MPTS On Demand

Show Me the Money: Expert Funding Insights for Film & TV Makers

Production Theatre
Navigating the complex world of film and TV production finance in the UK can be challenging, but securing the right funding is crucial to bringing your project to life.  This expert panel will share key insights on available funding options, from government incentives and tax reliefs to private investment and co-productions.   Whether you are an emerging filmmaker or an established producer, gain practical advice, discover financing strategies, and learn how to position your project for success in today’s competitive landscape.
ChairpersonChris Curtis, Editor-in-Chief - Broadcast
SpeakersFrancesca Johnson, Founder - Table41 EntertainmentLeona Connell, Broadcast Media ExecutiveLynne Powell, Relationship Director Media & Content - Barclays

Building Trust: A Producer’s Guide to Ethical and Authentic Documentary Filmmaking

Production Theatre
This session will explore the critical role that trust plays in documentary filmmaking from a producer’s perspective. Trust is foundational when working with real people, sensitive subjects, and complex stories, and it’s essential for fostering genuine relationships with interviewees, crews, and audiences. The session will address strategies for gaining and maintaining trust throughout the documentary process, from pre-production to post-production. Topics will include navigating ethical considerations, ensuring transparency with subjects, maintaining integrity in storytelling, and managing the power dynamics inherent in documentary work.
Producers will share insights on how they foster trust with collaborators, guide filmmakers in ethical decision-making, and navigate the delicate balance of artistic vision and ethical responsibility. The session will also touch on the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for subjects, ensuring their voices are heard, and balancing journalistic integrity with storytelling artistry. By the end, participants will have a deeper understanding of how trust can make or break a documentary and how producers can lead their teams through the complexities of authentic, ethical filmmaking.
ChairpersonGavin Ramjaun, Presenter
SpeakersDov Freedman, Co-founder & CEO - Curious FilmsEmma Young, Executive Producer - Shine TV

Unlocking a Universe From One Idea: ThE ToYMaKeR's Key

Production Theatre
This session explores the creative journey behind ThE ToYMaKeR's Key —a bold, multi-platform entertainment concept. What started as a simple sketch has evolved into a rich, visually driven universe: from a beautifully illustrated graphic novel to a fully completed 2D hand-drawn animated motion comic with original music, merchandise, and a short live-action film, now ready to hit the market.
We’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at how this world came to life and where it’s headed next. From the early concepts and storytelling to building a brand that could span live-action film, live events and even gaming, this session is a practical deep-dive into world-building on your own terms. We’ll also touch on the power of independent underground distribution and what it takes to bring a big creative vision to audiences today
ChairpersonJaisica Lapsiwala, Co-Founder - Chalk+Chilli and Soho Media Club
SpeakersKele Le Roc, Singer and SongwriterGabriel Wetz, Co-founder - Underground SlateAndy Turner, Creative Director and Show Producer

Are YouTube Creators Now TV?

Production Theatre
YouTube has transformed over the past decade, with production standards and audience expectations increasing dramatically. With the platform now widely available on TVs, and many taking advantage of this to watch it on them, should production companies and broadcasters be treating it in the same way as they do their traditional content? What differences do they need to continue taking into account, and how can they attract the younger audiences there? 
ChairpersonSarah Butler, Founder - Sports Business Connected
SpeakersScott Melvin, CEO & Co-Founder - The OverlapKaio Grizzelle, Digital Commissioning Executive, Youth & Entertainment - Channel 4Jamie Lee, Senior Development Producer - LADbible Group

Beyond the Lens: Crafting Hard-Hitting Documentaries

Production Theatre
In this masterclass, we’ll explore the art of making impactful, award-winning documentaries in the UK. From uncovering powerful stories to navigating legal and ethical challenges, this session will provide essential insights into investigative storytelling, cinematic techniques, funding strategies, and audience engagement. Learn from industry experts how to craft compelling narratives, secure distribution, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this session will equip you with the tools to create documentaries that spark conversation and drive change.
ChairpersonMarian McHugh, Reporter - Broadcast Magazine
SpeakersErica Gornall, Documentary Director - Dancing Ledge ProductionsRebecca North, Executive Producer - Raw TVGussy Sakula-Barry, Documentary Director

Production State of the Nation: Insights from Industry Leaders

Production Theatre
As the television landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, senior executives from independent production companies come together to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.  
From the impact of streaming and shifting audience habits to budget pressures, technological advancements, and the future of unscripted and scripted content, this session will provide a high-level overview of where TV production stands—and where it’s heading.  
Chairperson
Marian McHugh, Reporter - Broadcast Magazine
SpeakersDerren Lawford, Founder & CEO - Dare PicturesDean Webster, Development Executive - Ten66 TelevisionKate Beal, CEO - Woodcut MediaMatt Richards, Managing Director & Executive Producer - Air TV

Miracles - The Magic of Finishing Post Production

Post Production Theatre
Sky Post Production takes you behind the curtain on Miracles, a BAFTA nominated Sky Original with Steven Frayne, revealing how creativity and technology come together in the finishing stages of post. This 30-minute session will cover grading and sound—showing how the team delivered a polished, immersive experience that amplified the magic on screen.
ChairpersonMegan Johnston, Senior Partnerships Manager - Sky Post Production
SpeakersTom Nursey, Re-Recording Mixer - Sky Post ProductionMark Mulcaster, Colourist - Sky Post Production

Masterclass: The Greatest Night in Pop with Joe Stabb

Post Production Theatre
An interview with award-winning Senior Colourist, Joe Stabb,  to delve into the visual storytelling of the recent Netflix feature documentary, The Greatest Night in Pop. This session explores the creative decisions that shaped the film’s distinctive look and the artistic vision behind its aesthetic. The discussion also examines the fine balance between enhancement and intentional degradation to maintain authenticity, as well as the seamless collaboration between online and colour grading—offering invaluable insights for industry professionals passionate about cinematic craftsmanship.
ChairpersonBen Baldwin, Founder - Chuffed Productions
SpeakerJoe Stabb, Senior Colourist - Fifty Fifty Post

Nosferatu - A VFX Masterclass

Post Production Theatre
Join David Scott on this special and exclusive deep-dive into the creation of the haunting VFX for Robert Eggers horror masterpiece Nosferatu.
Speaker
David Scott, VFX Supervisor - BlueBolt

AI's Big Question Time

AI Media Zone Theatre
Our closing session will be a forward-looking discussion on where AI might take the industry next, including potential risks and rewards and its effect on efficiencies, tasks and people with a panel with a diverse mix of knowledge and insights to share with the audience.
Chairperson
Muki Kulhan, Chief Innovation Officer; Executive XR Producer & Creative/5G Technologist - Muki-International Ltd
SpeakersMathilde Pavis, AI Legal Advisor & AnalystJames Reevell, Executive Editor for Youth Audiences - BBCAaron Bhugobaun, Technical Production Operations Manager & CDSA Studio