Content Made In Africa Shines At DISCOP Abidjan 2018

Basic Lead, the organizers of the DISCOP film, television, digital and video gaming content market, announced today quality participation for their recent Abidjan edition which wrapped last week and was opened by Bruno Nabagné Koné, Ivory Coast Minister of Communication, Digital Economy and Post and Government Spokesperson.

605 delegates representing 305 companies from 35 countries attended the 3-day industry gathering centered on distribution and coproduction opportunities with and across francophone Africa – including 129 acquisition and programming executives representing 74 public and private broadcasters, pay-tv operators, and streaming and online platforms.

As DISCOP Markets Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Tim MANGWEDI explains, “The market felt stronger than last year with more attention given to regional cooperation”. He added, “Francophone Africa is on its way to establish itself as a dynamic entertainment and media marketplace, one that is bound by a common language, the same currency and similar cultural backgrounds”.

Despite flat year-over-year growth in overall attendance, 84 independent production companies from 18 African countries were also in attendance – twice as many as last year –  ostensibly feeding a need for homegrown content that resonates better with local audiences and advertisers.

The exhibiting floor featured a total of 50 global and regional content distribution companies, as well as suppliers of production services and broadcasting technologies.

The market was also marked by the successful launch of the “DISCOP WOMEN IN MEDIA SUMMIT”. Designed to bring together the voices and insights of a diverse range of women from the entertainment industry, this stand-alone, one-day program is set to become a permanent fixture of DISCOP Abidjan from now on in a move to discuss initiatives to empower women around Africa and help them reach new heights.

Running parallel to the market, and specifically aimed at a fast-rising breed of talented, multicultural, Africa-trotting independent producers, a knowledge-transfer and development program featuring industry experts delivered valuable, actionable information and tools, along with unparalleled connections.

The next edition of DISCOP Abidjan is set to take place from Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 May 2019 while the DISCOP WOMEN IN MEDIA SUMMIT will be staged the day before on Tuesday 28 May.

ABOUT DISCOP

In a move to accelerate the development of a sustainable production and distribution ecosystem across Africa and the Middle East, DISCOP markets bring together buyers, sellers and independent producers of film, television, digital and video gaming content.

Africa and the Middle East are reasserting themselves as the world’s most coveted entertainment and media marketplace, one that encompasses 70 countries with a combined population of 1.5 billion. By 2030, thanks to a young population and growing middle classes, all indicators point to positive future development – especially in the entertainment and media sectors.

Held in strategic regional industry hubs several times a year, DISCOP markets help better engage an environment driven primarily by low acquisition budgets and a marked preference for homegrown stories and show concepts.

2,500+ delegates from 100+ countries representing 2,000+ global, regional and local entertainment and media companies will attend DISCOP markets in 2018.

NEXT MARKETS

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb