London TV Screenings: A Unique Approach to Networking
The London TV Screenings are bustling hubs of activity where buyers are bombarded with countless meetings, screenings, luncheons, and social gatherings. Amid this hectic atmosphere, one clever distributor discovered an innovative way to engage with these sought-after executives: offering a taxi service to navigate the plethora of events while simultaneously pitching their projects.
Be Entertainment, a distributor based in Belgium, implemented this unique strategy by setting up a dedicated taxi service to transport buyers between various venues throughout the week.
Gepke Nederlof, the Managing Director at Be Entertainment, explained to Deadline that their “Be-Entertaxi” served as an alternative to scheduling numerous coffee meetings or arranging a screening during a week crowded with other events.
“We came up with this idea after listening to many buyers complain about the overwhelming number of screenings and people they needed to meet in such a short span,” Nederlof remarked. “We thought it would be beneficial to simplify their schedule in London by transporting them from one event to the next, making the most of our time together in a fun and engaging manner.”
This creative taxi service not only highlights the innovative thinking of Be Entertainment but also emphasizes the significant scale of the London TV Screenings. The introduction of MIP London and the traditional BBC Showcase at the beginning of the week further intensifies the scheduling challenges.
Despite being a part of DPG Media, Belgium’s largest media conglomerate, Be Entertainment still faces the challenge of capturing the attention of buyers. This is especially difficult considering the presence of major players like All3Media, Banijay, Fremantle, and ITV Studios who, despite varying ownership, are headquartered in London and have the advantage of playing on their home field.
The competition is fierce with major companies like Amazon, Fox, Paramount Global, Sony, and others hosting their own events, leading buyers to have their schedules packed to the brim.
During the taxi rides, Be Entertainment showcased various formats, including the former Deadline Global Breakout “The Political Assembly” and the singing competition “Lift You Up.”
With the notorious traffic in central London during peak hours, these taxi journeys potentially offered enough time to present an entire episode or two.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
