Michael Poryes, co-creator and executive producer on Disney Channel’s Emmy nominated series Hannah Montana, will give a keynote address at MIPJunior, the pre-school, kid and teens programme market which will take place in Cannes, 2-3 October 2010.
Poryes will talk about the secrets behind the success of Hannah Montana and unveil his plans for the future. Michael Poryes is co-creator and served as executive producer of another Disney Channel Emmy nominated series That’s So Raven. He also served as co-executive producer on Veronica’s Closet as well as co-executive producer on Cybill. Poryes first started out in the entertainment business as a stand-up comedian, then became a writer for a host of popular series including The Facts of Life, Who’s the Boss? and Saved by the Bell.
The keynote address will be a focal point of MIPJunior, which is launching a new Licensing Initiative this year. A series of case studies and sessions will feature international leaders from the licensing and merchandising business, to give MIPJunior attendees the most appropriate tools and networking opportunities to interact with this major sector. Key licensing agents will be discussing what they look for in kids programming before committing to a licensing agreement and a new Matchmaking Breakfast will be especially scheduled to let MIPJunior producers pitch their programme licensing rights to them.
As part of this new initiative, the MIPJunior Licensing Challenge* returns for the seventh year, with Holly Stein, Vice President, Licensing Acquisitions, Mattel Inc. as president of the Jury. The event will provide producers and rights holders with the chance to put forward their projects as candidates to be pitched to a jury of licensing experts which will judge the licensing potential of the programme. MIPJunior Licensing Challenge finalist The Hive was recently picked up by Playhouse Disney for broadcast in 150 territories.
