ACTF News

Children’s media leaders will converge on Coffs Harbour later this month for the second annual Australian Children’s Content Summit, which takes place amid a period of rapid transition for the children’s screen industry.

The Australian Children’s Content Summit (ACCS), presented by SLR Productions with Principal Partner the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), provides a platform for the children’s and family screen industry from Australia and around the world to network, collaborate, share insights and build business relationships.

Children’s music and television icon Emma Watkins (Emma Memma, The Wiggles) will emcee the three-day event, which takes place from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 August.

The inaugural ACCS, held in August 2023, was a huge success, attracting 260 delegates from 12 countries. The summit provides delegates unparalleled opportunities to engage with screen professionals including producers, creators, broadcasters, distributors, investors and screen agencies.

International guests set to attend this year’s summit include BBC Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 Kate Morton, BBC Studios VP Sales Kids & Family Katharina Pietzch, PBS Kids VP of Content Adriano Schmid and Wonderworks Co-Founder Jane Gould. Australian featured guests include ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland and Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony, Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan, NITV Head of Commissions Marissa McDowell and Screen NSW Head Kyas Hepworth.

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland will join leaders from SLR Productions, the ABC and Flying Bark Productions for an insightful panel discussion on the current state of the children’s content business. Australian Children’s Content: To Be or Not to Be will delve into evolving content obligations and explore what the future holds for the Australian audience and beyond.

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony will join leaders from BBC Studios and Sinking Ship Entertainment for an engaging panel discussion, Global Distribution – What’s Selling Now, which will include current demands and opportunities within the global marketplace, the rise of new formats, and strategies for selling shows.

Other sessions include:

• YouTube Kids – Industry’s New Best Friend, which will delve into the world of YouTube, including audience engagement, content styles, popular genres, funding opportunities and strategies for maximising revenue and views;
• Creating the Future: Integrating Inclusivity, Education, and Environmental Awareness in Children’s Content, which will explore the evolving landscape of kids’ content, focusing on the integration of inclusivity, cultural richness, educational value and environmental themes;
• Public Service Media – Always There for You, where leaders from the ABC, BBC and PBS Kids will share their plans for collaboration;
• Hear from Screen NSW, where Flying Bark Productions President and CEO Barbara Stephen will join Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth to share production strategies, incentive programs, jobs and training, and ambitions for the screen industry.

CEO Jenny Buckland said: “Last year’s inaugural Australian Children’s Content Summit was a fun, friendly and engaging event with incredible speakers who shared ideas, insights and expertise and left attendees feeling inspired and optimistic about the future of children’s screen content.

“Children’s television is at a crossroads, with an audience that is rapidly fragmenting and new platforms and technologies emerging at a rate that’s hard for broadcasters to keep up with. The ACCS provides an unparalleled opportunity for members of the Australian kids’ TV industry to pitch to and meet with international guests and connect, collaborate and learn from each other.” 

There are limited tickets to the 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit still available. For tickets or for more information, visit the ACCS website.