CMC CATCH-UP, EXPERIENCE THE CHILDREN'S MEDIA CONFERENCE 2024 ONLINE

Last week The Children's Media Conference (CMC) took place in Sheffield from 9 to 11 July, with the theme Connect, Collaborate, Commit. For those unable to attend the live event, a Catch Up Pass is still available, which provides access to videos of all the sessions recorded at the event.?

The Children's Media Conference (CMC), recently held in Sheffield (9-11 July) is the UK's leading children's content conference, providing keynotes, sessions, workshops and valuable networking opportunities for those involved in the development and distribution of kids' titles, across multiple platforms.?

The 2024 edition attracted around 1000 delegates and 200 speakers and hosts. This year's theme was Connect, Collaborate, Commit, implying precisely the importance of joint working towards meaning objectives. But if you were unable to attend CMC 2024, you could still access the precious resources of the conference thanks to CMC Catch-up, sponsored by NBCUniversal.?

By purchasing a Catch-up Pass (link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cmc-2024-catch-up-tickets-950220534197?aff=oddtdtcreator) before 26 July, you will be able to watch recordings of the various presentations and enjoy additional content.?

The sessions will be posted daily over the next two weeks. The very first content available online included three main talks: the Opening and Creative Keynote and the closing speech The Last Word.?

During the Fitzrovia Post Production-sponsored Opening Keynote, musician, broadcaster and humanitarian YolanDa Brown OBE DL offered a multi-faceted perspective on the creation of children's content.?

YolanDa enlisted the audience with a series of songs that carried messages for the kids' media sector. She used the Tragedy song to highlight the issue of low commissioning of children's content. Additionally, she employed How Deep Is Your Love? to inspire children's media creators to have a deep commitment to their audience and a responsibility to provide a safe environment for children both on and off screen.

YolanDa stressed that the content produced today has a significant impact on children's futures. She encouraged industry professionals to carefully evaluate each production, as every funding and commissioning process could be an opportunity to create meaningful partnerships and work together on constructive proposals that prioritize diversity, representation, and sustainability.

Another highly appreciated speaker at the Opening Keynote was 8-year-old UN climate campaigner Moksha Roy, who is recognized as a trailblazer on climate change. She likened taking care of the planet to caring for your teeth, because daily action is needed to avoid future pain.?

Moksha explained that she had recently surveyed children (aged 4-10) in her community, and found that they were concerned about climate change but tended to focus more on the impact on animals rather than themselves. The kids also expressed uncertainty about how to make a difference.?

Nora Twomey , the award-winning co-founder and creative director of Cartoon Saloon delivered the Creative Keynote, sponsored by Magic Light Pictures. She recounted Cartoon Saloon's 25-year history, pointing that the company was born in a small city, Kilkenny, and has remained there, to maintain their independence and corporate culture.

Despite their Academy Awards success, Cartoon Saloon faced challenges in the early 2000s. They worked hard with creatives who helped them develop their storytelling skills and refine their company style.?

Nandi Bushell, a 14-year-old British and Zulu superstar drummer, author and actor, closed this year's conference in The Last Word session. Nandi urged children's media producers to be authentic and step out of their comfort zone.

She also discussed her ideas for TV shows with a strong music theme.? Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Drumming is set to be released in August.??

Curated by Rossella Arena