Berlin

AVANT PREMIèRE KICK-OFF DRINKS ON 9 FEBRUARY

Yesterday, Feb 9th Avant Premiere kicked off in style with a drinks reception and relaxed evening at the "Casino" - the canteen of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden hosted by Unitel + Staatsoper Unter den Linden 

A visit a the Opera and a guided tour of all the extraordinary developments and opportunities created by the renovation of the Opera House. Since 2009, the Berlin State Opera has been undergoing considerable renovation work led by German architect HG Merz. The roof of the opera building was raised and the proscenium prolonged to improve the acoustics. Other renovation and extension works include the director's building, the below-ground connection building and the depot building. The latter will house the new rehearsal center.

The house was reopened in 2017 

ARILD ERIKSTAD IMZ President and KATHARINA JESCHKE Secretary General launched the evening and the entertaining musical performances at the canteen nicknamed "Casino".

Avant Première Music + Media Market Berlin will take place from 9-13 February 2019 at Hotel Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany, and is presented by C Major Entertainment + Unitel

Avant Première Music + Media Market Berlin is the largest trade fair, market place, conference and networking event for music + dance films. As the meeting place for a specialised industry, it unites 600 international experts + decision makers from major public + private broadcasting stations, streaming + VOD platforms, distribution companies, film production companies and performing arts institutions.

Screenings: Coproduction market for the cultural TV industry

The Avant Première Screenings provide a comprehensive synopsis of 560 music + dance films, arts documentaries, artists' portraits, concerts and live recordings, a volume and diversity that is unparalleled. Major market players like ARTE, BBC, ZDF, NHK – Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Unitel, C Major, Eagle Rock, EuroArts, Metropolitan Opera New York, Vienna State Opera or the London Symphony Orchestra present their latest productions to potential buyers, coproducers or partners and financiers. As annual b2b event, Avant Première contributes to a majority of cultural TV programming in broadcasting + streaming around the globe.

Conference: Industry trends, pitching opportunities + young talent promotion

Programme formats around Avant Première are designed to fit the specific needs of the industry, with special presentations, talks and panels on current issues, booth areas for company presentations and abundant opportunities for networking + exchanging ideas. The 2019 edition features the following highlights:

Special Focus “Innovation Day” on 12 February 2019

The Innovation Day places a special emphasis on innovative technologies for the Arts, with a focus on VR, 360° and immersive sound and further explores novel + imaginative approaches to music + dance filmmaking.

Sunny Side of the Doc + IMZ Pitching Session on 11 February 2019

In cooperation with Sunny Side of the Doc, the global market place for documentary + factual content, Avant Première 2019 shines a special spotlight on performing arts documentaries. The call for proposals yielded an incredible amount + quality of projects, the five best proposals are invited to pitch at Avant Première to decision makers from BBC, ARTE France, SVT – Swedish Television, Sky Italia and distributor Wide House.

Broadcaster Lightning Talks on 11 February 2019

In order to facilitate communication + cooperation between producers and buyers, major international broadcasters like AMC International Networks – Latin America, WDR – Westdeutscher Rundfunk, ZDF – German Television, ARTE France or NHK – Japan Broadcasting Corporation, present their future programming + acquisition strategies for cultural content.

One-on-One Expert Session on 13 February 2019

In a “speed dating” format participants get the unique chance to connect with decision makers from major international broadcasters + streaming platforms like BBC Music, Sky Italia or medici.tv. In ten-minute meetings emerging + established talents can pitch their projects to initiate collaborations + coproductions.

Meet the Stars

As a special highlight, renowned artists present their productions in person. This year we expect Juan Diego Flórez, Asmik Grigorian, Petra Nachtmanova, Anna Prohaska, DJ Orkidea, Shen Tiemei and Cathrine Winnes.

Cooperation with European Film Market

Avant Première continues to expand its cooperation with the EFM European Film Market, the business section of Berlin International Film Festival, involving special screening and ticket deals for attendants. 

For more information: www.avant-premiere.net

Madeleine Pillwatsch / Communications + PR Manager with Bruno Chatelin on opening day.