P, NATPE Budapest International is back as an in-person event this year. Is this a new beginning? ​
It will be the first marketplace NATPE will have in Europe as we navigate out of the pandemic. It will also be the first European show where all the US Studios attend and have screening.

What will be the main focus of the 11th edition? ​
Closing deals! We anticipate a vibrant marketplace with over 300 buyers and close to 70 exhibitors, so it will be all about business meetings and high-level networking.

Will there be a virtual part for those who want to take part but will be unable to travel, as in 2020? ​
No, and this is on purpose. We want to encourage buyers and sellers to safely meet face to face and enjoy seeing each other for the first time as we are the only marketplace in the region at this time.

Ukrainian content will also be in the focus. What should we expect? ​
We are excited to be able to donate a Ukrainian Pavilion to the marketplace and welcoming at least five Ukrainian Broadcasters organized by the Ukrainian Content Association MRM

What will be the topics of the different panels throughout the market?
By design we do not have a conference this year so we don’t interfere with what will be a very busy market. The one main event will be on Tuesday at lunchtime, which you are familiar with since you are producing it: the sixth edition of PITCH&PLAY LIVE!

Which companies will showcase their content during the screenings part?
​The studios have requested that we keep that information private, but historically they have all been there and we have good information that there will be more screenings than ever.

You announced a more international focus of the event in previous editions. Do you expect delegates from new countries to join NATPE Budapest International this year? ​
Absolutely, especially from Turkey, India and the CEE region as well as the UK and EU.

What trends have you observed since markets started returning after the slowdown of the coronavirus pandemic?
We see a great demand for fresh content, especially international series as well as a increasing activity in international co-productions.