Unik Ernest plans invitation-only Cannes series during MIPCOM

Unik Ernest’s Culturin will stage a three-night, guest-list-only event series in Cannes from Oct. 12-14 alongside MIPCOM, bringing together leaders from film, TV, sports, music, media, tech and business. The programming is designed to extend marketplace conversations into smaller cultural settings on the French Riviera.

Why it matters: - The series aims to turn MIPCOM networking into deeper cross-industry relationships in a more intimate setting. - Culturin is using Cannes to position hospitality, storytelling and culture as business tools for global dealmaking. - The event mix signals how creator economy, sports, music and media leaders are increasingly overlapping at major entertainment markets.

What happened: - Unik Ernest is launching the Culturin Cannes After Dark Series, a three-night invitation-only event run from Oct. 12-14 at ELVA in Cannes, France. - The series is scheduled during MIPCOM Cannes, which runs Oct. 12-15 at the Palais des Festivals. - The events are guest-list only and will be held at ELVA, 13 Rue Docteur Gérard Monod, 06400 Cannes, France. - The program is designed to bring together leaders across entertainment, media, sports, music, technology, business and the creator economy.

The details: - MIPCOM draws more than 10,600 executives and decision-makers from the international television, streaming and content ecosystem. - The market also attracts more than 3,300 buyers and 1,500 exhibitors from over 110 countries. - The series opens Monday, Oct. 12, with the Welcome to Cannes Party. - Rashida Jones, CEO of Piers Morgan Uncensored, and Propagate Content COO Drew Buckley are hosting the opening night. - The first evening is intended to welcome the international creative community while highlighting people shaping media, entertainment and storytelling. - Tuesday, Oct. 13, features Culturin’s global debut of Cinemalistics at MIPCOM Cannes. - Anthony E. Zuiker, David Freeman, Donovan Leitch, Unik Ernest and Doug Scott are hosting the Cinemalistics night. - Wednesday, Oct. 14, closes with a Disco Night Closing Party centered on music, hospitality and connection. - Culturin was founded by Ernest as a platform connecting people, places and organizations through experiences, storytelling and technology. - Culturin works across culture, travel, hospitality and media to create programming for brands, institutions and global communities. - Ernest said Culturin After Dark is meant to create a setting where people from different parts of the entertainment business can meet organically and develop meaningful collaborations. - Ernest’s background spans hospitality, entertainment, brand partnerships, cultural diplomacy, philanthropy and global experiences. - His work has included parties, promotions and special events for Nike, Valentino, JetBlue and NBCUniversal. - Through Lokee Worldwide Productions, Ernest has produced experiences around Cannes, Sundance and the Grammy Awards. - His broader portfolio includes campaigns and activations for brands and organizations in luxury, entertainment, travel, technology and lifestyle. - Ernest’s work has also connected artists and personalities with brands, venues and international events. - Culturin says its broader ecosystem combines curated cultural experiences, destination storytelling, events and media. - The platform is designed to help brands, tourism organizations, institutions and communities share local culture with global audiences. - For more information, visit UnikWorld.com.

Between the lines: - The programming reflects a larger industry shift toward experience-driven networking, where access and setting are part of the value proposition. - By pairing MIPCOM with private cultural events, Culturin is trying to own a premium layer above the trade-show floor. - Ernest’s pitch is that culture can function as a bridge between industries, not just as entertainment or branding.

What's next: - The first test of the format will come during MIPCOM week in Cannes. - If the events generate the right mix of executives, creators and brand partners, Culturin could expand the model around other major global gatherings. - Ernest and Culturin are positioning the platform for broader work in destination storytelling, cultural programming and global event production.

The bottom line: - Culturin is betting that the most valuable conversations at MIPCOM may happen after hours, not on the convention floor.