Two Prominent Entertainment Industry Figures Join Forces to Discuss The Future of Content: What's Next?
Paris, September 20, 2023 - MIPCOM CANNES is pleased to announce that Cris Abrego, current President of Banijay for the Americas region, and Emmy®-nominated actress, award-winning director, producer, and activist Eva Longoria, will be taking the stage together at the 39th MIPCOM CANNES, the prestigious international market for co-production and entertainment (October 16-19). With over two decades of successful collaboration, their opening speech will showcase the experiences and insights of these two eminent professionals: one, a leading creative entrepreneur and television executive in the Americas, and the other, one of the most distinguished, recognized, and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Titled "The Future of Content: What's Next?", their joint conversation will delve into the latest themes shaping the entertainment industry, envisioning how they might shape the future both creatively and commercially. This insightful discussion will take place at the renowned Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on Monday, October 16th at 4:00 PM, as part of the "Media Mastermind" series in the conference program.
Recognized as an entrepreneur, entertainment industry leader, award-winning producer, and philanthropist, Cris Abrego currently serves as President for the Americas at media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, overseeing acquisitions and new ventures in North and South America. He previously held the position of CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings. As co-founder and CEO of 51 Minds Entertainment, Abrego was a pioneer in the reality TV genre with groundbreaking shows such as "The Surreal Life," establishing the company as a major player in unscripted production, later acquired by Endemol. He began his career at Bunim/Murray Productions, where he worked on reality TV successes like "The Real World" and "Road Rules." Additionally, Abrego serves as President of the Television Academy Foundation, the charitable arm of the Television Academy, dedicated to pro-social causes.
Celebrated globally for her work both in front of and behind the camera, Eva Longoria founded the production company "UnbeliEVAble Entertainment" in 2005, shortly after her groundbreaking role on "Desperate Housewives." Her goal was to intentionally bring stories of Latinx and other underrepresented communities to the screen. This prolific company has been behind hits such as "Grand Hotel" (ABC), "Telenovela" (NBC), the Emmy-nominated documentary "Reversing Row" (Netflix), and the popular culinary docuseries "Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico" (CNN). Named by Variety as one of the "Directors to Watch" in 2021, Eva Longoria also made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed "Flamin' Hot," released earlier this year on Disney+ and Hulu by Searchlight Pictures. She also directed and produced the documentary "La Guerra Civil" (DAZN), which premiered at Sundance and received critical acclaim, chronicling the historic battle between boxing legends Oscar de la Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez. As a devoted philanthropist and activist, she has consistently lent her voice to a range of key issues, including diversity and inclusion in media, Latinx entrepreneurship, and STEM education.
Eva Longoria expressed her excitement, saying, "MIPCOM CANNES is one of the industry's most significant global markets, and it's an honor to participate in the conversation as a keynote speaker alongside Cris. Our industry is facing tremendous disruptions and transformations that could offer opportunities to reshape the future of content. I look forward to discussing how we can drive what's to come."
"It has become commonplace to reflect on the extraordinary inflection point we find ourselves in, yet we must continue to consider how seismic shifts in the entertainment ecosystem create new opportunities for business leaders and creatives to determine the path forward," added Cris Abrego. "I see no better setting for this conversation than alongside Eva at MIPCOM CANNES, the annual gathering that has stood as a benchmark for the global and American content industry."
"The MIPCOM CANNES stage is the perfect place to hear the unparalleled perspectives of the most significant and influential figures in the entertainment world," said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES. "Eva and Cris are true creative leaders whose impact and achievements extend far beyond their on-screen credits. As the industry stands at a pivotal juncture, this is an unprecedented opportunity to hear the combined insights of one of the foremost leaders in the Americas and one of the world's recognized filmmakers and public figures on the factors shaping its future. We look forward to warmly welcoming them to Cannes."
In total, this year's MIPCOM CANNES will see the participation of 11,000 buyers, commissioners, creatives, and producers from around the world, representing over 100 countries, making it the largest global gathering of television and entertainment leaders. The Riviera exhibition halls and outdoor spaces on the Croisette beach are fully booked with a lineup featuring major studios, production groups, and distributors.
MIPJUNIOR will also return to the JW Marriott this weekend ahead of MIPCOM CANNES (October 13-15) with a brand-new half-day pre-opening program starting at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 13th.