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Get ready for a captivating display of pottery skills as four television luminaries step up to the potter's wheel in an exciting live show down! Channel 4’s hit series ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’, featuring host Siobhán McSweeney, and judges Keith Brymer Jones and Richard Miller, is coming to The Edinburgh TV Festival where it promises to deliver some high-spirited surprise creations Who will claim the title of The Edinburgh TV festival pottery champion …. and who will have their prized work thrown in the dreaded "Bucket of Doom"?
From sign language on Strictly Come Dancing to HIV in It’s a Sin; from climate-inspired Don’t Look Up to Britain Get Talking highlighting mental health – creating content that’s talked about increases audience engagement and value. Come and hear a panel explore the different ways content can have impact and how to build it into planning from the start, enhancing creativity, driving reach and delivering value for audiences and wider stakeholders.
Whether it is the situation facing our freelance community, the impact of strikes, how broadcasters report the news, or how on-air talent and names wield influence, imbalances of power can be found throughout our industry. Will our workforce and leaders ever offer a true reflection of our society? We will ask who holds the power, examine how they are using it, and uncover ways we can build a better future.
Join albert, the leading screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability in the ConnectED lounge. Connect with delegates, albert and the wider TV industry to discuss how to reduce the environmental impacts of production and create content that supports a vision for a sustainable future. Tea/Coffee and pastries to be served.
A group of this year's Ones to Watch pitch for a guaranteed commission with Channel 4's Random Acts strand, followed by the premiere screening of last year's winning film. Eight 90-second pitches will be vying to capture the interest of judge Shaminder Nahal, and the spirit of this iconic Channel 4 strand. The winner will be announced at the Edinburgh TV Awards.
TV is a global industry, and this is a chance to see, and to get key insight into, what is moving the ratings dial around the world. While each country has its own characteristics, formats can bridge the gaps with audiences in multiple territories. This session will take you on a world tour. Looking at what key markets have produced in terms of distinctive new format ideas, it will also provide the context and explore what this reveals about audience behaviours and programming trends.
What’s your TV guilty pleasure? What shows do you REALLY watch, while telling your colleagues you’re up to date on the latest hard-hitting doc or arty drama? In this cheeky, humorous session, we’re interrogating why some shows are deemed more credible or award-worthy than others – both to watch and to work on. Are labels like “guilty pleasure” or “trash TV” problematic, what impact does this have on commissioning and does this speak to a wider problem of classism in television? We’re celebrating those shows often looked down on, the skill it takes to make them and the joy they bring to viewers.
Economic and social imperatives are having a direct impact on commissioning, recruitment and shows going into production. As some sectors continue to negotiate acute skills shortages and gaps, others are facing uncertainty. How do we continue to build a pipeline for new talent, keep people in the industry throughout its highs and lows, and attract people from other sectors into television? What industry culture do we want to foster? How can we bring in fresh ideas, new perspectives, and different ways of working?
The panel will discuss ways to ensure that television remains one of the best and most creative place to work.
Session Partner: ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund
After its most challenging year in recent times, Netflix seems back on track. Ten years in and the streamer has deep roots in the UK creative industry, investing $6bn over the last four years and collaborating with the best of British talent, production companies and broadcasters to create TV that is loved all over the world. Join Netflix commissioners Adam Hawkins, Kate Townsend, Mona Qureshi and Sam Crack as they unpack what it is that makes a Netflix show pop and why the UK is one of the best places in the world to make TV.
With a special introduction from Kate Monaghan, Managing Director at Hey Sonny Films and Emily Fielden, Head of Talent at Studio Lambert
First time at the Festival? Flying solo or part of a supported scheme? Picked up your badge and wondering what’s next? Join us at the ConnectED Lounge to meet with other Festival First Timers.
These meetings are for indies and new talent to make connections with commissioners they don’t usually work with to expand their commissioner network. Pre-booked 10 minute slots only.
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionise every industry, TV included. But is it deep learning or empty hype? A trio of experts get deep into the world of AI in session that will give Festival-goers a much-needed and high-level sense of what it means for them. Broadcaster, maths professor, and writer Hannah Fry will be joined by BBC Commissioning Editor Muslim Alim and academic & author, Alex Connock. The three will unpack what producers really need to know about the practical uses of generative Artificial Intelligene in TV development, production and post-production.
In this masterclass hosted by Executive Producer Leon Campbell, C4 Commissioner Ian Dunkley and cast members Baasit & Sid Siddiqui and Pete & Sophie Sandiford, we'll discover how Gogglebox is cast, filmed and edited and why it's still going strong after a decade on our screens.
In a post-COVID, permacrisis-hit world, with market shocks from rising inflation to the threat of recession leading to commissioning freezes, budget cuts and show cancellations, industry experts spell out how producers and creators can navigate the stormy seas, identify new business and markets, and reimagine their organisations for emerging opportunities. We hear from leaders driving change, developing innovative models and forging collaborations, to discuss future challenges from digital transformation to climate change, and how to tackle them head on. Beat the market blues and find new ways to bring your stories to global audiences.
Following last year’s launch of the UK’s freshest new streaming service ITVX - which hit 1 billion streams in just over four months - join Kevin Lygo and his genre heads as they reflect on the year’s successes so far, as well as a look forward to what we can expect in the coming months across the network. Plus, what should producers looking to work with ITV be considering? Must-watch, unmissable big idea commissions for mass market audiences versus shows to attract lighter viewers.
With: DAWN BERESFORD: BBC Director of Talent, Commissioning Dawn joined the BBC from her role as Head of Talent at CPL Productions and Talent Advisor at Arrow International Media. She has a remit to work across all strategic aspects of off-screen talent at the BBC, including a focus on the commissioning pipeline in BBC Content.
HELEN PRATT: BBC Creative Talent Executive, Commissioning Helen has a track record in production on Specialist Factual, Docs and Fact Ent projects. She’s also been Head of Talent/ talent consultant for leading indies including Fresh One, Minnow and Dragonfly. She now works alongside the Director of Talent, Commissioning and the BBC Unscripted commissioning editors.
ELLIE DEVENISH: Business Partner, Talent Commissioning Ellie has a wealth of experience in BBC talent and in particular in working with apprentices and trainees. Ellie designed and launched with Pearson College the Degree Business Management Apprenticeship programme which was a first across the UK and has led on a number of training and development programmes.
Should we take a break? We’ve grown apart. I need some space! Can we see other people? Are indie/broadcaster relationships more difficult than ever? We definitely still need each other… so how do we make things better going forward? This panel explores the state of the relationship between indies and broadcasters, assembling representatives from the small to medium sized indie sector, and the people tasked with making their lives better. Asking tricky questions but packed full of top tips, it will be a frank discussion between Indies and their channel representatives. Come to couples counselling with us.
From Big Brother to Buzzcocks via Changing Rooms, Gladiators and Eggheads – everyone is bringing back old favourites. But do reboots give audiences a chance to revel in nostalgia or should we be discouraging more “microwave moments”? What do they mean for our industry? Do they stifle creativity or should we be more appreciative of the skill it takes to re-invent a dated original format? This lively session will see us assess the value of the TV reboot, investigate whether they actually attract more viewers, and you might even get an opportunity to pitch your very own reboot live.
At last year’s Edinburgh TV Festival, Disney+ were preparing to launch their first UK Original Production. This year – and five title launches later – join Liam Keelan and Sean Doyle from Disney’s EMEA commissioning team, as they provide an update on their upcoming slate of Disney+ UK Originals and their commitment to creating bold and inclusive stories of scale, working with outstanding creators and premium producers. Expect exclusive first looks at both scripted and unscripted releases, plus appearances from Character Seven’s Stephen Garrett, Executive Producer of upcoming stylish thriller “Culprits”, and Dorothy Street Picture’s Julia Nottingham, Executive Producer of the much-anticipated three-part Coleen Rooney documentary (w/t) – both coming to Disney+ this autumn.
Looking for TV ideas based on cutting-edge research? Come and hear from 6 early-career researchers from The TV Foundation's TV PhD scheme who will be pitching programmes based on their specialisms. Over the last few months they've had coaching from Lion TV and now it's time for them to share the fruits of their labour... LIVE. Come and support them in the nerve-wracking task of giving their first pitch, and expand your mind in the process.
Session Partner: Arts and Humanities Research Council
The Unbranded Content Model provides a new path for the creation and funding of content… and one optimised for the linear TV environment. Join Ancestry Studios, Appeal, Voltage, BBC Studios and ITV for a look at the unique development path of the hit series ‘DNA Journey’, and how a belief in the power of storytelling delivers enviable results for brand and network alike - without any creative compromise.
Channel 5 has commissioned more programming in the past 12 months than the average of the last five years, bucking industry trends. But how do you ensure you get a green-light? In this unflinching session, controller Ben Frow will take you inside Channel 5’s HQ to find out. There will be the wants list and must-haves for Channel 5 and Paramount+ in 2024. There will also be introspection and dissection as Ben and team are held to account and reveal why some of their greatest successes have been borne from failures.
From Alison Hammond, to Rylan, to the 2 Staceys (Dooley and Solomon) many of today’s big-name presenters got their first break as contributors on reality TV. But why do some reality and talent show contestants succeed as presenters while others fail? Is it easy to transition from the person answering the questions, to the one asking them? Has our view on the credibility of reality talent changed over the years and what does this mean for the future of broadcasting?
Informed by new data and the voices of those working behind the scenes in production, this session will see the Film and TV Charity and industry stakeholders explore the critical issues affecting the financial and mental health of TV industry workers. Following an increase in applications for emergency grants, the Charity will be asking what the industry at large can do to support workers under pressure, as well as highlighting what it can do to help people navigate the challenges many are currently facing.
Documentaries have always been seen as a force for positive change, but how do we sustain that in an age of rapid commercialisation, globalisation and ‘drama-fication’? Join six titans of the documentary world for a discussion about the opportunities and challenges documentaries face in the streamer age and how the push towards the premium is changing the way access is won, stories are told and who tells them.
In a global and competitive setting, how are UK creatives and buyers moving the needle and keeping British voices heard in the genre? A panel of experts examines the comedy landscape - why the genre remains at the forefront of risk-taking, the rise of genre-blending, finding talent in the most unexpected places and pulling off big ideas. What is the unique appeal of British comedy?
Audio Network provides original music of the highest quality for broadcasters, brands, creators and music fans. Please join us for complimentary drink (Beer, wine and soft drinks to be served). Take part in Audio Networks Music Quiz and be in with a chance to win yourself a pair of Apple AirPods or a Bose Speaker! https://tinyurl.com/yc3jstsp
Since 1976 the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture has been the centrepiece of the Edinburgh TV Festival. It provokes and inspires debate, conversation, and change. Joining a long list of thinkers and luminaries, award-winning broadcaster, author and podcaster Louis Theroux will deliver the 48th lecture.
Louis Theroux is a genre defining presenter best known for producing immersive documentaries exploring the controversial and complex aspects of the human condition. His award-winning projects include Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends, When Louis Met…, Altered States, Forbidden America and the feature-length documentary, My Scientology Movie.
He currently hosts The Louis Theroux Podcast on Spotify and Louis Theroux interviews.. returns to BBC2 later this year. Louis has won numerous awards, including three BAFTAs, an RTS award, and Grierson’s Trustees’ Award. In 2019, he set up his own independent television production company, Mindhouse.
Join us in the Lennox for the event that brings all of us together, defines what is unique about the Edinburgh TV Festival and will surely inform many more essential conversations to come.
If you registered for early access please listen out for announcements from 5:30pm on Wednesday to join the advance queue with your confirmation email.
Join us and Shutterstock in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. Network with old colleagues and meet new friends after the MacTaggart Lecture, and don’t miss out on your chance to be photographed at the Shutterstock Portrait Studio!
FREE COACHES TO THE MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND DEPART THE EICC FROM 19:00 UNTIL 19:30.
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