Broadband TV News speaks with Sanja Bozic-Ljubicic, CEO and owner, Mediatranslations, Mediavision and Pickbox, about the upcoming NEM 2022 event in Dubrovnik.
How did New Europe Market (NEM) become the most important industry event in the CEE region in the space of only a few years?
The power is in our NEM team; we are dedicated to making each edition better than the previous one. Each year, we set the bar higher in all levels of event organisation, from visual communication and production to NEM’s agenda. But most importantly, having the right people in one place. Our efforts are recognised by world-renowned TV industry decision makers. Of course, Dubrovnik, as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, plays its part in NEM’s success as well.
NEM is almost synonymous with Dubrovnik and yet there was an event held in Zagreb. What was the reasoning behind launching the Zagreb event and how are the two different?
NEM Zagreb was launched in order to honour the creative side of the industry, which is equally important as the business side. The premise is to connect talented people from our region with big and important companies in hopes of working together. The TV industry wouldn’t be as attractive and impactful if there weren’t so many creative screenwriters, producers, actors and actresses and other innovative people working hard at giving life to an idea.
We are just emerging from two of the most difficult years in our lifetimes. How did NEM navigate the Covid pandemic and make sure the event survived?
2020 was a year which shook us to the core because nobody expected such crisis. NEM Dubrovnik 2020 was 80% ready when we had to cancel it. It was also a year of big revelations; we realised how supportive our clients and partners are. As an alternative, we launched NEM Network, an online platform which kept the conversation and know-how sharing alive. NEM Dubrovnik 2021 was challenging because we had to reconceptualise the event – it was held mostly outdoors with different timing than usual. I would like to again emphasise the power of NEM team who navigated through these challenging times with smart and perceptive decision-making.
What can we expect from NEM 2022 in Dubrovnik? Will it be similar to those in previous years, or different? Are there any innovations we can look forward to?
NEM Dubrovnik is going back to its regular timing, from June 6 to 9 2022, and as always, you can expect important and relevant topics related to the TV industry with focus on our region, which is one of the most challenging in the world.
Streamers have become an integral part of NEM’s agenda, and they will be discussed in several topics: comparing the world and CEE market, coproduction and EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) which is coming into effect across EU. HBO Max will give a closer look at their plans and reveal the strategy that sets it apart from other streamers. Attendees will receive an update on the streamer’s rollout which is now available in 21 European countries.
During these unprecedented times FTA’s have a very important role and responsibility in delivering verified and accurate news and we will discuss their strategies and/or the tools they use in doing so.
We are happy to again announce premiere screenings and related Q&A’s. ZDF Studios will host the first night and present their new content while Beta Film is taking over the second night with their new content and a big afterparty.
A comparison of CEE trends with global trends will surely be useful for our attendees as well as topics regarding content monetisation and leverage.
And, for some exclusive news: NEM Dubrovnik 2022 will serve as a platform for the official announcement of the new and upcoming law on Electronic Media in Croatia – we will discuss potential operators’ investment in Croatian audio-visual works.
Looking to the future, how would you like to see NEM develop over the next few years?
NEM Dubrovnik will continue to be a relevant market for CEE region which gathers companies who are tailoring the industry. Just like this year’s edition and many editions before, it will stay relevant for fresh content screening, new projects announcements, business meetings and networking. NEM’s intimate and boutique concept is beloved by our attendees, it is more relaxed with enough time to devote yourself to people you meet with.
We also hope that the pandemic will soon be a thing of the past so we can re-launch NEM Zagreb this December!
