The Children’s Media Conference 2024

The Children’s Media Conference (CMC) ran from 9-11 July in Sheffield this year. Featuring a variety of engaging debates and insightful panel discussions, take a look back at the conference, as we recap some of the highlights.

Animation UK recently returned to the Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield. The three days of the conference were filled with pitching sessions, networking opportunities, receptions and panels, ranging from discussions on how to navigate the current industry landscape with the lack of commissioning and post-strikes, to the importance of content in children’s education, and the future of kids’ content in the hands of the newly elected Labour government. The conference was attended by 950 delegates and featured 200 speakers and hosts.

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Saxophonist and Broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE delivered this year’s Opening Keynote, and the Creative Keynote was given by Nora Twomey, Partner and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon. It was announced during the Opening Keynote that after securing key sponsorship from legal firm Mishcon de Reya, CMC are set to launch its inaugural Bursary Scheme for next year’s conference, reaffirming its commitment to enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get their first foot in the door of the industry.

Other speaker highlights included The Last Word, which was delivered by Musician, Actor and Author Nandi Bushell, and CMC’s Changemakers – young people who are achievers, innovators or campaigners with something to say to the conference attendees. This year’s Changemakers were Melissa Cassidy, Bethany Handley, Moksha Roy, and Conor Warren. Moksha delivered a speech on sustainability and climate change during the Opening Keynote. Learn more about these talented individuals here.

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Animation UK sponsored the Animation Assemble: Anatomy of a Hit panel on the Thursday, which was produced by Shannon Reeve (Blue Zoo) and Kate O’Connor (AUK), and executive produced by Tracy Liddell (Studio Liddell). During the session, Julian Bashford (Visionality), Ian France (Sky Kids), Emma Hardie (Aardman), Laura Henry-Allain, and Adam Shaw (Blue Zoo) unravelled the secrets behind animated hits with moderator/host Tim Searle (Tim Searle Animation).

The panel looked at beloved animations such as JoJo & Gran Gran, Ready Eddie Go!, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, Shaun the Sheep and BooSnoo!, to explore what transforms them into instant classics that kids love. Topics discussed included what sets a project apart in terms of discoverability and uniqueness; taking the next step to expand the IP; and the importance of content in educating and representing its youth audience.

In case you missed it, CMC attendees will soon be able to watch the recorded panel session here, using your registration details. Read the CMC’s in-depth report on Animation Assemble here.

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Noteworthy sessions on the Wednesday featuring our members included:

• Question Time, where Magic Light Pictures’ Michael Rose answered pressing questions from the audience on the Online Safety Act, what our sector would like to see with the Labour government, and the refreshed tax relief;
• Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, where ALT Animation’s Matthew Bradley pitched an exciting new project;
• There’s Gold in Them There Hills, where Paper Owl Films’ Gráinne McGuinness and Wild Child Animation’s Sueann Rochester discussed how to access regional funding, training and support to develop and elevate projects to the next level;
• Balancing Business and Creative, where Acamar Films’ Mikael Shields gave insights into how to balance creative vision with the business skills needed to set up and run a successful enterprise;
• Practical AI, where Blue Zoo’s Tom Box explored how we can use AI tools to empower human creativity within children’s media, keeping emotional intelligence and human values at the core;
• Bossing It!, where King Banana TV’s Lotte Elwell and Katie Simmons, and Plus 3K Animation’s Lou Kneath gave tips on what to know about starting and running a company;
• and Global Opportunities for IP in Kids’ Audio, where Blue Zoo’s Stephanie Gauld gave insights into the audio market and how IP owners and brands can seize abundant opportunities in this multi-platform landscape.

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Engaging sessions on the Thursday featuring our members included:

• Digital Distribution: Everything, Everywhere?, where Blue Zoo’s Nathan Wilkes discussed insights and practical tips for defining a winning audience engagement strategy for brands;
• The CMC Debate: YouTube or Bust!, where Aardman’s Laura Taylor-Williams gave her thoughts on the practicalities of going to platforms where children are consuming media;
• and Inclusivity Now: Beyond Box Ticking, where King Banana TV’s Lotte Elwell delved into how to identify and dismantle systemic barriers, implement meaningful mentorship programs, and create a workplace culture that truly values diverse perspective.

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We also attended the CMC’s opening drinks reception and annual party, enjoying the festivities with other conferencegoers and singing the night away with classical tunes at karaoke.

We would like to thank the CMC team, the panellists and our fellow conference attendees for a wonderful few days. We look forward to seeing you all again in Sheffield next year!

For more information about CMC, visit their website here.