Continued from: http://www.ceetv.net/readItem?code=22621

ceetv: What are your expectations for the upcoming KIEV MEDIA WEEK? The fourth edition of this unique for the CIS and CEE project that you organize will take part in Kiev between September 15-19. Do you expect a reflux of participants from abroad because of the conflict?

VY: Organization of such local events as KIEV MEDIA WEEK requires wide awareness of the global market situation, as well as demands of its each particular player. And the upcoming edition of the forum involves much more flexible approach to its agenda development. We understand that the content market will be the first to fall within the scope of current circumstances, as far as 40% of Ukrainian Content Market participants used to come from Russia. The UCM is the marketplace by its nature, and has to play by its main ‘demand & supply’ rule. And no one knows if this proportion is going to bent or vice versa – will be unveiled in new perspective.

Of course, we are conscious about the fact that KIEV MEDIA WEEK will attract less people than ever before. But it will affect the quality of the event. We prepare even harder to make a good event (conferences, round tables, networking meeting, screening, etc.) since we believe that the markets of the region needs the forum. Our effort to make it good this year is our investment into 2015 edition, which will take place in better conditions and environment.

ceetv: Some international companies have expressed concern over safety in Kiev. How do you respond to that?

VY: Me, my children and parents live in Kiev, as well as the majority of Ukrainian media market players. Alternatively to the Eastern regions of the country, where the situation is really dangerous, the Ukrainian capital is absolutely safe now (insofar as possible as in any other big city in the world). Safety issues are much more important for us than just a blind wish to hold the event no matter what. We would never invite our foreign guests to come to Kiev in September if this would confront their safety and comfort. Nevertheless, we respect any decision made by KMW participants and truly hope that next year this kind of questions will lose their relevance and we’ll be back to a format of effective event which attendees list is measured in thousands.

ceetv: What will be the main highlights of this year's edition? You have prepared international conferences and screening of new formats; forum; B2B conference and workshops. From previous years, what are the most popular events, part of KMW?

VY: As mentioned above – KMW 2014 is significantly intended to overcome the current crisis the media market is facing. In terms of the conferences’ programs we’ve invited a number of international experts that will willingly share round tables with their colleagues from Ukrainian and CIS region in order to share experience and to give some practical advises. For instance the Format Show conference will be honored to have Michel Rodrigue as a keynote speaker. Being CEO & Partner of The Format People Inc., FRAPA cofounder and having over 35 years of experience, knowledge and connections in international TV business, Michel will share with the conference audience some key tips in order to facilitate local market development and build successful TV formats industry. I find this very important, as our broadcasters and prodcos are entering a new era of local production and original Ukrainian ideas creation.

Talking about the traditional conference lineup of KMW, this year the forum will host three new events, dedicated to different spheres of media: Lions Creativity Days (targeting creative advertising industry), Pay TV in Ukraine and round table that will gather representatives of key publishing houses in Ukraine. In such a way everyone will gain his benefits: KMW will extend its audience, while ‘newly joined medias’ will get an exemplary and efficient networking platform.

In terms of the Ukrainian Content Market novelties we’ll launch a new service for its participants – Screening Room. It will be an additional virtual platform for all distributors (even for those who decided to skip the market this year) to present their content to UCM buyers.

ceetv: Can you highlight some of the content that will be presented during the screening for our international readers? What are the newest formats that will be presented during this year's KMW?

VY: The screening program of Format Show 2014 will give a buzz to the conference guests by presenting above 30 format premiers of different genres and tastes. I can’t name the titles, but I can guarantee that on September 15th you’ll see the ‘hot from the oven’ by core international format distributors, such as BBC Worldwide, FremantleMedia, Global Agency, Endemol, Telemundo Internacional , ITV Studios and others.