iWorld
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti to deliver a keynote address at MIPCOM Cannes
Mumbai: RX France (formerly Reed MIDEM) has announced that Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti will give a keynote address at MIPCOM Cannes, happening between 17 and 20 October.
As the CEO of the biggest independent content producer and distributor in the world, Bassetti is in charge of a growing operation that spans 22 countries, more than 120 production companies, and a library that includes Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, Survivor, and MasterChef, in addition to the upcoming blockbuster films “Rogue Heroes,” “Blow Up,” “Starstruck,” and “Marie Antoinette.”
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said, “After three years away, we are proud to be back in Cannes with over 200 of our global talent in tow. MIPCOM always stands as a momentous occasion for our business, and I look forward to taking the time to share more about our current strategy and the trends we are recognising across the globe. So much has changed for us since we were last here, so it will be great to fully reconnect with the market and introduce our scaled-up group officially.”
It will take the stage on the second day of the market as part of the agenda-setting Media Mastermind keynote series, which features eminent global executives and TV industry creatives speaking from the renowned Palais des Festivals stage.
The discussion will include Bassetti’s observations on both the overall industry trends and the strategy of the world’s producers and distributors.
MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJUNIOR director Lucy Smith said, “MIPCOM Cannes is back and supersized this year. Hearing from the man at the helm of what is now one of the world’s largest independent production groups couldn’t be more appropriate. We look forward to warmly welcoming Marco back to Cannes and back to the Grand Auditorium stage.”
The 38th International Co-production and Entertainment Content Market will feature exhibitors from over 45 nations, including the biggest studios and platforms in the world of TV. The highly anticipated market is expected to draw over 10,000 delegates in total.
The Seaview Producers Hub, an inaugural 1,000 square metre networking lounge and event space set against Cannes’ iconic sea view, is also being added for MIPCOM Cannes in 2022. It was introduced to reflect the market’s increased focus on exploring early-stage development, co-production, financing, and funding partnerships.
With screenings of eagerly anticipated series and exclusive trend insight presentations alongside the keynotes, the weeklong MIPCOM Cannes conference programme helps define the TV industry’s year.
Diverse, inclusive storytelling and mentoring will continue to be at the heart of the MIP mission and will be emphasised throughout the programme and market.
iWorld
Zeel to invest up to Rs 116 crore in PhantomFX for AVGC push
Strategic deal targets VFX, animation and gaming to scale global IP play.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… and now a lot more action behind the scenes Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is doubling down on the magic that happens after the shoot, betting big on visual effects and animation to power its next growth chapter. The company has approved a strategic investment of up to Rs 116 crore in Phantom Digital Effects Ltd., marking a decisive push into the fast-growing Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) segment. The investment will be made through compulsorily convertible debentures in one or more tranches, subject to shareholder approvals.
The move signals a clear shift in Zeel’s playbook from just telling stories to engineering how they look, feel and travel across platforms. With PhantomFX’s global footprint spanning key markets such as the US and UK, the partnership is expected to significantly enhance ZEEL’s ability to create high-impact, visually rich content across OTT originals, animation, gaming and mythology-led formats.
At the heart of the collaboration lies a blend of storytelling muscle and technological precision. Zeel plans to tap into PhantomFX’s AI-integrated production workflows, proprietary pipelines and post-production expertise to improve efficiency and scale across projects. The two companies will also jointly develop original intellectual properties for OTT, gaming and licensing, expanding monetisation avenues beyond traditional formats.
The partnership is structured as non-exclusive, allowing PhantomFX to retain operational independence while continuing to serve its global clientele. For Zeel, however, the alliance offers a steady pipeline of creative and technical capabilities, enabling it to strengthen its omni-channel strategy and build globally relevant content assets.
PhantomFX brings with it an impressive pedigree. Its network includes award-winning studios such as Tippett Studio known for Academy Award-winning work on Jurassic Park and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Milk Visual Effects, which has bagged both an Oscar and a BAFTA for Ex Machina.
The investment comes at a time when the AVGC space is rapidly expanding, driven by demand for immersive, effects-heavy storytelling and cross-platform content experiences. For Zeel, this isn’t just a deal, it’s a visual upgrade to its global ambitions, where pixels, pipelines and IP could define the next blockbuster moment.
