MIP London Gets Starry With David Beckham & Netflix’s Bela Bajaria Onboard

Max Goldbart
·2-min read

The debut MIP London has just attracted its first bit of star power.

Soccer star-turned TV powerhouse David Beckham will headline the first ever event in the English capital alongside Netflix content supremo Bela Bajaria. They will address the market on February 25.

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Both are huge gets and will capture the attention of the market. Beckham is one of the most famous sports stars of all time who in recent years has turned attention to his indie Studio 99 and hit Netflix documentary series Beckham. His wife Victoria is currently subject of a similar tell-all doc.

As Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bajaria controls a multibillion dollar film and TV budget. Recent hits include A Man on the Inside, The Piano Lesson, Baby Reindeer and Bridgerton. She also worked with Beckham on his doc.

“We promised the TV industry to deliver big moments and future-facing conversations at MIP LONDON next February,” said Lucy Smith, director of MIP. “Bela and David are hugely impactful figures culturally and globally each with great influence and unique perspectives on creating content and connecting with audiences and both with significant international platforms. It’s a privilege to welcome them both to the MIP stage in London.”

The talks will mark the first MIP London, as the bi-annual MIP market shifts from Cannes to England in February concurrent with the ever-growing London Screenings.

At last count, MIP said 700 delegates from more than 50 countries had confirmed their presence at the confab, including plus-350 buyers. It will feature talks, buyers and summits for the kids, formats and docs genres. MIP boss Lucy Smith recently downplayed the need for the nascent confab to attract big numbers, stating: “We’re not talking numbers… we want to create a useful international marketplace where people come together for business opportunities by bringing more execs into London.”

MIP London will take place from February 23 to 27 at the Savoy Hotel and IET London conference center.

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