The TellyCast Digital Content Forum has unveiled its final agenda for November 5, with a programme spanning new studio models, brand-funded vertical drama, fan funding and the shift from commissioning individual shows to entire digital channels.
Returning to London’s BFI Southbank for its fifth edition, the Forum will bring together more than 35 speakers from across the creator economy, television, platforms and brands. The day combines panels, case studies and an international formats showcase, alongside networking opportunities running through to evening drinks.
Following a welcome from TellyCast founder Justin Crosby, the programme opens with “Media’s New Studio Model”. Leah Green of Guardian Studios, Richard Beech of Hearst UK and Nadia Holmes of Bauer Audio will discuss how businesses rooted in print, magazines and radio are building their own production capabilities. Consultant Victoria Jaye moderates.
The morning then turns to the practical challenges of digital production. “The Care Gap: Duty of Care on Digital Budgets” features clinical psychologist Dr Howard Fine, production consultant Bryony Hopkins and Lifted Entertainment’s Franky Harte. “Fail Fast” brings together Grace Miller of Grace Experiments, Thom Gulseven of Strong Watch Studios and Yusuf Omar of Seen TV to explore testing formats in public, with Spirit Studios’ Matt Campion moderating.
Caroline Servy of The Wit will present digital-first formats from around the world, while ITV Studios’ Will Scougal and Martin Trickey will discuss developments at Studio 55 and Zoo 55. A separate session explores how thumbnails, titles and trailers influence what gets made, with speakers from StoryGrain, The Curve Media and Blue Door Productions.
The afternoon opens with two sessions examining new sources of production finance. “Off the App: Brand-Funded Vertical” considers how brand investment changes the budgets, rights and commercial potential of vertical series, with speakers including Shorties Studios’ Kelly Luegenbiehl and Platform Media’s Ainsley Cannon.
“The Fan Economy: Turning Audiences into Investors” follows, featuring Matt Amys of Sidemen Entertainment’s Side+, Tom Payne of Spud Gun Studios, Josh Reynolds of Zandland and Diane Glynn of Zoo 55. The discussion will examine the role of memberships, live gifting and crowdfunded commissions in financing content.
At 3pm, “Heritage IP, New Audience: The Wombles on YouTube” offers a case study in bringing an established franchise to digital audiences. Chronicle Media’s Oliver Lewis and The Wombles’ Alex Treharne will discuss the launch of two channels combining remastered classics with new sustainability-focused content.
The final stretch looks at where the sector goes next. Flight Story’s Oli Thomas, Jungle Creations’ Siobhan McDade and Tubi’s Sami Qasem join a future-facing creator economy panel moderated by Quintus Studios’ Gerrit Kemming.
The closing session, “From Shows to Channels: The New Digital Commission”, features the BBC’s Mariel Capisciolto, Channel 4’s Kaio Grizelle and Hearst Canvas creative director Danny Baggott. Moderated by Sam Barcroft of Attention Industries, it will explore what producers need to deliver as commissioners increasingly ask them to build and operate whole channels.
Doors open at 8.30am, with the welcome at 9.15am. The programme concludes with networking drinks sponsored by Chronicle Media from 5pm to 7pm.
Tickets for the TellyCast Digital Content Forum on 5 November are available here.
