Monte Carlo market returns to its roots.

Here are the facts: As of last month, the Monte Carlo TV Market anticipated more than 220 distributors, including 100 exhibiting companies and 163 invited program buyers (all expenses paid) and other acquisition executives. The Monte Carlo market is contracting and is now the size it was 10 years ago, almost the ideal size for a venue such as Monte Carlo, which is organized by the tiny principality of Monaco.

The unruly market growth recorded in the years 1988 to 1992 caused many problems for the organizers, not the least of which was limited accommodations. Many remember that in 1992 a luxury ocean liner was called in to house the overflowing participants.

One can expect that by the end of the market some 1,500 people will have attended the 18th edition of the Monte Carlo TV Market, which will take place from February 12 to 15.

Among the MPAA members, only Fox and Disney have decided not to attend. As far as the American mini-majors are concerned, all seem to be planning to attend. Indeed, the U.S. brings the largest group of exhibitors, a total of 31 companies. Canada is sending nine companies. From Europe, the largest contingent comes from the U.K. (13 companies), followed by France (12 exhibitors) and Germany (five companies). In all, 14 European countries are exhibiting.

On the buying side, the largest group is naturally the Western Europeans, with the British on top (25 buyers), followed by France (19) and Italy (10). But there are also buyers planning to attend from the Far East and the Pacific Rim (13), Eastern Europe (21), the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

On the gala front, Hallmark's Gulliver's Travels will premiere on February 10 at a black-tie event at which Prince Albert of Monaco will be present. Prince Albert will be going to Calgary, Canada, on February 13 for the Winter Sport competition, which is reportedly the last time that he will be leaving town during the Monte Carlo Festival and Market. The keynote speaker on February 13 will be the outspoken chairman of the U.K.'s Channel Four, Michael Grade.

Traditionally the allure of the Monte Carlo TV Market has lain in the U.S. midseason replacements, which this year total some 20 programs.

According to Bruce Gordon, Paramount will have two new shows at Monte Carlo. "Last year we closed more deals at Monte Carlo than at MIP," he said, explaining his fondness for this winter market.

While the studios and mini-majors go to Monte Carlo to show their midseason product, smaller distributors find that at such a trade show major buyers are more accessible.

Said Tapestry's Nancy Walzog: "Last year we had good meetings, and the cost is relatively low. Monte Carlo is a good time to pick up 'stragglers' and, since our clients like to see whole programs, we can show what was in trailer form at MIPCOM." Walzog finds Monte Carlo a good meeting ground, especially for French and Eastern European buyers.

For buyers such as Frank Mulder of NOS, Monte Carlo is an important place to finalize negotiations. "All broadcasters will be there," commented Mulder, "because we can talk at ease and look [at TV shows] at ease."

The principality is also strengthening its grip on the international TV industry with Sportel - a sports TV trade show held in October - and various TV-related events such as the World Music Awards.

This year Monte Carlo coincides with MILIA, the multimedia trade show held in nearby Cannes (see front cover story). A "cross-pollination" is expected, since many exhibitors are involved in both TV and multimedia program sales. Day trips from MILIA participants to the Monte Carlo TV Market could increase the final attendance count as much as 10 percent. However, it is not expected that many of these newfound attendees will venture beyond the Loews Hotel's reception and bar areas. As in the early days, the Monte Carlo TV Market revolves around the third floor of the Loews, with the festival component taking place in the adjacent Convention Center, which is accessible through the hotel.