KMW 2019: results, facts and figures

What will KYIV MEDIA WEEK 2019 be remembered for? This year, the forum focused on modern technologies, global trends, the implementation of creative approaches and the introduction of new effective business models in TV and film production. The 9th international media forum brought together key players of the media business, representatives of the creative industries and those who are interested in the contemporary international and Ukrainian content industry. In 4 days, 935 guests from 38 countries visited the Content Market and participated in almost 50 events during KYIV MEDIA WEEK that took place on September 16-19 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The two-day KMW Content Market 2019 brought together more than 40 sellers from around the world. Representatives of TV channels and production companies from Ukraine and other countries of the region (this year, delegations from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Georgia, Belarus took an active part in the forum) had opportunity to get acquainted with the catalogues of leading distributors and media companies from the UK, Europe and the United States. Also, the presence of the Asian region, including India, South Korea, and China was extensive.

For the second year running, the official conference program was opened by Virginia Mouseler, CEO of international research company The Wit, Analytical Partner of KMW. Virginia shared with the audience of the forum her fresh take on non-scripted shows from all around the world, as well as on global drama trends. Also, the list of star speakers of KMW 2019 included a former NASA rocket scientist, and now co-founder of Cinelytic, Dev Sen, who introduced to the media forum audience the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the content industry. Andrew Reid, Head of Production at Northern Ireland Screen, presented a unique case study on the transformation of Northern Ireland into a true home for the GAME OF THRONES, what influenced not only the industry, but the life of the entire country. And, of course, cannot fail to mention here the inspiration talk of producer Alexander Rodnyansky who told about the current era of revolutionary changes in the global content industry.

On September 16, the press-conference of the media forum hosted a public speech by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Ukraine Volodymyr Borodyansky. The new minister, having united the three ministries, spoke about the importance of reforming state support for the humanitarian sector and shared with KMW participants and key media representatives his concept of synergy between the industries. 

As always, KMW program was rich on a thematic events’ lineups organized with the support of media forum partners. In particular, the range of sessions dedicated to TV series, organized in partnership with TV Channel Ukraine included case studies of world-famous projects such as ITV and Netflix crime drama MARCELLA, the co-production TV series VERSAILLES, as well as drama screening from around the world and panel discussion "New Horizons of Ukrainian TV series".

A separate panel discussion was dedicated to the first Ukrainian noir series HIDE AND SEEK. By the way, this can be considered as a real breakthrough as far as it was the first time in the nine-year history of KMW when a separate session of the conference program was focused namely on the Ukrainian project, on par with other successful international case studies. It should be noted that the KMW 2019 program had many interesting events dedicated to the creation and promotion of audiovisual content in Ukraine, reflecting the dynamic and comprehensive development of the local television and film industry.

An important mission of KMW is to promote extensive involvement of Ukraine and other countries of the region to the European and global context. A number of panel discussions and reports focused on finding ways of effective cooperation with other countries and regions were held to complete the mission: "Moldova, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan: market insights"; "Cooperation with Asia: co-production, adaptation, distribution"; "CEE drama hits. Unveiling success recipes" (in partnership with CEETV); "Successful streaming content strategies: Lessons from the CIS and beyond" as well as the traditional "Let’s check Ukrainian broadcasters' wishlists", where representatives of media groups and leading TV channels presented their programming strategies and talked about the most relevant content.

Traditionally, the KMW program included exclusive analytical reports and screenings on the current global content trends by Knowledge Partner K7 Media and International Media Partner C21 Media. Also, large-scale partner-events: the conference "Television as Business", organized by Television Industry Committee (TIC), and the III conference for rights holders "Fighting Piracy in Ukraine", organized with the support of the Public Union "Clear Sky Initiative".

The final round of the SMALL WORLD. BIG IDEAS entertainment formats contest also took place at KMW. For the 5th year in a row, the contest was held in partnership with the international distributor Small World IFT (USA) and the largest audiovisual content market MIPCOM (France). Also, this time KMW CoProduction Meetings forum, created to enhance international co-production in the films and series production, was supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.

In addition to the traditional focus on audiovisual content production and distribution, this year's KMW program raised numerous topics dedicated to high-end technologies and innovations. Along with the abovementioned exclusive keynote on machine learning in the media industry, the presentation "Is blockchain technology a game changer?" by digital media and blockchain consultant Manuel Badel, "Beyond Screens, about VR/AR, design and UX" by Alysha Naples, CEO at Tin Drum, Immersive Experience Designer were held.

Huge thanks from KMW organizers – Media Resources Management – to all guests, participants and speakers of the event!

Special thanks to the partners and sponsors of KMW 2019: Ukrainian State Film Agency, Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, SES company, Innovation Partner LG, Jack Daniels, Finlandia, Official Partner of the KMW Party "Wine of Moldova – a Legend Alive", Business Travel Partner KyiAvia, DW Akademie, UA | TV International TV Partner, TakTreba Production and Patriot Rental Technical Partners, SunriseFilm Production Video Partner, and all those people without whom this media forum would not be so bright, intense and productive!

To feel the atmosphere and view a photo report from all KMW 2019 official events and the party visit our Facebook page, all the photos in high quality are available on Flickr.

Follow our news as very soon the dates of the 10th anniversary forum will be announced. See you on other MRM projects and events, and of course on KYIV MEDIA WEEK 2020!