the Middle East and the emerging markets of China and India. As these territories invest in building world-class digital media industries, animation is one of the key elements to ensuring the viability and infrastructure is in place for digital film, television and games.

"Lammtara is pleased to announce its participation once again in the forthcoming Character and Licensing Fair 2010, having successfully exhibited at the fair since its inception. We are proud to exhibit once more and to reconfirm our desires to support the fair as we feel this is an integral part of maintaining on going exposure for the Freej brand be it from a local as well as an international perspective," said Mohammed Harib, CEO, Lammtara.

Major deals have been signed during Character Dubai 2009, including a $22 million agreement between Emari Toons and Speedy Productions. The agreement concentrates on producing 22 episodes that display facts and challenges from each and every Arab country.

This year's event is expected to witness competitions and events for young designers and producers. In addition, it will be a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents and to present their work to leading businesses in the region.

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