As the throngs of television buyers and sellers prepare to descend on the French Riviera later this week for the launch of mip-tv, Canadians should anticipate seeing about as many of their fellows in attendance as last year.

Michelle Bischoff, Telefilm Canada’s promotion officer for international markets, says Canadian companies en route to Cannes should number in the 90-95 range, about even with 1993. But Telefilm’s booth will be more crowded than usual: Bischoff says a record 14 companies will operate under the Telefilm umbrella this year including firms from Halifax, Regina, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Some Quebec companies will be grouped with sogic, but several will also be grouped together separately.

As the pace of technological change accelerates, it’s hard to say what sales strategy Canadian companies might adopt, Bischoff says, adding that one thing some might consider is to avoid committing their program distribution rights for too long a licence period. With possibilities opening up and opportunities increasing to market programs in different media – as well as in different territories – people are packaging and repackaging to build their libraries and it might be shortsighted to hand over distribution rights for long time periods. ‘This feeling of uncertainty will make people cautious,’ she says.

In addition to the usual onslaught of press conferences, invitation-only cocktail parties, soirees and screening/lunches, several special events might merit a closer look.

Right off the top, at 4 p.m. April 16, the companies attached to the Quebec producers’ group stand (Tele-Export), will host a presentation of Quebec production. Quebec’s culture minister, Liza Frulla, will take part.

On April 17, for two hours beginning at 9 a.m., several international companies, including Canada’s CanWest Global, will discuss their expansion strategies. This debate, featuring such other participants as Thames Television, nbc and abc (Australia), will take place in the Palais des Festivals, Auditorium A. Later on the 17th, at 2:30 p.m., Philips International will hold a press conference on cd-i interactive technology and digital video in the Majestic Hotel.

The following day, at 11 a.m. in the Palais’ level three press room, the Australian Children’s Foundation will announce details on the March 1995 World Summit on Children and Television, to be hosted by the bbc, Nickelodeon and nhk in Melbourne, Australia. Later on April 18, at 5 p.m., Telefilm takes over the level three press room with a lecture entitled ‘Canada, a partner for Europe,’ and will also address issues specific to Canada in the wake of the gatt negotiations. A reception follows.

On April 19, at 10 a.m., representatives of the Banff Television Festival will do their own news conference to announce programs nominated to compete for prizes at the 1994 festival.

If that ain’t enough, there’s a Sesame Street 25th birthday party, a slew of new technologies on display and even a party in honor of actress Joan Collins…