Blogs in "regular"
June 2016
CMC 2016: Finding Our Voice
Anna Home, Chair of the CMC Board, and for ten years Chair of the CMC Advisory Committee, considers the question “What has the CMC ever done for me?” In July 2006, in the final session of what was then called the Showcomotion Children's Media Conference, when people were beginning to think about making sure they didn’t miss their trains home from Sheffield, Anne Brogan (the joint founder of Kindle Entertainment) who was then running Children’s ITV, made a dramatic announcement. The production arm of ITV Kids was to close due to declining advertising revenue. This was a huge shock. Alarm bells rang, loud and clear. Suddenly the whole ecology of the UK Children’s TV market was going to change radically. The reason…
CMC 2016: Making it Animated
This year's CMC interstitial animations- those funky little pieces that run just at the start of each session at the Conference to get the audience to pay attention - were made by Beakus - a South London animation company. Steve Smith - founder of Beakus - explains how they did it: We interviewed a range of children about their understanding of and interests in children’s media – what they want to see more of, or less of, and how they make use of devices we don’t even understand. Then director Rory WT set to wrk animating his favourite clips in his trademark morphing style. We love being a part of the CMC – the interstitials will play out before every one…
CMC 2016: Preview – Owning the Diversity Agenda
Reem Nouss is the CMC Exec. on the "Make Something Happen" workshop - which will use the Open Space method to allow delegates to bring their own agenda to discussing diversity - and making something happen. Reem is a former member of the CMC Advisory Committee and now works as an Executive Producer and Consultant both in the UK and the Middle East. Like so many others reading this, I’ve long cared about the diversity of the world we live in being reflected well in the content we consume and create. Despite the genuine and concerted efforts of many, it's still not easy. Not least because as the world becomes more diverse, our interpretation of the word becomes more nuanced, more…
July 2013
CMC 2013: CMC OMG!!!!
After 2 intensive conference days, it was finally time for the much anticipated 10th year anniversary party and it didn't disappoint! The free bar helped to get the party started before delegates packed the Hubs C Pod and were entertained by the comedy double act Bob Golding and Glen Davies. It seemed Bob Golding had a score to settle with Director of Wish film Will Brenton who was suitably humiliated on stage dressed as a new tv character creation 'Benjie'. The classic pie in the face was a particularly memorable moment. Sid Sloane managed to get away from the queue of industry professionals all lining up to have their photo taken with him. Admittedly I was one of them (can't…
CMC 2013: Meet the Commissioners – Publishing
#TCMC Children’s changing media habits and the impact of digital are popular themes for programme makers. But what are the publishers up to? John Kent went to meet the commissioners. TOP TEN SESSION TAKE OUTS; Penguin, Random House, Egmont and Walker are all heavily involved in TV and digital as well as books. Books aren’t always the best place to launch an idea Strong story and strong characters are still the key ingredient in a good idea Publishers will looking for opportunities to grow a brand over time Egmont receives 50% of its revenue from screen based product Penguin have three examples of new cross platform IP – all found at CMC For digital brands, a publisher can add a…
CMC 2013: Two Screen, or Not Two Screen
Two Screen or Not Two Screen Blogged by Dave Hill Second Opinions: "We need a high tech solution and a high content solution. We need both." Yago Fandiño Lousa, TVE - CLAN "The important thing is to use second screen in sympathy rather than a distraction, which is different with different genres." Catrin Siriol, S4C "Great stuff happening, we're just looking for the next big step." Mario Dubois, CBBC Indie Commissioning Executive Second screen has been talked about for a while. And in spite of the many questions surrounding it, research shows that children frequently use several devises whilst watching TV with 65% of children under 12 have access to a smart phone. So there's certainly many reasons to explore…
CMC 2013: Latest blogger introduction
#TCMC The CMC Blogging team are at work already. They’ve been introducing themselves, and will blog every session at CMC. So you don’t need to miss out when forced to make those agonising choices. One of the team is Samuel Hutchinson. Well, well, well... here comes my brief, succinct and, most importantly of all, short introduction to ME ahead of my official start as a Blogger for the 2013 Children’s Media Conference! Currently, I am working as a Script Reader for the BBC (Continuing Drama), and Development Executive for film company, Silver Leaf Pictures. I’m also a Script Writer/Editor for We Move Pictures, Writer/Producer of comedy panel show, “A Little Bit Racey” for Hope FM, and Producer of “Man Feelings,…
CMC 2013: Live action at CMC
Still deciding which sessions to attend. Katie Simmons, producer of 'Live Action - Global Attraction' explains why you should be there..... Thursday 4th July, 5-6pm, HubsC is the place to be for this year’s most interesting session debate. (If you’re into discussing how live action can sell in a global market that is….) This session is shaping up to be an important discussion. How can live action be profitable in the global market? Why does animation do so much better? What are the secrets to live action global successes? How could we benefit from opening ourselves up to global partners? The session contributors have varied experience in the global market. Skyping in, we have Mellie Buse, owner of a small production…
CMC 2013: Make ‘Em Laugh
#TCMC Sharon Miller is looking at the serious business of what makes children laugh. She's producing a session which promises to be very funny, very interesting, thought provoking and engaging.....and Hacker will be there too! TOP TEN TIPS TO MAKE 'EM LAUGH! Thursday July 4th, Cinema 3 - 5.10 pm. A lot of us will have tried to make children laugh. Quite a few of us are paid to do so...But do we succeed? Do we know what they find funny? Do we know the magic ingredient to make a television programme that will have the children of the world - falling of their sofas...? And wanting to watch more and more and more... Top Ten Tips to Make 'Em Laugh is all…
June 2013
CMC 2013: Latest blogging team introduction.
#TCMC Hi – I’m Milly Ali and I’ll be blogging throughout the CMC. My background’s mainly producing and directing factual programmes but I’ve taken the opportunity to blog next week to find out more about content produced for children. It's my first time at CMC and it’s great to be involved. There’s plenty to look forward to from the International Exchange to the Research Strand. The Wednesday workshop 'Polish & Pitch' has caught my attention as I’m about to start a development role at CBBC. It promises to be practical and fun, couldn't ask for more really! I'm hugely interested in the "Come Out and Play" session too which I believe is an absolute must for anyone who is passionate about children's media and…
February 2012
Sponsorship Opportunities in 2012
The CMC depends upon industry sponsorship at all levels to support the unique experiences we offer. Currently we are seeking a sponsor for the BAA animation afternoon in London, and then there’s the main Conference in the summer. Last year 44 sponsoring organisations provided the backbone funding for the event and we need that support more than ever. The opportunities are wide and they put you right in front of not only the 800+ attendees we expect in Sheffield, but also on all our online and print publicity throughout the year. In the past we’ve had support from all the major broadcasters, production, distribution, interactive and publishing companies and many medium-sized and smaller organisations get involved too. The menu of…
January 2012
Best Value for Kidscreen
The last three places in the official UK@Kidscreen delegation are up for grabs. To register for this great deal go to: http://kidscreen2012fullfee.eventbrite.co.uk The cost is £975 + VAT (£110 less than the current Kidscreen ticket price). For that you get not only full registration at Kidscreen, but also a package of extra benefits: - Inclusion in the official UK@Kidscreen website - Access to dedicated bookable meeting tables in the Kidscreen Delegate Lounge - Invitation to a Breakfast Briefing on the US and Canadian kids’ media scenes - Invitation to an evening reception at which you’ll be able to meet key commissioners, buyers and producers - The services of two media consultants throughout the entire event UK@Kidscreen is organized by The…
Special Events for UK@Kidscreen Delegation
By joining the UK@Kidscreen Delegation you will receive an invitation to both these exclusive events: Breakfast Briefing – Tuesday 7 February at The British Consulate-General, NYC With the help of our friends at BAFTA New York, Linda Kahn, (Linda Kahn Media and formerly Scholastic and Nickelodeon USA) will host a discussion on the latest trends, needs and challenges in the US and Canadian markets. Speakers include: - Kim Wilson (CBC Canada) - Andrea Sporer (Scholastic) - Douglas Shwalb (Classic Media) - JJ Ahearn (Licensing Street) - Debbie Back (ex Nat. Geo and Nickelodeon) The Breakfast Briefing is sponsored by Impossible Kids. Networking Reception - Wednesday 8 February at The Consul General’s Residence, NYC Impossible Kids are also sponsoring the UK@Kidscreen…
CMC Goes BAA…
At a British Animation Afternoon – save the date! 15 March 2012 1 Victoria Street Conference Centre, London Tickets on sale in two weeks time. If you’re in animation production, distribution or commissioning, here’s a date for your diary. On March 15th 2012 the CMC will be producing an afternoon of seminars and workshops exploring the best routes into the animation market in the changing world of kids and TV. With case studies on innovative approaches (creative and commercial) and expert advice on rights exploitation, negotiation and business management in the digital space, this will be a potential game-changer for anyone engaged in animation. With support from UKTI, we’ve taken space at the 1 Victoria Street Conference Centre (just across…
The Hunt is on…
For topics and session ideas for this summer’s CMC. Send your ideas to greg@thechildrensmediaconference.com The CMC Advisory Committee is currently hard at work looking at theme and content. They come up with the ideas for sessions, workshops and masterclasses, but so do you. What makes the Conference unique is the fact that the content comes directly from the interests of people “on the ground” in all parts of the kids media industries. If you have a topic you feel should be covered, describe it in a paragraph or two and send it to Greg. And for volunteer session-producers for this summer’s CMC. If you feel you’d like to be involved send along a CV to:greg@thechildrensmediaconference.com. Session producers are the people…
December 2011
UK@Kidscreen – Best Way to Get to NYC in Feb.
There are still a few places left on the UK@Kidscreen Delegation to the Kidscreen Summit in New York (Feb 7-10, 2012). But you need to hurry - by registering with us by this Friday 9 December you will get the additional benefit of being listed in the delegation advertisement in Kidscreen Magazine. Register at: http://kidscreen2012fullfee.eventbrite.co.uk/ to join the official UK delegation for £975+VAT. Kidscreen ticket price alone is now £1020 and rising. As a member of the delegation you get the Kidscreen ticket plus a set of added benefits - so with all the extras this is a great deal! If you’re a first-timer this is the best way to navigate Kidscreen - with personal support all the way. If…
October 2011
London Screenwriters’ Festival
CMC has negotiated a discount for London Screenwriters’ Festival http://bit.ly/d4R5S7 Oct 28-30. It’s £66 off the £300 price. Disney and Pixar writer David Reynolds, whose credits include Finding Nemo, Toy Story 3 and The Emperor’s New Groove is going to be running a session or two. To secure the discount contact Janice at groupsales@londonswf.com and quote CMC11 as your discount code.
August 2011
Arab Awakenings
blogged by Delyth Thomas. Moderator:Naomi Sakr, Professor of Media Policy (CAMRI), University of WestministerSpeakersDr. Naif A. Al-Mutawa, CEO, Teshkeel Media GroupNia Ceidiog, Managing Director/Producer, CEIDIOG, CyfFirdaus Kharas, Chairman, Chocolate Moose MediaCynthia Madanat Sharaiha, Managing Director / Creative Director, Dana Production CompanyHoward Myers, Joint Managing Director, Rival MediaTheresa Reed, 3Line MediaProduced by:Jeanette Steemers, Professor of Media and Communications, , (CAMRI) University of Westminste Friday morning and there are some fairy bleary eyed delegates hitting the caffeine in the Showroom café, but by 9.30am the cinema is filling up and there’s a gentle buzz about this session, and a very strict, highly entertaining floor manager ensuring the panel stick to their allotted time slots… There’s a significant expansion of children’s channels across…
Imagine the Future of Learning
Can you imagine the future of learning? http://innov8.pearson.com. Innov8 is an open innovation competition, sponsored by Pearson, for learners, educators, games and app developers, innovators and anyone with a vision for how technology can open up new opportunities for learning. if you have a great idea for a learning application and want to win up to £6,000 to see your idea come alive then innov8 is for you. Register to receive the info pack at http://innov8.pearson.com
July 2011
Pulse Films student talent search competition
Production company, Pulse Films are running a talent search competition for student film-makers http://bit.ly/pBsfnw If you’re a student in Film Making or Animation and either coming up to the final year of a B.A. or diploma, or a postgraduate student, they want to hear from you. They’re particularly keen to hear from film makers with a great sense of how to use music with moving images. Deadline is 12th August - so get moving! All the info is at: http://bit.ly/pBsfnw
Conference Wrap
Sanjay d’Humières chokes back a tear in the final moments of CMC 2011. The Conference wrap was the time where all good things had to come to an end. Anna Home, Chair of the Conference, took the opportunity to say a few words and extend her thanks to all those who made this year’s Children’s Media Conference possible. There was however, one final piece of good news with the announcement by Anna that the lobby group Save Kids’ TV (created at the Showcomotion children’s media conference 5 years ago) had been given a new lease of life by merging with the Children’s Film and Television Foundation to create a new entity to be called The Children’s Media Foundation (CMF). Not…
Interactive networking with BBC Children’s
3rd Aug. Evening event. Interactive aspirants should get over to Bridge House at Media City Salford to meet CBBC and CBeebies Interactive managers and discover the opportunities of working there. BBC hiring managers are holding an Open Evening for interested and experienced interactive people at ALL levels. 1830 - 2030 3rd August, BBC Bridge House, Media City Salford. For more information download the BBC PDF
C21 Article – CMC Final Wrap
Kids lobby group’s voice gets louderThe UK Children’s Media Conference closed with the news that lobby group Save Kids’ TV (SKTV) has merged with a film and TV development fund to launch a broader media campaign.SKTV has joined forces with the Children’s Film and Television Foundation (CFTF) to create the Children’s Media Foundation (CMF), a new group that will focus on not only lobbying for the UK TV industry but also for the animation and film sectors too. The initial CMF board will comprise former BBC Childrens’ boss Anna Home as chair, CMC editorial director Greg Childs, CFTF chairman Linda James and Zodiak Family and Kids boss Nigel Pickard. Further board members will be announced in coming months.SKTV launched at…
CMC 2011: Thinking the unthinkable – the future of funding for kids’ media in the UK
Adrian Mills, Chief Adviser, Children’s and Learning, BBCSpeakersRory Sutherland, Executive Creative Director, OgilvyOneGary Pope, Director, Kids IndustriesDerek Robertson, National Adviser for Emerging Technologies and Learning, Learning and Teaching ScotlandJaney Walker, Content Board member, OfcomProduced by:Steve Hocking, Media Consultant, Freelance Setting the agenda for debate for the coming year eh?Well this is my last blog for this year’s conference and with such a weighty premise; I make no apology for this being lengthy.Read on – it’s worth it. “Thinking the unthinkable” – this session looked like being a great and possibly heated debate, especially with Rory Sutherland’s opening gambit of “McTelly – seriously would it be really so bad?”A year or two ago, we’d have thrown our hands up in horror…
CMC 2011: The Cos and Pros of Co Pro
Four UK producers reveal the secrets of working internationally with a range of funding models Moderator:Alison Stewart, Head of Production, Animation and Acquisitions, CBeebiesSpeakersTony Collingwood, Writer / Director, Collingwood O’Hare EntertainmentBilly MacQueen, Co-founder, Darrall Macqueen LtdOwen Stickler, Managing Director, Dinamo ProductionsKarl Woolley, Managing Director, Impossible FimsProduced by:Chris Rose, Vice President, Programming & Development, HIT Entertainment Ltd. Catchy title eh! This is my last blog for the Children’s Media conference, so I warn you now, I may get a bit soppy and emotional. It’s been a journey dudes and dudettes, and everyone’s well and truly knackered, but in a good way. I’m here to learn all about co-production, the highs and lows, good and evil. Co-Productions are a fact of life…
November 2010
Animated Encounters – Preparing for Market – Final Speaker Line-up
Friday 19 November 2.30 - 4.30pm at the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol The speaker list has been confirmed for “Preparing for Market” the CMC produced conference session at the Animated Encounters Festival in Bristol - supported by UK Trade & Investment. Session tickets are available for £6 from the Arnolfini Gallery. Encounters delegates have free entry to this and a range of other screenings and sessions. To become an Encounters delegate or day-delegate book here. This session will provide a comprehensive guide for animators and animation producers preparing for the international markets, including Annecy, Mipcom and Cartoon Forum. It will include information on the help available from UKTI and PACT for market attendance and the broad topics covered will also include…
Asian Opportunities
Trade delegations - December 2010. UKTI are supporting two trade missions in December, aimed at opening up creative industry opportunities in Asia. Some last-minute places are still available. To apply contact the UK Co-ordinator Johanna Bolhoven 6 & 7 December: The UK/China Animation Forum, Beijing, China A delegation of 10 - 15 UK animation companies will take part in presentations, panel discussions, networking events and one-to-one meetings. UKTI will provide UK digital animation businesses with a package of market entry support, including pre-market training and advice, introductions to Chinese businesses and the organisation of company visits. 8, 9 & 10 December: The Asia Television Forum in Singapore This the most significant media-content market in Asia. Again market entry support will…
Children’s Media in Print
Recent months have seen the publication of a number of books on Children’s Media themes - here’s a round-up: Professor Jeanette Steemers Creating Preschool Television - A Story of Commerce, Creativity and Curriculum Published by Macmillan Steemers has published the findings of her research into the ecology of pre-school production. Focusing on the UK and US, this book shows how the pre-school television sector has shifted from a small localised industry to a complex, commercially-driven global business. It covers topics such as the contemporary pre-school market, the development and production process, players in the production sector, ancillary rights and retail, policy interventions, funding and the crisis in advertising and what happens to little kids’ TV in a multiplatform world. The…
Preparing For Market – the CMC Session at Animated Encounters
Friday 19 November from 2.30 - 4.30pm at the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol Session tickets are available from the Arnolfini Gallery Encounters delegates have free entry. To become an Encounters delegate or day-delegate book here. A must for animators: The Children’s Media Conference is producing a two hour guide to everything you need to know when preparing for the international markets, including Annecy, Mipcom and Cartoon Forum. The session is hosted by:Tony Collingwood - Writer/Director, Collingwood O’Hare Entertainment Expert panelists are:Sarah Muller- Head of CBBC Acquisitions and Drama DevelopmentMiles Bullough- Head of Broadcast, Aardman AnimationsNathan Waddington - Director of International Sales and Co-productions, Planet NemoRichard Rowe- Director of Acquisitions & Original Series Cartoon Network, CN Too, Boomerang, Cartoonito EMEA Plus there’ll…
CMC Delegate Survey 2010
A big thank you to all our delegates who filled out the CMC online survey last July. Here are the headline results: 92% rated the Conference as excellent / good. 97% thought it was good value for money. 90% thought the session content was excellent / good. 99% said they would come again. 77% found the conference a good place to do business and 54% said they started discussion about possible deals for later follow-up. The main reasons for attending are: 87% networking, 66% conference content, 41% looking for potential partners. Delegate diversity is also growing year on year. The sectors represented were: 33% Indies, 32% Terrestrial TV Broadcast, 28% Interactive Media, 24% Writers, 18% Education, 17% non-terrestrial broadcast, 14%…
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