First speakers revealed for Media Production Show 2018

The Media Production Show 2018 (MPS) will present a seminar programme with over 80 leading expert speakers across the two days, and the addition of two new theatres, the Blackmagic Design Live Production Theatre and the Digital Disrupters Theatre.

The Blackmagic Design Live Production Theatre, in association with Disguise, will showcase a truly hands-on live experience with the latest technology including cameras, switching, graphics, lighting and sound, all against a stunning backdrop supplied by Disguise. The programme of content on this theatre will reflect a ‘live studio’ environment with interviews, demonstrations and live music.

The all-new Digital Disrupters Theatre features a confirmed line up of speakers including Sol Rogers, Founder/CEO of REWIND, BAFTA VR Chair and IMMERSE UK Chair who will deliver the keynote presentation. Aurelien Simon, Head of Immersive, Digital Catapult will examine how creative industries are – and could be – embracing immersive technologies, while Dom Bird, Head of Formats, Channel 4 will discuss the next steps for innovative digital channel E4 and the kind of content and formats he is looking for.

Also joining them on the stage is YouTube Ambassador and TV talent Humza Arshad who will examine the current status of YouTube content and where the next talent is coming from, while Hasraf Dulull of HaZ Film discusses the position of films in a digital download world.

MPS is pleased to bringing leading drama commissioners to the show for the first time. In the Keynote Theatre, a panel including Polly Hill (head of Drama, ITV), Susan Hogg (head of drama, Studio Lambert) and Sara Johnson (non-scripted drama, FOX) will discuss their current plans and wish lists for the coming year. In addition, visitors can hear a discussion on the factual indie landscape from a panel of leading experts including Nick Bullen (managing director, Spun Gold TV), Elaine Hackitt (creative director, Crackit Productions), Neil Smith (managing director, Boundless) and Emma Wakefield (managing director, Lambent Productions).

The Post Production Creative Hub will see two State of the Nation style discussions of the post-production market. The first features Heads of Post Dave Bourke (Lion TV) and Donna Mulvey-Jones (Fremantle) speaking about the business of post, while on the technology side Karsten Hacker (head of technology, MPC) and Steve Bennedik, (head of Technology, Sky News) will discuss the latest innovations in post-production and how they can improve on-screen content and workflows.

The Production Theatre will feature a number of fascinating sessions including shooting on a budget, financing, location planning and sustainability in production. Other new seminars include practical advice on launching an indie and podcasting, the new content sensation that many indies are investing in.

“Digital disruption, immersive technologies and the changing face of the media industry are topics that must be addressed by content creators and broadcasters of all shapes and sizes,” said Charlotte Wheeler, event director, MPS.

“Our expert speakers come armed with invaluable knowledge and advice to help media professionals understand the opportunities and practicalities of these exciting new technologies.”

More speakers and additional details about MPS 2018 will be revealed in the coming weeks. MPS 2018 takes place on 12-13 June 2018 at Olympia, London.

Registration for the event is now open at http://www.mediaproductionshow.com/