An official release informs that 2,705 companies from 89 countries and 2,336 buyers gathered to do business during this year's market. There were 1247 exhibiting companies. This was a slight improvement from last year when there were 2,686 companies from 92 countries including 1205 exhibiting companies.

As per feedback received from international delegates, the television market provided the perfect environment to generate lucrative deals. Many participants noted that they had more time to spend with their clients and thus consolidated their partnerships. They also noticed an increase in the overall level of quality of production being shown at MIPTV.

The release states that since seeing formats were still high on broadcasters' agendas, the genre has now entered a new phase of growth, culminating in cross-genre concepts which incorporate other non-format production elements taken from drama, sitcom or factual entertainment. With a feast of original programming on offer and catering to the ongoing demand, the UK's Action Time signed a multi-format deal with the pan-European production company Europroducciones.

MIPTV saw BBC Worldwide, German channel ZDF and ORF sign a major co-production deal for the landmark series The Natural History of Europe., Arte, Southern Star, & Associes and Tele Images have joined forces to produce a documentary Operation Aquapolis.

In addition Tiburon TV confirmed a license agreement with Distraction Formats for the scripted comedy Camera Café and IDTV's new drama format Finals was signed as a development license by Channel 4 (UK). The ultimate format extravaganza came in the form of Eurobest, the European finale of Endemol's Star Academy which was hosted during MIPTV 2003 and broadcast live by TF1. The show welcomed special performances from Tom Jones, Mariah Carey and Atomic Kitten, who graced the Grand Auditorium stage in the Palais des Festivals.

TF1 extended its output agreement with Carlton International, with the deal covering TV movies from Carlton America. ZDF Enterprises and Discovery Communications extended their programming and production joint venture until 2005.

MILIA, which also celebrated its 10th anniversary and ran alongside MIPTV 2003 from 26 - 28 March had over 1300 professionals from 53 countries. MIPTV 2004 is scheduled to take place on 29 March to 2 April, preceded by MIPDOC which will run from 27 to 28 March.

The international television community will next meet for the 19th edition of MIPCOM, which will run from 10-14 October. This will be preceded by MIPCOM Junior from 8- 9 October. This year's MIPCOM will also introduce the Merchandising Club, a new feature focusing on licensing and merchandising activities.

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