The upcoming edition of Cabsat is set to welcome hundreds of major content and production industry professionals at its first Content Marketplace at the expo in Dubai.

A definitive event for the broadcast, satellite and entertainment content sectors across the Middle East, Africa (MEA) and South Asia region, Cabsat will run from March 9 to 11 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The all-new Content Marketplace is a dedicated platform for TV and film content creators, production houses and studios, distributors of content, producers, editors and advertising houses to buy, sell and explore co-production opportunities for the Arabic market, said the organiser DWTC.

More than 500 local, regional and international content buyers will acquire, programme and commission new and existing content from scores of free-to-air, digital and Pay TV channels and networks, broadcasters and sportscasters, telcos, satellite companies and video content platforms, it stated.

With more than 950 local, regional and international companies participating in the core Cabsat 2016 exhibition, the new Content Marketplace feature is a direct response to 32 per cent of last year’s show visitors claiming new content was ‘critical’ to their business in the next 12 to 18 months.

“The Content Marketplace is the region’s first exhibition focused purely on the selling and co-production of all filmed entertainment content for the Arabic market,” remarked Trixie LohMirmand, senior VP (Exhibitions & Events Management) at DWTC.

"International players from east and west will meet to discuss accessing and procuring content, co-production and format opportunities for scripted & non-scripted content,  as well as monetising viewing mechanisms that are thriving across the Middle East and beyond – from the demand for increased production of local, Arabic content, to the highly-lucrative, emerging post-TV market for multi-language content," she added.

According to her, the Content Marketplace has attracted more than 30 brands including India’s largest music broadcaster, 9X Media, Selevision, Rajshri, AP International, NBC Universal, ITV Studios, Talpa, Meratech, Starzplay, Zee Entertainment, Fox International, MBC Group’s 03 Productions, Milimages  and various regional broadcast pavilion organisers including the Nigerian Broadcast Commission.

With a huge focus on buying, selling and co-production opportunities for international and Arabic content, Dubai Studio City TV & Film Commission will also be present at the Content Marketplace.

“Cabsat is an excellent platform for experts from around the world to discuss and showcase key industry trends and developments,” remarked Jamal Al Sharif, the chairman of Dubai Film & TV Commission and managing director of Dubai Studio City (DSC).

"The exhibition offers great opportunities for emerging and aspiring talent to learn first-hand about new techniques and gain valuable industry insights. After the success of the post-production workshop last year, extending our partnership with Cabsat a second consecutive year underlines our strategic commitment to improve standards across the local industry," stated Sharif.

“In addition to giving professionals opportunities to master new editing software and learn production tips and tricks at this tailored platform, we are also launching a Short Film Competition for industry professionals and students to showcase their talent. Our aim is to foster local talent and showcase the emirate’s success in becoming the region’s most advanced production hub,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service