Programme

Registration and refreshments

Opening address from the Chair

Commissioning Session 1

Justin Gorman, Head of Entertainment, Channel 4
Duncan Gray, Head of Entertainment, Sky
Elaine Bedell, Head of Entertainment & Comedy, ITV
Mark Sammon, Head of Commissioning, Virgin Media


PLUS: Live, Anonymous Q&A

Commissioning Session 2

Mark Linsey, Head of Entertainment, BBC
Jane Rogerson, Director of Commissioning, UKTV
Zai Bennet, Director of Digital Channels & Acquisitions, ITV Digital

PLUS: Live, Anonymous Q&A

Technology Case Study: Using new platforms & technology to punch through schedules

• Deepen engagement & enhance enjoyment across demographics by using technology your audience are familiar with.
• Understand the opportunities, budgets and schedules associated with building interactivity into the heart of new formats.

Break & Networking

Ad-Funded Programming

• Source investment & balance the needs of brands, broadcasters and producers whilst maintaining the quality of viewer experience.
• Enhance audience relationships with both brand and program through appropriate, innovative partnerships.
• Navigate culture and jargon confusion, manage expectations and pool your resources and skills effectively.
  

Co-Production and Localisation

• With co-production partners in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, Poland, Portugal, Greece and China and distribution deals in 80 more territories Alistair Richards has built Guinness World Records TV into a multinational brand without incurring international costs, consistently ranking number one in its time slot.
• Learn to think globally in order to grow during difficult economic times.
• Partner effectively to maximise programming opportunities whilst maintaining core values and minimising overheads.
  

Speed Networking: Bring Your Business Cards!

• Make new contacts, discuss key issues raised in the day’s sessions & identify possible future partnerships.

Lunch

UK Funding: where the money is, how it works & how to get it

• Hear from the UK’s leading entertainment bank about how TV funding is changing in line with regulation and economic factors.
• Learn what makes an Entertainment project or company an attractive investment, and how to achieve that without compromising creatively.
  

The International Market

• Make the most of your distribution rights and come to the negotiation table informed and in control.
• Learn which territories have demand for formats, what they want and how to reach them.
• Understand how to create formats and finished programs with worldwide export potential.
  

Intellectual Property

• Ensure you effectively monetise your brand by understanding its value online, in print and elsewhere.
• Stay ahead of audience and technological trends: make the most of new distribution platforms and uncover new revenue streams.
  

Break & Networking

Panel Discussion: The Talent Contest

• Suspense, storytelling and instant celebrities- what makes a great talent contest format?
• Charting the genre’s evolution and variations; are the big brands unshakeable or is innovation overdue?
• Assessing the international market for talent formats, and helping you meet foreign buyers’ criteria.
  

Keynote: Fru Hazlitt

Chair’s summary of the day

Close of conference