CMC 2023 Conference Guide

Welcome back to Sheffield for our 20th edition of The Children’s Media Conference. Some delegates may remember our early days as “Showcomotion”– when the conference was born as a professional gettogether during the children’s film festival of the same name to discuss issues, innovation, and views of the future, which probably wouldn’t have included “we’ll all be back in 20 years time”!

But we are back... and the UK and Irish children’s and youth media sectors (whom we have always tried to principally serve at CMC) continue to be powerhouses of creativity, business innovation, and forward thinking. Albeit powerhouses that have to work immensely hard to survive in some of the toughest times we have experienced in the industry in these last 20 years or more.

That – we hope – is where CMC can help. By coming together and discussing what faces us, finding new ways to build partnerships, learning from shared understanding of kids, the market, technology and trends, and basically being open and collaborative – the industry can only benefit. And from that comes the immense benefit to an audience that continues to be well-served, sustained and empowered.

Our Opening Keynote speaker –David Olusoga OBE will explore just how vital the kids’ media sector is in supporting the well-being of millions of young people in this country and around the world – at a time when being young is seriously tough. He’ll also ask us: how are we contributing to their better and truthful understanding of the world they live in and how can we connect them to that world in a meaningful way? The future depends on them, so it also depends on us.

Looking to celebrate our 20th birthday with us is our Creative Keynote speaker Sharna Jackson. Sharna is a hugely successful author of YA fiction including the Waterstones prize winning ‘High Rise Mystery’.

And in previous lives she was founding Creative Director at Hopster, developed the Tate Kids website, ran Site Gallery in Sheffield, was Artistic Director of CMC Playground – and a long-standing member of the CMC Advisory Committee! So, we’ll celebrate our Anniversary with one who knows us all too well!

We are grateful to David and Sharna, and to all our speakers participating in the packed programme in Sheffield and in our spring video season – all now available for delegates to watch on the CMC YouTube channel. For online delegates the Keynotes will be live-streamed and all the conference content will be available within a few hours of it being staged in Sheffield. Which means that anything you miss in the programme in the next few days can be watched all summer long.

So Power Up! for a 20th anniversary rapid ride through the rocky landscape of kids’ content – on TV, in films, theatre, books, digital media, live events, licensing and in the education sector. CMC 2023 has something for everyone, and time and space for meeting new people and making new partnerships.

We’ll sign off with a massive thank you to our tireless volunteers, to the hard-working CMC Advisory Committee, and to the dozens of session and video producers, hosts, moderators and speakers who give of their time and expertise so freely to bring you CMC 2023. And a special thankyou to CMC’s sponsors – without whom none of this would be possible.

Team CMC – Jacqui, Lauren, Claire, Darren, Mat, Joe, Lorna, Rachael, Diane, Helen, Sarah, and Alison –all echo our welcome.

Enjoy your time at CMC Sheffield 2023!

Greg Childs. Editorial Director Kathy Loizou. Director The Children’s Media Conference

David Olusoga OBE

Sharna Jackson

Introduction Power Up!

CMC is celebrating its 20th anniversary! If it were a marriage, a traditional gift would be something made of fine china to reflect the delicate balance between two people who’ve been married for 20 years. It seems to me that our industry is very much a delicate balance – between the inspiring creative concepts that make us world-famous and the realities of shrinking budgets and commercial pressures.

Therefore this year’s theme of POWER UP! is a rallying call for us to come together as an industry –to inspire, to advise, to learn and, above all, to celebrate everything we love about this glorious creative space in which we are fortunate enough to work. If the CMC team and the Advisory Committee have done their job properly, there will be sessions for those just starting out in the industry and sessions for those whose experience may need challenging or updating.

We have our customary wide range of sessions with topics such as business strategies, writing for comedy and the challenges around using AI, as well as perennial favourites such as PYMWYMI and the Commissioner sessions. And the research strand is back! Has it been away, I hear you ask! Well, this is the first time it’s been live at Sheffield since 2019 – so do please show your support and pop into Showroom Cinema 2 for some invaluable insights.

This is my first year as Chair of the Advisory Committee and I like to think I’m getting the hang of it. I can now distinguish between the look that says an idea might be brewing or the look that says someone is dreaming of their lunch.

Thank you to all of the Committee members for giving up their time and for their invaluable contribution to this year’s conference agenda. Admittedly, I haven’t yet come good on my manifesto promise to introduce an ice-cream concession to the CMC but these things are a delicate balance – I’ve had the inspirational idea, now to tackle the realities of making it happen!

Marion Edwards Chair, The CMC Advisory Committee

Marion Edwards Chair, The CMC Advisory Committee

Thursday 29 June 8am-8pm BST

Meeting Mojo

Ticket to be bought separately from the main CMC conference

International Exchange

One-to-one meetings from 8am-8pm.

International Exchange is in partnership with Department for Business & Trade

Tuesday 4 July 10am-8pm

The Workstation Registration Open

Registration is open 10am-8pm on Tuesday, 8.30am-7pm on Wednesday and 8.30am-4.30pm on Thursday.

Tuesday 4 July 1-5pm

Millenium Gallery

Ticket to be bought separately from the main CMC conference

CMC SkillBuilder: Building Storyworlds, Developing IP & Growing a Franchise Workshop

A fun, collaborative workshop, loaded with experts to help you build robust storyworlds that can be exploited across multiple media.

Experts

Adam Bailey

Director of Animation Production & Development, Paramount International Kids & Family

Daniel Bays

SVP of Development, CAKE Productions

Mellie Buse

Head Writer/Showrunner, Adastra Development

Emma Fernando

Series Producer, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe

Tess Foster

Series Producer, BBC Education (Campaigns)

Robin Gladman

Head of Acquisitions, Aardman Animations

Ryan Norrington

Creative Technologist

Lynsey O’Callaghan

Senior Director – Nickelodeon International Acquisitions and Current Series, Paramount Kids and Family

Diane Whitley

Scriptwriter, Showrunner and Producer

Elena Wurlitzer

Development Producer, Jellyfish Pictures

Hosted and Produced by

Alison Norrington

Founder and Creative Director, storycentral

Assistant Producer

Beverly Yeang

Production Manager, Studio AKA

Executive Producer

Marion Edwards

Managing Director / Executive Producer, Gutsy Animations UK

Tuesday 4 July 5-6pm

Head of Steam

First Timers Reception

Social

A unique opportunity to mix and mingle with other CMC delegates live in Sheffield. This special event is a great chance to meet new people.

Hosted by

Sarah Baynes Director, The Creative Garden

Seyi Odusanya Freelance Writer

Faraz Osman MD, Gold Wala Producer

Tom Jordan Writer & Content Creator

Tuesday 4 July 6-7.15pm

Sheffield City Hall

Opening Keynote: David Olusoga Live Session

David Olusoga explores just how vital the kids’ media sector is in supporting the well-being of millions of young people in this country and around the world – at a time when being young is seriously tough.

Hosted by Sonali Shah TV & Radio Broadcaster

Speaker David Olusoga OBE Historian and Broadcaster

Producer

Francesca Alberigi Manager, Production & Development, Paramount Kids & Family

Executive Producer

Cedric Petitpas

Head of Family & Learning Partnerships, YouTube UK & Ireland

Sponsored by Jellyfish Pictures

The Opening Keynote includes a presentation by Changemaker Izzy Garbutt, Member of Youth

Parliament

Changemaker Producer

Michelle Jones

Casting Director / Voice Director / Recording Producer, Brilliant Casting

Tuesday 4 July 7.15-9pm BST

Sheffield Cathedral

Wednesday 5 July 9am

The CMC Drinks Reception

Social Join us for the opening night drinks reception in the beautiful setting of Sheffield Cathedral.

Sponsored by Aardman

The HUBS Tea & Coffee

Social Tea and coffee is available throughout the day for all registered delegates in Sheffield.

Sponsored by MoPo

Wednesday 5 July 9.30-10.30am

Showroom Cinema 4

Wednesday 5 July 11am-12noon

Question Time

Live Session

Lively debate assured when five leading industry and policy figures take questions from the CMC audience.

Hosted by

Gary Pope CEO, Kids Industries

Speakers

Kate Biggs Director, Broadcasting & Media Group, Ofcom

Patricia Hidalgo Director of Children’s & Education, BBC

Kate O’Connor Executive Chair, Animation UK

Jenk Oz Founder & CEO, Thred Media

Marcus Ryder MBE Head of External Consultancies, Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity

Producer

Mark Pallis

Author and Producer, Neu Westend Press

Executive Producer

Helen McAleer

Owner, Helen McAleer Ltd

Sponsored by

Fourth Wall

Showroom Cinema 4 Commissioner Conversations: Pre-school

Live Session

A who’s who and what’s what of UK pre-school television commissioning.

Hosted by

Nigel Clarke Presenter/Founder, Dadvengers

Speakers

Louise Bucknole General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Estelle Hughes Commissioning Editor, Sy Kids UK & ROI

Kate Morton Senior Head of Commissioning 0-6, BBC Children’s

Zia Sands Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions Kids & Family, Warner Bros Discovery EMEA Producer

Aisha Jan Development Coordinator, BFI Young Audiences Content Fund

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Sponsored by Karrot

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: Pre-school at 12.30-1.30pm

Speed Meetings Producer

Rachael Exton Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by Brown Bag Films

Wednesday 5 July 11am-12noon

Showroom Cinema 2

Wednesday 5 July 11.10-12.10pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Understanding Kids 1&2

Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Commissioning and Distribution in a Changing Market & More than play: How Gaming Features in the Lives of Children.

Speakers

Cyrine Amor Senior Analyst, Ampere Analysis

Luca Antilli Head of Media Literacy Research, Ofcom

Producers

Megan Nicholson Content Creator

Vanessa Wheeler Script & Development Coordinator, Lupus Films

Zamil Zareen Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

Emotional Development –

Meaningful Conversations Live Session

How do we prepare kids for the future, and open up family discussion on big, often challenging, topics?

Hosted by

Jo Redfern Strategic Consultant

Speakers

Estelle Lloyd COO & Co-founder, Macademia (Da Vinci)

Mikael Shields CEO, Acamar Films

Nigel Twumasi Co-founder, mayamada Producer

Charlotte Chisnall Director and Founder, Glint Executive Producer

Gary Pope Founder & CEO, Kids Industries

Wednesday 5 July 12-2pm The HUBS Lunch

Social Lunch packs are available for all delegates in Sheffield.

Sponsored by Blue Zoo

Wednesday 5 July 12.30-1.15pm

Showroom Cinema 4

New Business Strategies

Live Session Investigating alternative routes to funding and finance.

Hosted by

Genevieve Dexter

Founder & CEO, Serious Kids Distribution & Eye Present Productions

Speakers

Dominic Gardiner CEO, Jetpack Distribution

Walid Omar Executive Producer, Lil Critter Workshop

Agnes Soyode-Johnson

Co-founder and CEO, Limitless Studios

Producer

Justine Bannister Founder & Creative Facilitator, Just B Executive Producer

Tim Patterson Executive Director, Fudge

Sponsored by CITV

Wednesday 5 July 12.30-1.30pm

Showroom Cinema 2

Wednesday 5 July 12.40-1.40pm

The User-Generator Generation Live Session

The kids’ media industry both competes and collaborates with user-generated game and video makers. What are the benefits of tapping native builders’ skills and platform insights?

Speakers

bekyamon Minecraft streamer

Marcel Malik

Game Developer, Tripolis Games/Dubit

Bronagh Monahan Co-founder, MonRae

Stephanie Whitley

Chief of Staff, Dubit

Hosted and Produced by

David Kleeman

SVP Global Trends, Dubit

Executive Producer

Lydia Mossahebi

Head of Digital Media, Platforms and Planning, BBC Children’s and Education

Showroom Cinema 3 Mentor Me Mentor You (2)

Live Session Mentors: why we need them, how to get one –and how to be one.

Hosted by Ciaran Murtagh

Screenwriter, Author, Blacksheep Comedy

Speakers

Vanessa Amberleigh Freelance Exec Producer

Sumita Majumdar

Neurodivergent Mentor, Paper Owl Films & Freelance

Seyi Odusanya Freelance Writer

Producer

Chitra Soundar

Screenwriter, Creator & Author

Executive Producer

Rachel Murrell Freelance Scriptwriter

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: Mentoring at 2-3pm

Producer

Rachael Exton

Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by Brown Bag Films

Wednesday 5 July 2-3pm

Showroom Cinema 4

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Live Session

The hugely successful pitching contest is back again, with a team of Judges assembled and two prizes up for grabs. And you, the CMC delegation, get to choose who walks away with one of them. Not to be missed!

Hosted by

MC Grammar Teacher Turned Rapper

Speakers

Vanessa Brookman

Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions, Warner Bros.

Discovery

Sarah Muller

Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 7-12, BBC

Chris Rose

VP of International Production and Development, Paramount International’s Kids and Family

Producer

Rachel Adderley

Production Assistant, Brighton Zoo

Executive Producer

Debbie Macdonald

Independent Children’s Media Consultant

Sponsored by

NBCUniversal Global Distribution

Wednesday

5 July 2-3pm

Showroom Cinema 2 Understanding Kids 3&4

Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Better Listening for Better Mental Health and The Power of Two: Aligning Emotional Needs and Media Strategy.

Speakers

Lance Dann Senior Lecturer, School of Art and Media, University of Brighton

David Kleeman SVP, Global Trends, Dubit

Martin Spinelli Professor of Podcasting, University of Sussex

Adam Woodgate SVP Media Insights, Dubit

Producers

Megan Nicholson Content Creator as producer

Vanessa Wheeler Script & Development Coordinator, Lupus Films

Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

Wednesday 5 July 2.10-3.10pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Wednesday 5 July 3.30-4.30pm

The Golden Rules of Superfandom Live Session

What are the ‘Golden Rules’ for attracting, and keeping, young fans? Experts tell their stories of building strong fan bonds.

Speakers

Dwayne Clarke

Head of Marketing, BBC Studios

Naomi Dare

Head of Digital, Coolabi

Anna Rafferty

Head of Digital Consumer Engagement, LEGO

Sara Rodriguez

Director of Sales Marketing, International, Fandom

Ashley Thorpe

Senior Editor, Storymix

Hosted and Produced by

Nick Fisher

Creative Director, Hook Research

Executive Producer

Alyx Price

Associate Publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books

Showroom Cinema 4 Commissioner Conversations: 6-12

Live Session

A who’s who and what’s what of UK kids aged 6-12 television commissioners.

Hosted by Joe Godwin

Speakers

Luca Fiore Director of Content and Education, Da Vinci (Part of the Macademia Group)

Lisa Mackintosh Assistant Commissioner, Sky Kids UK & ROI

Sarah Muller

Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 7-12, BBC

Chris Rose

VP of International Production and Development, Paramount International’s Kids and Family

Producer

Aisha Jan Development Coordinator, BFI Young Audiences Content Fund

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Sponsored by Boom Kids

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: 6-12 at 5-6pm

Producer

Rachael Exton Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by Brown Bag Films

Wednesday 5 July 3.30-4.30pm

Showroom Cinema 2

Wednesday 5 July 3.40-4.40pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Understanding Kids: 5&6 Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Generation All & How Gestures Help Communicate Ideas.

Speakers

Professor Andrew Manches Director of the Children and Technology group, University of Edinburgh

Peter Robinson Chief Strategy Officer, KidsKnowBest

Zamil Zareen Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest

Producer

Zamil Zareen Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest

Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

Power Up Your IP Live Session

How do you take a popular book and create an immersive live experience? Or create a movie from a game? And when is the right time to do that in a brand’s lifecycle? Learn from the best in this lively panel discussion with four industry experts.

Hosted by

Faraz Osman MD, Gold Wala

Speakers

Charlotte Loynes

Senior Director of Creative Technology, Moonbug

Max Proctor Managing Director, Doppelgänger

Aidan Taylor-Gooby

Head of Licensing, Magic Light Pictures

Claire Thibault Manager, Content Distribution EMEA, LEGO Producer

Nicki Karet MD, Sherbert Research

Executive Producer

Tessa Moore

Brand Management and Family Entertainment Specialist

Sponsored by

Omens Studios

Wednesday 5 July 5-6pm

Showroom Cinema 4

Wednesday 5 July 5-6pm

Creative Masterclass: What’s the Small Idea? Live Session

Aardman’s Executive Creative Director, Sarah Cox, discusses the development process and how she protects the kernel of an original idea as it evolves from pitch to show to global brand.

Hosted by

Nandita Jain

Series Director/Producer, King Banana/Freelance

Speaker

Sarah Cox

Executive Creative Director, Aardman

Producer

Oliver Selby

Writer/Creative

Executive Producer

Rachel Murrell

Freelance Scriptwriter

The Creative Masterclass includes a presentation by Changemaker Zayden Lindsay, Poet

Changemaker Producer

Michelle Jones

Casting Director / Voice Director / Recording Artist, Brilliant Casting

Showroom Cinema 2 Get Started in Audio Live Session

Everything you need to know to enter the exciting world of children’s audio.

Hosted by

Nigel Clarke

Presenter/Founder, Dadvengers

Speakers

Jenna Clarke

Content Director, Sleepiest

Carla Herbertson

Co-founder and CCO, Small Wardour

Rebecca Oku

Head of UK Content Licensing, Yoto

Gregory Watson MD, Fun Kids Radio

Producer

Danni Haughan Head of Podcast Strategy, Small Wardour

Executive Producer

Julia Posen

Director of Content, The Path Entertainment Group

Wednesday 5 July 5.10-6.10pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Wednesday 5 July 6.30-7.30pm

Stream if you want to go FASTer

Live Session

Ride the AVOD wave! Find out from companies already deeply engaged in AVOD and FAST how to maximise the potential revenue for your content – in what will become a $70B worldwide market by 2027.

Speakers

Shujah Farooq

EMEA Director of Business Development, OTTera

Darren Nartey

Acquisitions Manager: Films & Kids, ITV

Paul Robinson

President, Kartoon Channel International, Kartoon Studios

Laura Taylor-Williams

Head of Digital and Strategic Development, Aardman

Hosted and Produced by

Harry Teper

EVP of Business Development and Sales, YFE

Executive Producer

Juliet Tzabar MD, Brighton Zoo

Sheffield City Hall Creative Keynote:

Sharna Jackson

Live Session

For the 20th anniversary edition of the Children’s Media Conference, best-selling author, creator and curator Sharna Jackson reflects on a career inspiring storytelling for young people and being inspired along the way by her long-time association with CMC.

Hosted by

Rick Adams

Producer, Writer, Performer, Illustrator, Rick Adams Productions

Speaker

Sharna Jackson

Author/Curator

Producer

Gill Biddle

Project Manager, Young Audiences Content Fund, BFI

Executive Producer

Chris Rose

VP of International Production and Development –Paramount International’s Kids and Family

Sponsored by

Magic Light Pictures

The Creative Keynote includes a presentation by Changemaker Max Woosey BEM, The Boy in the Tent

Changemaker Producer

Michelle Jones

Casting Director / Voice Director / Recording Producer, Brilliant Casting

Wednesday 5 July 10pm-3am

Crystal Bar

The CMC Party

Social

Let your hair down after a hard day’s conferencing at the official CMC party. Entry is free to all registered Live in Sheffield delegates.

Sponsored by Fudge Animation Studios

Thursday 6 July 9.30-10.30am

Showroom Cinema 4 Animation Assemble!

Live Session

Hear producers, creators and broadcasters discuss the challenges and opportunities to ‘power up’ our industry and create high-quality animated content for children.

Hosted by Helen Brunsdon Director, British Animation Awards

Speakers

Courtney Arumugam Executive Producer, LEGO

Edward Barnieh VP, Development, BBC Studios

Natalie Llewellyn MD, Jellyfish Animation & Originals

Lucy Murphy Director of Kids' Content, Sky UK & ROI

Jon Rennie MD, Cloth Cat

Producers

Shannon Reeve Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Kate O’Connor Executive Chair, Animation UK

Executive Producer

Tracy Liddell

Joint MD, Studio Liddell

Sponsored by Animation UK

Thursday 6 July 9.30-10.30am

Showroom Cinema 2

Thursday 6 July 9.40-10.40am

Showroom Cinema 3

Understanding Kids: 5&6 (Repeat)

Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Generation All & How Gestures Help Communicate Ideas.

Speakers

Professor Andrew Manches

Director of the Children and Technology group, University of Edinburgh

Peter Robinson

Chief Strategy Officer, KidsKnowBest

Zamil Zareen

Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest

Producer

Zamil Zareen

Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest

Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

The Art of… Pitching

Live Session

Learn how to be memorable (for all the right reasons) and perfect your pitching skills.

Speakers

Ros Attille

Head of Children's & Young Audiences, Big Little Fish

Daniel Bays

SVP of Development, CAKE

Producer

Janet Balmforth

Co-founder, Liberi Consulting

Host and Executive Producer

Alison Stewart

Children’s Media Consultant, Executive Producer and Writer

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: Pitching at 11am-12noon

Producer

Rachael Exton

Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by

Brown Bag Films

Thursday 6 July 11am-12noon

Showroom Cinema 4

Thursday 6 July 11am-12noon

IP for PDs Live Session

What Producer-Distributors are looking for and how best to work with them.

Hosted by

Raj Pathmanathan

Creative Director, Kids Industries

Speakers

Deirdre Brennan COO, WildBrain

Cecilia Persson

Managing Director Kids & Family, BBC Studios

Alix Wiseman

Senior Vice President Distribution & Acquisitions, 9 Story Media Group

Producer

Kate Dickson

Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Acamar Films

Executive Producer

Alison Warner

Head of Original Content, Blue Zoo

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: Producer/Distributors at 12.30-1.30pm

Producer

Rachael Exton

Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by Brown Bag Films

Showroom Cinema 2 Understanding Kids 3&4 (Repeat)

Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Better Listening for Better Mental Health and The Power of Two: Aligning Emotional Needs and Media Strategy.

Speakers

Lance Dann Senior Lecturer, School of Art and Media, University of Brighton

David Kleeman SVP, Global Trends, Dubit

Martin Spinelli

Professor of Podcasting, University of Sussex

Adam Woodgate SVP Media Insights, Dubit

Producers

Megan Nicholson

Content Creator

Vanessa Wheeler Script & Development Coordinator, Lupus Films

Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

Thursday 6 July 11.10am-12.10pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Thursday 6 July 12-2pm The HUBS

Inclusivity Now: Keeping it Real Live Session

How to keep it real and keep your audience: the challenges of authentic representation and portrayal in fiction.

Hosted by

Jessica Schibli

Head of Diversity & Inclusion, BBC Children’s & Education

Speakers

Georgia de Gidlow

Actor, A Kind Of Spark (BBC)

Caitlin Hamilton

Actor, A Kind Of Spark (BBC)

Dr Supreet Mann

Director of Research, Common Sense Media

Andy Mundy-Castle

Founder & Executive Producer, Dochearts

Tali Walters

Creative Director: Live Action, Kids & Family, BBC Studios

Producer

Luke Frost

Script Editor, BBC Studios

Executive Producer

Sue Nott

Executive Producer and Consultant

Lunch

Social Lunch packs are available for all delegates in Sheffield.

Thursday 6 July 12.30-1.30pm

Showroom Cinema 4

Thursday 6 July 12.30-1.30pm

Showroom Cinema 2

Commissioner Conversations: Teens

Live Session

A who’s who and what’s what of UK teen commissioners.

Hosted by Harriet Williams

Speakers

Cerys Griffiths Head of Content Production, BBC Education

Hanzla MacDonald Digital Development Exec, Commissioning, Channel 4

James Reevell Executive Editor of Young Audiences, BBC3/iPlayer

Producer

Aisha Jan Development Coordinator, BFI Young Audiences Content Fund

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Sponsored by A Productions

This session is followed by Speed Meetings: Teens at 2-3pm

Producer

Rachael Exton Production Manager, Blue Zoo

Speed Meetings Sponsored by

Brown Bag Films

From Bradford to Brisane

Live Session

How to harness the power of the three Cs to connect with hard to reach audiences locally –and globally.

Hosted by Ogo Anokwuru Presenter and Producer, Bauer Media

Speakers

Sadgun Sri Chandrapatla School Student, Audience Member and Presenter, Tong Leadership Academy

Paul Hine CEO, Made by Mortals / Armchair Adventures

Isabelle Miller Head Producer, KMTV Ltd / Generation Genome

Muriel Thompson

Assistant Head Teacher, Muswell Hill Primary School

Producer

Jill Hurst

Head of New Content Development & Partnerships, University of Kent / KMTV Ltd

Executive Producer

Tony Reed

Production Creative Director, Animation Kids & Family Productions, BBC Studios

Thursday 6 July 12.40 -1.40pm

Showroom Cinema 3 Slime, Farts and Poo: Writing Comedy for Kids

Live Session

Three expert kids’ TV comedy writers and comedian Tiernan Douieb delve into what it takes to craft hilarious shows for kids. And discover whether a good gunge gag is always a prerequisite.

Hosted by Tiernan Douieb Comedian and Writer

Speakers

Tasha Dhanraj

Comedy Writer

Isabel Fay Children’s Screenwriter

Howard Read Writer, Comedian and Animator

Producer

Amy Rich Screenwriter

Executive Producer

Steve Wynne CEO, Strawberry Blond TV

Thursday 6 July 2-3pm

Showroom Cinema 4

The CMC Debate: Public Service RIP?

Live Session

Does the decline in 6+ viewers for public service TV mean that SVoD, AVoD and social gaming are the PS “channels” now? Is YouTube the new Blue Peter? If so – who’s regulating? And for what…?

Hosted by Joe Godwin

Speakers

Emily Horgan Kids’ Media Consultant

Maddie Moate Presenter and YouTube Filmmaker

Lucy Murphy

Director of Kids Content, Sky UK & ROI

Cedric Petitpas

Head of Family & Learning Partnerships, YouTube UK & Ireland

Producer

Japhet Asher Director, Polarity Reversal

Executive Producers

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Alison Stewart Children’s Media Consultant, Executive Producer and Writer

Thursday 6 July 2-3pm

Showroom Cinema 2

Thursday 6 July 2.10-3.10pm

Showroom Cinema 3

Understanding Kids 1&2 (Repeat)

Live Session

Two 30 minute research presentations: Commissioning and Distribution in a Changing Market & More than play: How Gaming Features in the Lives of Children.

Speakers

Cyrine Amor Analyst, Ampere Analysis

Luca Antilli Head of Media Literacy Research, Ofcom

Producers

Megan Nicholson Content Creator

Vanessa Wheeler Script & Development Coordinator, Lupus Films

Zamil Zareen Senior Strategist, KidsKnowBest

Executive Producer

Vickie O’Malley MD, Rockpool Licensing

Power Up with AI

Live Session

Can the CMC audience create a series pitch in less than an hour? If it uses AI maybe it can. But will it be any good? A future-facing experiment to put AI through its paces for some fact-finding fun.

Hosted by

Nigel Twumasi Co-founder, mayamada

Speakers

Naylah Ahmed Freelance Writer

Tom Box Co-founder, Blue Zoo

Michael Ford Founder & Head of Content, Threewise Entertainment

Mike Richter Co-director, Engine House Producer

Steve Smith Producer, Beakus

Executive Producer

Emma Cooper Knowledge Transfer Manager – Creative Industries, Innovate UK KTN

Thursday 6 July 3.30-4pm

Showroom Cinema 4

The Last Word

Live Session

Jaime Amor, the guru behind online sensation

Cosmic Kids Yoga closes CMC by sharing her start-up story and teaching us some of her signature moves.

Introduced by

Marion Edwards

Managing Director / Executive Producer, Gutsy Animations UK and Chair, The CMC Advisory Committee

Speaker

Jaime Amor

Creator of Cosmic Kids Yoga, Writer and Presenter

Producer

Kate Finburg

Freelance Producer

Executive Producer

Faraz Osman

MD, Gold Wala

Sponsored by CAKE

Watch Online

Delegates attending the conference and online can watch the Opening and Creative Keynotes live, and the sessions taking place in Cinemas 3&4 as recorded content after the sessions take place. Audio from the sessions in Cinema 2 will also be available. Access to all this content is in the CMC 2023 Delegate Area

CMC 2023 Video Content is available exclusively to registered delegates until September 2023.

Video Back to the Beginning

Brenda Chapman

The first woman to direct an animated feature for a major Hollywood studio, and first to win an Academy Award for Best animated Feature, Brenda discusses her early life in animation, the inspirations which led to her successful career and what drove her creative aspirations.

Speaker Brenda Chapman Writer/Director

Hosted and Produced by

Zoë Daniel Journalist and Freelance Filmmaker and Broadcaster, The Guardian/Reuters

CMC 2023 videos are sponsored by Disney +

Video Changemakers

Video Changemakers

Omari Bailey & Imayah Dayes

Look Like Me Book Challenge ambassadors

Omari and Imayah talk about their experience of creating the The ‘Popcorn House’ book and explain the importance of having characters in children’s books and TV that look like them.

Producer

Zahara Andrews

Children’s Television Writer

Executive Producer

Matt Bowen

Acquisitions Coordinator, Jetpack Distribution

Olga Kravchenko

Ukrainian entrepreneur Olga Kravchenko co-founded Musemio, an immersive learning platform that uses virtual reality to connect children with educational and entertaining content.

Producer Zahara Andrews

Children’s Television Writer

Executive Producer

Matt Bowen

Acquisitions Coordinator, Jetpack Distribution

Anissa

& Emmerson

As members of the European Film Club’s Youth Council, Anissa and Emmerson talk about the benefits of shared culture and make a passionate plea for the kids’ media industry to do more for children’s film.

Producer

Esther Kaufmann

Freelance Writer/Creator

Executive Producer

Matt Bowen

Acquisitions Coordinator, Jetpack Distribution

Elijah McKenzie-Jackson

19-year-old British artist and activist, Elijah has a passion for climate justice that drives his work. He combines art with activism to create change.

Producer

Esther Kaufmann

Freelance Writer/Creator

Executive Producer

Matt Bowen

Acquisitions Coordinator, Jetpack Distribution

Maja Braun (BNNVARA)

Maja shares insights into what content works for independent media organisation BNNVARA.

Speaker

Maja Braun Head of Youth and Human Interest, BNNVARA

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Eryk Casemiro (Nickelodeon)

Eryk talks audiences, ecosystems, favourite things and when and how to get in touch.

Speaker

Eryk Casemeiro

Executive VP, Global Animated Series, Nickelodeon

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Rick Clodfelter (Disney)

Rick takes us through the power of the Disney ecosystem, Disney’s target audiences, hit shows and why they work, and when and how to get in touch.

Speaker

Rick Clodfelter

Executive Director, Content Acquisitions and Partnerships, Disney Branded Television

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Sebastian Debertin (KiKA)

Sebastian shares insights into what content works well for KiKA – The German Children’s Channel of ARD & ZDF.

Speaker Sebastian Debertin Head of International Content, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, KiKA

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Video Commissioner Conversations

Video Commissioner Conversations

Libbie Doherty (ABC)

ABC is the Australian Public Service broadcaster and Libbie, Head of Children’s Content, shares insights in content and commissioning strategy, and what really works for her audiences.

Speaker

Libbie Doherty

Head of Children’s Content, ABC

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Vicky Schroderus (YLE)

Learn all about Finnish Public Service broadcasters children’s brands and platforms, what works and doesn’t work and why representation and inclusion is important for YLE Children’s & Youth.

Speaker

Vicky Schroderus

Senior Executive in Charge of International Co-Productions and Acquisitions, YLE Children and Youth

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Janine Weigold (Netflix)

Janine talks about Netflix's key audiences for animation, and how to get in touch.

Speaker Janine Weigold Kids & Family Content International Originals EMEA, Netflix

Producer

Micaela Winter Manager, Animated Series EMEA, Netflix

Executive Producer

Jackie Edwards Children’s Media Specialist

Video Focus On...

The Canaries

Growing a regional industry with more than tax incentives.

Speaker

Javier Hidalgo Director, PROEXCA

Hosted and Produced by

Michael Wakelam Founder, Anthem Studios

Executive Producer

Sarah Baynes Director, The Creative Garden

Video Get In, Get On

Our Get In, Get On videos are brought to you with our Outreach Programme Partner ScreenSkills.

Get in to Animation

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speakers

Kieran Argo Animation and Production Liaison Executive, ScreenSkills

Natalie Llewellyn MD, Jellyfish Animation & Originals

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Get into Games and Digital Media

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speaker

Nick Button-Brown

Chair, Outright Games

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh

Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

On

Get Into Live Action TV

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speaker

Faraz Osman MD, Gold Wala

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh

Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Video on Get In, Get On

Get in to Music and Radio

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speakers

Chris Jarvis

Consultant, Presenter & Producer

Steve Wynne CEO, Strawberry Blond TV

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Video Get In, Get On

Get in to Writing and Publishing

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speakers

Helen McAleer Owner, Helen McAleer Ltd

Jasmine Richards Author, Editor and Founder, Storymix Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh

Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

How to Network, Interview and Apply

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speaker

Julia Bird

Talent Executive, Kids and Family, BBC Studios

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh

Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Kids’ Media – How it Works, and Who’s Who

One of a series of videos designed to help people find their way into the children’s media industry, and make progress once they are in.

Speaker

Gary Pope CEO, Kids Industries

Assistant Producer

Nusrat Shaikh

Programme & Planning Apprentice, Kids & Family, Paramount UK

Producer

Louise Burgess

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Executive Producer

Louise Bucknole

General Manager, Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland

Video Inclusivity Now Building Teams to Build Authenticity

Authentic content is the buzzword of the moment. Hearing and seeing kids and teens through the lens of a diverse, inclusive and relevant perspective. What does it take to achieve authenticity?

Speakers

Comfort Arthur Animator, Illustrator, Visual Artist and Director, A Productions

Rebecca Atkinson

Creator, Writer and Executive Producer, Mixmups

Entertainment

Gregory Boardman

Company Director and Producer, Three Stones Media

Tito Olawole

2D Animator/CG Generalist, BBC Children’s and Education

Shabnam Rezaei Co-founder, Big Bad Boo Studios

Jake Wiafe

Programming Manager, Little Dot Studios

Produced and Hosted by

Asia Hadleigh

Account Executive, Jollywise

Assistant Producer

Jide Johnson

Animation Producer, Aniboxx

Executive Producer

Kyle Jenkins

Acquisitions & Programme Director, Commissioning Executive, Milkshake! Channel 5

Video Perspective on Learning: See it, Be it, Love it, Do it Empathy Week

The task – to create a generation that cares more about themselves and the people around them. The solution – Empathy Week – a unique and growing worldwide initiative to bring understanding to millions of young people through the power of documentary content –and more.

Hosted by Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE Global Education Advisor

Speakers

Ed Kirwan CEO, Founder and Filmmaker, Empathy Week

Lipa Nessa Sport Activist and Grassroots Coach

Producers

Paul McCoy Producer/Director, MCC Media

David Mordey Head of Production, MCC Media

Executive Producer

Zia Sands

Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions Kids & Family, Warner Bros Discovery EMEA

Video Perspective on Learning: See it, Be it, Love it, Do it

Video Perspective on Learning: See it, Be it, Love it, Do it

globalbridge

Using techniques familiar to young people in their activities on social media and to companies and institutions through their engagement with LinkedIn, globalbridge offers young people the chance to portray themselves in the way they find most appropriate and comfortable, and employers a platform to engage with a wider variety of talent than ever before.

Hosted by Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE Global Education Advisor

Speakers

Ben Mason CEO & Founder, globalbridge

Manesha Sundar Gap Year Student

Producers

Paul McCoy

Producer/Director, MCC Media

David Mordey

Head of Production, MCC Media

Executive Producer

Zia Sands

Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions

Kids & Family, Warner Bros Discovery EMEA

SuperKind

Exploring ground-breaking educational projects that create engagement and action through the use of various forms of media in innovative ways. Educational strategist Prof Ger Graus explores what they do, why they do it and how effective this is in capturing the hearts and minds of young people.

Hosted by Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE Global Education Advisor

Speakers

Amy and Ella Meek Founders, Kids Against Plastic

Keren Mitchell Co-founder, SuperKind

Producers

Paul McCoy Producer/Director, MCC Media

David Mordey Head of Production, MCC Media

Executive Producer

Zia Sands

Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions

Kids & Family, Warner Bros Discovery EMEA

Video Perspective on Learning: See it, Be it, Love it, Do it

Video Perspective on…

Wastebuster

Wastebuster is a hugely ambitious project which allows children to engage with environmental issues on a practical everyday level through the power of story. Now a major international force for change not just in education but in the minds of a generation of primary school children.

Hosted by

Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE

Global Education Advisor

Speakers

Edie and Reggie Bell

Captain Buster

Katy Newnham

Director, Wastebuster

Producers

Paul McCoy

Producer/Director, MCC Media

David Mordey

Head of Production, MCC Media

Executive Producer

Zia Sands

Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions

Kids & Family, Warner Bros Discovery EMEA

AI In Production

2023 is the year AI takes production to new levels of efficiency. But can it replace creative skills and will it kill jobs?

Hosted by

Marc Goodchild

Head of Product - Innovation Enablement, The Lego Group

Speakers

Dr Jenn Chubb

Lecturer in Sociology, University of York

Guy Gadney CEO, Charisma Entertainment

Sondess Missaoui

Research Associate in Artificial Intelligence, University of York

Lucinda Whiteley

Creative Director, Novel Entertainment

Producer

Rachel Beach

Knowledge Transfer Manager – Digital Economy & Creative Industries, Innovate UK KTN

Executive Producer

Emma Cooper Knowledge Transfer Manager – Creative Industries, Innovate UK KTN

Video Perspective on…

Video Perspective on…

Animation What is the key to great animation development?

From jottings on the back of an envelope to a fully fledged bible and 2-minute test animation –how far do animators and production companies need to go to secure that elusive commission?

Hosted by

Dominic Minns

Creative Director, Brighton Zoo

Speakers

Helen Arnsten

Head of Development, Blue Zoo

Evgenia Golubeva

Director/Writer

Adam Redfern

Producer/Writer

Estelle Hughes

Commissioning Editor, Sky Kids UK & ROI

Georgina Hurcombe

MD and Producer, LoveLove Films

Kate O’Connor Executive Chair, Animation UK

Aidan O’Donovan Co-founder, Turnip + Duck

Colm Tolbin

Creative Director and Co-founder, Turnip + Duck

Producer

Rachel Adderley

Production Assistant, Brighton Zoo

Executive Producer

Juliet Tzabar

Managing Director, Brighton Zoo

Storytelling

A look at story development with renowned writer and story artist, Jim Capobianco, Oscar nominated writer of Ratatouille and writer and director of the upcoming film The Inventor.

Speaker Jim Capobiano

Writer & Director, Aerial Contrivance

Hosted and Produced by

Michael Wakelam

Founder, Anthem Studios

Executive Producer

Sarah Baynes Director, The Creative Garden

Video The Art of…

Video The Key to...

Kid Friendly VIs

What is a Virtual Influencer? Which VIs are the most successful? And how can you create one to help build your brand, whatever the target age group?

Speaker

Dr Sonia Tiwari

Adjunct Professor, Penn State University

Executive Producer

Alison Stewart

Children’s Media Consultant, Executive Producer and Writer

George Webster

Actor, CBeebies presenter, and author George Webster on what makes him tick, his passion for performing and communicating with young people, how he came to aspire to present and perform, and what those roles mean to him.

Hosted by

Ricky Boleto Presenter/Reporter

Speaker

George Webster Actor, Presenter and Author

Producers

Claire Taylor Editor CBeebies House, CBBC HQ and CBeebies Bedtime Stories, BBC

Oli Pirk Producer CBeebies House, BBC

Executive Producer

Greg Childs Editorial Director, The Children’s Media Conference

Video The Write Stuff

Video Understanding Kids

Denise Cassar

Award-winning writer Denise Cassar shares her top tips for writing kids TV, what she looks for in new talent as a head writer, and much, much more!

Hosted by

Mariama Ives-Moiba

Scriptwriter

Speaker

Denise Cassar Head Writer/ Team Writer

Producer

Oliver Selby Freelance Scriptwriter and Senior Content Creator, Creature & Co.

Executive Producer

Rachel Murrell Freelance Scriptwriter

The Future of Broadcast for 7-11

year olds

One of three linked research projects under the XR Stories banner – exploring the future of broadcasting from young people’s perspectives.

Speakers

Dr Eleanor Dare Co-founder, X||dinary Stories

Dr Dylan Yamada-Rice Co-founder, X||dinary Stories

Producer

Nikki Stearman Creative Producer, XR Stories

Understanding Screen-Based Entertainment for Gen Z Audiences

One of three linked research projects under the XR Stories banner – exploring the future of broadcasting from young people’s perspectives.

Speaker

Dr Rob Eagle

Associate Researcher, XR Stories, University of York

Producer

Nikki Stearman

Creative Producer, XR Stories

Young Women and Broadcasting: Representation and Inclusion

One of three linked research projects under the XR Stories banner – exploring the future of broadcasting from young people’s perspectives.

Speaker

Dr Becky Parry Independent Researcher

Producer

Nikki Stearman

Creative Producer, XR Stories

Who’s Who

Our Sponsors

Patron Sponsors

Patron Sponsors

Patron Sponsors

Kids & Family

Patron Sponsors

International Exchange

Badge Sponsor

Party Sponsor

Networking Lunch Sponsor Outreach Programme Partner Plenary Sponsors

Our Sponsors Continued

Plenary Sponsors continued

KIDS & FAMILY

Drinks Reception Sponsor

Session Sponsors

Video Sponsor

Beverage Sponsor

Session Sponsors continued

Speed Meeting Sponsor

App Sponsor Sponsor in Kind

Media Partners

Media Partners continued

Skwigly.com

ONLINE ANIMATION MAGAZINE

Supporting Organisation

Animation UK. British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Children’s Media Association (CMA). European Children’s Film Association (ECFA). Festivus. Game Republic. Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI). Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT). Publishers Association. South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network (SYFN). The Children’s Media Foundation (CMF).