All the latest news from the global content industry on Thursday, 2 July

 

MipJunior expands scope to teens

Mipcom is expanding its MipJunior strand by focusing on content for kids from preschool through to tweens and teens.

A more practical, business-focused conference programme has also been created, with keynotes including Animaj’s co-founder Gregory Dray and sessions exploring changing audiences, emerging platforms and business models, and market intelligence.

Lucy Smith, director of Mipcom and MipJunior, said the programme would “better reflect where innovation is happening across entertainment for young audiences, and places an even greater emphasis on practical business insights.”

MipJunior is held immediately ahead of Mipcom, which this year runs 12-15 October.

 

Tatxo Benet sells final Mediapro stake

Mediapro co-founder Tatxo Benet has exited the Spanish production giant he founded after selling his remaining 5% shareholding to majority investor Southwind.

The transaction marks Benet’s “complete and final separation from the company”, Mediapro said, with the move coming nine months after he stepped down as chief exec and chairman.

Benet founded Mediapro with Jaume Roures and Gerard Romy 25 years ago, but all three have now left. The company has been hit by losing rights to produce coverage of Spain’s La Liga and cancelling its deal to broadcast Ligue 1 in France.

 

Godfather of Harlem to end  

MGM+ is bringing the curtain down on Godfather of Harlem with a two-hour special.

The Forest Whitaker-starring drama’s fourth season premiere in April 2025 and tracked the ongoing battle for control of Harlem.

The show was created by showrunner Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein  with 20th TV producing.

 

Maya snags Starz for US, Canada

Starz has joined Two Brothers’ dark comedy drama Maya as co-pro partner for the US and Canada.

The six-part series was commissioned by Channel 4 as part of a six-strong drama slate, and it will have its premiere on the PSB before airing exclusively on Starz in North America. The deal was brokered by All3Media International.

Maya was written by Daisy Haggard, who stars alongside Bella Ramsey as mother and daughter Anna and Maya, who are forced into witness protection and relocated to a small rural town, where two hitmen search for them.

Haggard also co-directs and exec produces the series, alongside Two Brothers’ Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer and Daisy Mount.