CANNES: The US-Iraq war has left its impact on the 40th edition of MIPTV.
This holds true if one looks at the numbers announced by organiser Reed Midem as of 26 March. Day one was characterised by typical hustle and bustle making it look like the regular MIPTV. But since then, the numbers have refused to climb.
A Reed spokesperson said, "There have been some cancellations. Some people who were supposed to come on Day 2 and Day 3 did not turn up. But we will know only come to know the exact numbers after MIPTV is over on 28 March."
The numbers as of 26 March:for 2003 vs 2002
| Category | 2003 numbers | 2002 numbers |
| Participants | 9024 | 10,104 |
| Buyers | 2327 | 2603 |
| Registered Companies | 2666 | 2686 |
| Countries Represented | 95 | 92 |
| Exhibiting Companies | 1247 |
1205 |
However, the Indian participants do not seem to mind the reduction in numbers. Since the itinerary is less crowded and taxing, everyone has had extra time to spend with each other and discuss. Meetings have been less rushed, observes Balaji Telefilms Rajesh Pavithran. He said, "It has been a good market for us."
Says animation studio Jadoo Works chief Ashish Kulkarni: "It has been a great MIPTV for us. Our deals are progressing well, the lower attendance has proved beneficial."
