Blogs tagged "content"
July 2019
CMC 2019: Report – Research 1 & 2
Research 1 and 2 focused on the content strategies being used by online video organisations and tech-giants to get into the children’s side of the growing online video sector. Takeaway: ● Netflix is looking for content for 7 to 9-year- olds, whilst Amazon is looking more for pre-school content. ● YouTube is the dominant content provider, with Netflix following behind. ● Only 10% of children go to live TV sources first, versus 41% of adults. Detail: The first of the research presentations, delivered by Fred Black of Ampere Analysis, examined what key SVODs have been commissioning and may be looking for in the near future. The focus of the research was on the contrasts between Netflix and Amazon, and where…
CMC 2019: Report – Kids Taking a Stand
Young people are constantly given the reminder, especially by media, that their future is bleak. The narrative is one of low pay, dying democracies, a world on fire, and corporations bent on stealing their data. But this needs to be changed to one of hope and possibility even amongst those challenges. This was what the CMC theme – Limitless (suggested by a young person) – meant to the panel, the potential and possibility of youth. Takeaway: Young people are energised, hopeful and poised to take action, and hungry for content on activism – but they need the tools and resources to do it. Media must accept their responsibility as an educator of the young. We have to help ready a…
November 2018
Manimation 2018: Report – Roundtable 1: Get Real
Takeaway: Delivery and consumption of storytelling is changing. We are seeing a convergence of animation games and technology emerge. Aardman have ventured into games with 11/11. They are attracting a new kind of gamer who wants to play as a one-off, like how you watch a movie. No skills are needed for playing and tiny choices have an impact on the story and how the narrative unfolds. Detail: This informal roundtable session was produced and hosted by Paul Bason, discussing the future of storytelling using real time engines. Ben Lumsden – Epic Games Using Epic Games technology and expertise, they are creating content from outside the gaming world. Unreal Engine Technology software is initially free to use, then Epic takes 5%…
Manimation 2018: Report – Opening Panel: The Future of Animation Business
Takeaway: Storytelling remains at the heart of projects Technology can be used as a tool to build narrative and speed up production Using multiple platforms can boost brands to reach new audiences Detail: Kate O’Connor from Animation UK introduced this session, asking how we can create and secure the future of animation business. The panellists included: Andy Wood from Cubic Motion, Benjamin Donoghue from Blackstaff Games, Olivier Dumont from Entertainment One and Jackie Edwards from BBC Children’s Acquisitions and Independent Animation. Working Together Collaboration is important in securing a strong future for the animation industry. In this session, Andy Wood highlighted the positive impact of harnessing technology to speed up pipelines and Benjamin Donoghue explained that creating interactive products…
July 2018
CMC 2018: Report – Podcasts – The New Big Thing?
Takeaway: Podcasts are on the rise. They can offer entertainment, escapism and learning and can really enrich the lives of young listeners. Technology such as smart speakers and the new Google podcast app offer exciting opportunities in audio content creation. It is important to create and uphold top quality content and high production values. Detail: “Podcasts are becoming a big deal”, opened Bex Lindsay from Fun Kids Live, the host for this session. Why are podcasts so important? Johnny Leagas, Executive Producer from CBeebies Radio, highlighted that podcasts are on the rise and said that this generation are taking content with them on the go. CBeebies Radio podcasts allow the audience to listen, download and take away. He said that…
CMC 2018: Report – Big Lessons from Niche Memes
The ever-changing landscape is evolving at such a pace that companies are constantly working to keep up with demand and expectations of the audience. Takeaway: Kids still like the same things they liked 25 years ago - it's the delivery mechanism that has changed. Kids are cherry picking the best bits and tailoring to their needs. Not all content is universal, one size does not fit all. Detail: After an inspiring film and presentation from Changemaker Jemima Browning, moderator Nick Fisher, co-founder of Hook Research, kicked of the session asking how brands can keep up with trends in terms of content, communications and marketing? Panel speakers, Stuart Rowson, BBC Children’s, Marc Goodchild, Turner EMEA, and Iain Sawbridge from Beano Studios…
CMC 2018: Report – Disruption – What’s Next?
As the landscape of Children's TV changes, what is next for the companies involved? Takeaway: • Diversifying platforms still need great content and engagement. • Most viewing is still done via traditional TV but binge-watching tends to be on-demand. • Knowing your audience and researching thoroughly is the key to making content that lasts. Detail: Jon Watts, MTM and host, jumped right in by asking the panellists to discuss changes to the UK market in recent years. All three panellists agreed that the resulting factor has been the way in which we consume content. Alison Bakunowich, SVP general manager at Nickelodeon, thought that there had been three main changes: a creative generation, portable devices and on-demand services. “We’re in the…
July 2017
CMC 2017: Report – Kindfulness
The full session is available here as a podcast: A huge topic on the minds for kids’ media professionals today – how can we get kindness on the cards? Producers and media industry experts discuss the ways kindness, empathy and respect can make their mark on children’s media content Takeaway: Teaching children to be resilient, respectful and kind to each other is more important than ever – TV and pro-social gaming is a way to do this Imbuing content for kids with messages to bolster core emotional and life skills, at home and at school, is important It's crucial to not only raise tolerance and diversity issues to engage children, but the same also needs to happen with their parents/guardians.…
CMC 2017: Report – Attention Seekers
What do the digital native 10-16 years want these days and how must today's producers develop their content accordingly? Takeaway: The audience between the ages of 10 and 16 are the toughest to capture It's important to use many platforms – linear TV is not the primary platform for this age group Listening to the audience is key – they know what they want and need from content Detail: “No audience is as tough to capture as tweens and teens,” said David Kleeman, SVP of Global Trends and Dubit. Exploring how the panel are managing to do this, Newsround editor, Lewis James explained how they are changing the way that content is produced. He illustrated his points with juxtaposing examples – the…
July 2016
CMC 2016: Report – Making it Happen with YouTube
A workshop all about making it happen online? It's over to YouTube… Takeaways Innovate, do not imitate. Trends online are fleeting, so create content that's authentic to your brand. YouTube has tremendous revenue potential, which requires experimentation by creators to figure out what works for them and resonates with audiences. Detail For this year's Making it Happen with YouTube workshop, the participants gave three minute pitches with advice for existing vloggers, and how they could increase their presence over the year ahead. Before the practical workshop began, the participants were given advice from YouTube and a panel of producers. Cedric Petitpas, YouTube’s Strategic Partner Manager for Northern Europe, had two key messages for would-be content providers. Firstly, to innovate, not imitate.…