Undercover Boss executive producer, Stephen Lambert.
Producers and creators from around the world are being called on to pitch their ideas for new and original, non-scripted entertainment formats as part of this year's MIPFormats International Pitch Competition.
The ideas will be presented to some the industry’s most experiened format professionals.
Among the judges will be senior executives from various all3media production labels, including Maverick TV (10 Years Younger, Embarrassing Bodies), Objective Productions (The Cube, Reflex), Lion TV (Cash Cab, Sexy Beasts), and MME/Filmpool (creators of the constructed reality genre).
The call for entries is open for the annual MIPFormats International Pitch Competition, which for the second time will be backed by global partner all3media International, the distribution arm of the UK’s leading TV production group.
Now in its seventh year, the pitch competition is part of MIPFormats, the only specialist conference for the international formats community, taking place in Cannes, France, on April 2-3, ahead of the MIPTV global entertainment content market.
Stephen Lambert, head of all3media subsidiary Studio Lambert and executive producer of formats including Undercover Boss and Gogglebox, will act as jury president for this year’s competition.
He will be joined on stage by senior executives from all3media production labels and leading commissioning editors offering advice and commentary on ideas pitched.
“I’m very pleased to be involved with all3media International’s second MIPFormats International Pitch Competition in 2016," Lambert said.
"The event is proving hugely popular in the formats community, offering a fantastic opportunity for creators to showcase their ideas for the next global entertainment hits,” said Lambert.
The winner of the MIPFormats International Pitch competition will walk away with a €5,000 cash prize awarded by all3media International, plus a package worth €15,000 aimed at further developing the winning format to be ready to pitch to broadcasters. Submissions must be received before February 22.
2015 winner, Dolinsekfilm chief executive, Michael Dolinsek, said since winning the MIPFormats International Pitch in 2015, the company was very eager to begin its collaboration with all3media international.
"They not only offered to be our partner but also our mentor," he said.
"After several meetings and constant communication, we are now in the process of producing a pitch document to be presented to potential production partners.
"We are very confident that you will be seeing this format on your screen very soon."