Timetable

First Timers' Reception & City Hall Bar Open

First Time at the CMC? Enjoy an extra special welcome from executives, producers and talent with top tips to get the most out of your conference! There’ll be prizes too!

Opening Keynote: Nadiya Hussain

Bake-off winner, TV presenter, author and national treasure Nadiya Hussain takes to the stage for a different kind of Opening Keynote, as she champions facing up to all our monsters and making life limitless for children today.

CMC SkillBuilder Bible & Pitch

Build, develop and refresh your skills with the CMC Bible & Pitch SkillBuilder with a 4 hour mix of advice and hands-on learning.

International Exchange AM Session

The morning begins with a Welcome Presentation at 9.20am, meetings run from 9.30am-12.45pm and a networking lunch is provided from 12.45-1.45pm.

International Exchange PM Session

The afternoon begins with a networking lunch from 12.45-1.45pm with a Welcome Presentation at 1.40pm, meetings run from 1.45pm-5pm.

The CMC Drinks Reception

Join us for the opening night drinks reception in the beautiful setting of Sheffield's Cathedral.  All delegates are welcome.

Playground

Playground is a series of exhibitions curated by The Children's Media Conference focusing on experiences that merge physical and digital play. The fourth edition, Game/Changers, showcases reinterpretations and remakes of seminal toys, games and experiences developed over the last 40 years. Artists and designers include Pippin Barr, Bennett Foddy, La Sophiste and Sensible Object, a new commission by Site Gallery's Society of Explorers and the MakEY project organised and run by The University of Sheffield, School of Education. The exhibition has been curated for 5-12 year olds, but everyone is of course welcome. Visit www.cmcplayground.com for further information.

Limiting the Limitless?

Do new opportunities call for new thinking? The CMC Question Time quizzes those in power, or in the know, about the big issues facing UK kids’ media today.

Stream if you Wanna go Faster: Decoding the SVoDs

Netflix, Amazon and Youtube are eating CBBC’s lunch. Disney+ and Ap-pleTV+ are hungry too. An agenda-setting hour on how to work with them and win.

Commissioner Conversations: BBC

BBC Children’s and BBC Education discuss their commissioning and development process, and reveal new ways of working to maximise public service brands.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Five prospective producers enter the den to pitch their ideas to the dragons. But who will walk away with investment?

The YACF – A User’s Guide

What is the Young Audiences Content Fund? Jackie Edwards and her team give us the inside scoop on the aims of the new £57m fund, what to submit, and how!

Creative Masterclass: Clangers and Paddington

Celebrate the anniversary of the Moon Landings with the Clangers, and Paddington’s spectacular return to the small screen.

Limiting the Limitless? (Relayed from Cinema 4)

Do new opportunities call for new thinking? The CMC Question Time quizzes those in power, or in the know, about the big issues facing UK kids’ media today.

The Art of Play

Two linked presentations. Playing to Innovate - using play as a vital tool to inspire creativity in innovation, research and analysis. Being Childish - rediscover your inner child! Connect with children through silliness and fun, no matter where they’re from or what they’ve been through.

The CMC Debate: Limitless Content - Good or Bad?

Industry leaders debate the motion: "Kids' limitless access to content is a positive thing for children’s media makers”. Your vote will decide which argument wins.

Commissioner Conversations: VoD

Hear first-hand what VOD commissioners’ plans look like for 2020/21, what’s worked in the past, what they’re looking for next, how they see their content evolving and how to get in touch to pitch your ideas.

Resetting the Moral Compass

In light of the White Paper on “online harms” are we finally resetting the dials on the internet to make it truly friendly for children and families. With online platforms more and more under scrutiny, activists for digital rights consider the effectiveness of the White Paper and the public support for change.

Fortnite-ly Phenomena: What Creates A Digital Craze?

Fortnite was 2018's digital craze for kids, toppling Minecraft (which in turn replaced Moshi Monsters and Club Penguin). What do these phenomena have in common, and how can we tap in?

Clicks and Mortar - The New Retail Space

How has merchandise and licensing been impacted by digital disruption? What are the new ways to develop and launch a product in an increasingly tough consumer environment?

Life on the Small Screen

Ofcom share their insights on the media use and attitudes of children, uncover the reasons young people are drawn to online video services such as Netflix and YouTube, and how certain types of content evoke powerful responses.

Gambling and Gaming: What’s the Difference? What’s the Harm?

Gambling features within video games are a concern for parents and kids. Now gambling products borrow features from game designers too. What is the relationship between gambling and gaming and should we worry?

Don't Mention the C Word!

We need to talk about class. Is the lack of people from working class backgrounds in our workforce making us irrelevant to our audiences?

Delivery Demands

There’s been a sharp incline in demands from VoD platforms for high delivery standards for audio and video. Are studios keeping up and is it increasing industry standards?

Research 3 & 4

Two 30 minute research presentations: Age Ratings in a Limitless World & HEIHEI, Disrupting Younger Kids Media Provision in New Zealand.

Research 7 & 8

Two 30 minute research presentations: Diversity in UK Kids’ TV & Social Media and Gaming – Good or Bad for Kids?

Research 5 & 6

Two 30 minute research presentations: Gaming Grannies & Co-viewing, Co-playing, Co-everything. Wishful Thinking or Real Family Behaviour?

Research 1 & 2

Two 30 minute research presentations: What Children's Content do Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and YouTube Want? & Screenage Kids.

Speed Meetings: China - A Creative Approach

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Speed Meetings: BBC

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Speed Meetings: VoD

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Speed Meetings: The YACF and BFI Certification

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

First Timers Lunch

A warm welcome to CMC as old and new faces mingle for lunch. Grab a bite and some helpful personal advice on navigating the conference!

China - A Creative Approach

Join our esteemed panel of speakers as they give insight and share knowledge into how to develop and produce your projects with both a Chinese and international audience in mind.

Writers Assemble!

Grab your lunch and join a heroic band of experts to tackle the challenges of working as a writer – getting in, staying in, moving on up!

Focus on Ireland

Why is Ireland a great place to bring your production? Our panel of content-makers share their advice and expertise about working in, and with, Ireland.

VR and AR Storytelling for Kids

As storytellers, how can we embrace new technologies, such as Virtual or Augmented Reality so that children experience content which is both of value and entertaining.

Merging Digital and Physical Experiences

When digital and physical experiences connect or merge, how do they – or could they - impact on play and learning?

Pushing the Boundaries for Learning

How do we make sure we deliver the best and most innovative learning content for the next generation?

The Incredible Playable Lunchtime Show

An award-winning interactive show where the auditorium is transformed into a stage for bizarre video games, and you the audience become the players!

Pushing the Pre-school Envelope

Innovative Preschool: explore the latest boundaries of preschool content, from production technique & platform choice to brand identity, commerce & inclusion.

Kids Taking a Stand

Hear from the kids taking a stand for change, as, in a first for CMC, Changemakers discuss how to reflect their activism in the changing media landscape.

Tackling Teens

With more broadcasters commissioning content for teens and the Young Audience Content Fund’s emphasis on the 13+ age-group, how can children’s content creators age-up and move into this sphere?

Mercure Bar Open

The Mercure bar is open from 5pm before the Creative Keynote.

Creative Keynote: Horrible Histories The Movie

Key creatives behind the bestselling children’s books, the multi-award winning hit TV show, and this summer’s movie adaptation ‘Rotten Romans’ on how to make horribly entertaining family comedy, and create the funniest franchise in history.

Pizza Express

It’s the long-standing tradition of CMC to gather at the Pizza Express and share a kids’ party style meal. The pizza menu is here and you can buy your pizza express ticket here.

The CMC Party

Let your hair down after a hard day's conferencing with the CMC party! Entry is free to all registered delegates.* *(Over 18’s only and please note that the venue’s resident staff may require proof of age ID.)

Playground

Playground is a series of exhibitions curated by The Children's Media Conference focusing on experiences that merge physical and digital play. The fourth edition, Game/Changers, showcases reinterpretations and remakes of seminal toys, games and experiences developed over the last 40 years. Artists and designers include Pippin Barr, Bennett Foddy, La Sophiste and Sensible Object, a new commission by Site Gallery's Society of Explorers and the MakEY project organised and run by The University of Sheffield, School of Education. The exhibition has been curated for 5-12 year olds, but everyone is of course welcome. Visit www.cmcplayground.com for further information.

Staying Local

A panel that examines the vital place of locally focussed and produced drama in the audience's entertainment mix.

Commissioner Conversations: PSBs

Commissioners from UK commercial public service broadcasters reveal their top tips on how to approach them, what they’re looking for and how they manage the post-commissioning relationship.

Commissioner Conversations: Channels

An opportunity to hear from the commissioners at Nickelodeon, Sony and Turner.

Going Global

Bringing the UK classroom to the world – internationalising children’s learning content. Who is making an impact internationally and how does that work with conflicting curricula needs? This session begins with a presentation by Changemaker Finlay Pringle Read the producer's preview for this session.

The Last Word: Nikki Lilly

Nikki Lilly – CBBC star, YouTuber, and Junior Bake Off winner – brings CMC 2019 to a close. Her brief was “limitless’ – so expect everything from overcoming adversity to sharing make-up tips. It’s all you need to head home with a spring in your step and feeling fabulous.

Successful Pitches - The Secret History

Want to increase the odds of getting your series/idea commissioned? Learn how from our four master pitchers' personal stories on pitching 'Peppa Pig', 'Becca's Bunch' and many more.

The Art of Voice & Song

What makes a great character voice? What makes a truly “sticky” song that fast becomes an earworm? Don’t miss this session for sound advice that’s music to your ears!   Read the producer preview of this session.

Fresh Kids Tech

Innovations you should know about in technology, trends and kids’ passions in digital content.

Online Killed the TV Star

… Or did it? We discuss why online talent isn’t the enemy.

Immersive Journeys in Education

How AR and VR are changing learning in schools

Media Medicine

How can we help children stay healthy? Four innovative ways in which we can support children's health experiences with some marvellous media medicine. 

Life on the Small Screen (Repeat)

Ofcom share their insights on the media use and attitudes of children, uncover the reasons young people are drawn to online video services such as Netflix and YouTube, and how certain types of content evoke powerful responses.

Cultivating Community

How content creators and brands maintain and extend their relationship with their audience online and how online fan communities contribute to content and meaningful engagement.

Research 1 & 2 (Repeat)

Two 30 minute research presentations: What Children's Content do Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and YouTube Want? & Screenage Kids.

Research 3 & 4 (Repeat)

Two 30 minute research presentations: Age Ratings in a Limitless World & HEIHEI, Disrupting Younger Kids Media Provision in New Zealand.

Research 7 & 8 (Repeat)

Two 30 minute research presentations: Diversity in UK Kids’ TV & Social Media and Gaming – Good or Bad for Kids?

Research 5 & 6 (Repeat)

Two 30 minute research presentations: Gaming Grannies & Co-viewing, Co-playing, Co-everything. Wishful Thinking or Real Family Behaviour?

Speed Meetings: China - Business and Partnerships

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Speed Meetings: PSBs

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Speed Meetings: Channels

Speakers listed here are available for five-minute one-to-one advice meetings. Come to the Workstation Reception to book your slot. There is no advance booking – it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out.

Unconscious Bias

The subtle messages that influence our children.

Kids' Media Connected

MACKY is a new international association of children’s professionals that unites creatives across platforms to promote meaningful media for kids and young people. Come and meet its founding members and consider joining.

Unconscious Bias (Repeat)

The subtle messages that influence our children.

Alexa, How should Youth Brands Use Audio in 2019?

Leading youth brands discuss how we can use the latest tech and platforms to create audio experiences that engage kids in 2019 and beyond.

The Note Behind The Note

Notes are an essential part of the creative process. A panel of experts from both sides of the equation discuss the best way to give and receive notes for a great finished product.

Kids with Stones in Their Pockets

How kids play and how, as storytellers and content creators, we can create a space for self-discovery and imagination.

Animation Skills Fund - Use it or Lose it!

New initiatives from the re-booted ScreenSkills Animation Skills Council will address animation skills shortages, with finance from the Animation Skills Fund. If you run or recruit for an animation company, come and have your say on the priorities and approaches.

China - Business and Partnerships

With increasing number of partnerships between Chinese and creative companies around the world we discuss the opportunities, broadcast and streaming platforms, finding the right partners and the co-production treaty.

True?

The abundance of online fakery and fake news is making it increasingly difficult for young audiences to know what's real and what's not. What responsibility do we have? How can we equip them with the skills to navigate the truth? 

The Incredible Playable Lunchtime Show

An award-winning interactive show where the auditorium is transformed into a stage for bizarre video games, and you the audience become the players!

The Incredible Playable Lunchtime Show

An award-winning interactive show where the auditorium is transformed into a stage for bizarre video games, and you the audience become the players!

Are the Robots Coming for our Children?

A deep dive into the ethical, privacy and design considerations relating to AI in children’s media development and data analysis.

Playground

Playground is a series of exhibitions curated by The Children's Media Conference focusing on experiences that merge physical and digital play. The fourth edition, Game/Changers, showcases reinterpretations and remakes of seminal toys, games and experiences developed over the last 40 years. Artists and designers include Pippin Barr, Bennett Foddy, La Sophiste and Sensible Object, a new commission by Site Gallery's Society of Explorers and the MakEY project organised and run by The University of Sheffield, School of Education. The exhibition has been curated for 5-12 year olds, but everyone is of course welcome. Visit www.cmcplayground.com for further information.

Playground Drinks Reception

Join us for drinks at CMC Playground - open to all delegates.