Busan Means Media Business!
Busan, Korea’s second largest city, is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing seafood and spirted locals. Among its most famous attractions, however, is the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Now in its 28th year, BIFF has grown to become Asia’s largest cinema event as well as one of the most influential film festivals in the world.
But if you’re reading this blog entry you already know about BIFF!
Did you, however, know that in addition to the film festival, the city of Busan is also host to several major industry events throughout the year that you should have on your calendar?
The Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, or BEXCO, is a massive space that hosts hundreds of events for Busan each year and several of them are devoted to Korean entertainment content.
In this post I’ll share 3:
Busan Content Market
The Busan Content Market (BCM) is Busan’s answer to Broadcast World Wide. Founded in 2007, BCM has grown to become one of Korea’s top creative content markets. According to BCM, the event has resulted in more than $100 million dollars in content transactions. BCM was originally created to cover digital and broadcast content, but has since grown to include film, animation, webtoons, new media influencers, gaming and music. One of the largest content markets in Asia, businesses attend from all over the globe looking for what is known in Korea as “hot contents”. Like similar events, BCM has discussion panels, networking events, business matching and pitching.
BCM typically takes place each year in May.
Asian Film and Contents Market
The Asian Film and Contents Market, or ACFM, is held every year the first weekend of the Busan International Film Festival at BEXCO, which is a convenient 15-minute walk from the BIFF site.
Inside of the market you’ll find every major Korean production company, distributor and platform. In addition, other influential media companies from all over the world come to set up booths and sell their content or promote their production incentives. There is also a “story market” where writers share their IPs to producers looking for the next great idea.
ACFM participants are frequently invited to exclusive parties hosted by companies and even embassies, hoping to make connections within the region. ACFM provides market screenings, networking functions and even an awards show.
The Asian Film and Contents Market typically takes place in early October, which is very close to MIPCOM, so many people choose one or the other. However, if you have the space in your travel schedule and want to find the next new thing before anyone else, definitely put ACFM on your list.
Global Game Exhibition G-Star
With PC Bangs (internet cafes) featuring rows of state-of-the-art computers and blazing internet speeds found on nearly every block, it’s no wonder South Korea is known for having some of the best gamers in world!
Every year, Busan has the honor of hosting G-Star, Korea’s largest gaming expo. In addition to exhibiting the newest games from developers, publishers and indie studios, G-Star also serves as a platform for E-sport athletes and influencers to connect with fans and businesses. As the walls between film and gaming continue to erode, G-Star offers an opportunity for content creators to connect and find new and exciting ways to exploit IP. G-Star is a who’s who of professionals and experts and in addition to discussion panels and lectures, the event also offers business matching and networking opportunities.
And when you’re tired of wearing your business attire, feel free to slip into your favorite costume for G-Star’s COSPLAY Awards! G-Star celebrates the subculture side of gaming just as much as the business side and is an event that all media professionals should consider attending.
G-Star typically takes place in November or December.
Planning to attend these markets or want to know more? Feel free to reach out to Breakthrough Now Media!