Industry guests announced for second Australian Children’s Content Summit

Industry names have been announced for the second Australian Children’s Content Summit, a three day conference to be held at Coffs Coast in August.

Emma Watkins (Emma Memma, The Wiggles) has been named as host for the event which brings together producers, creators, writers, directors, buyers, distributors, investors, screen agencies, policy makers, and industry influencers.

International featured guests confirmed include Jane Gould – Co-Founder Wonderworks Insights, Kate Morton – Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 BBC, Katharina Pietzch – VP Sales Kids & Family BBC Studios, Adriano Schmid – VP of Content PBS KIDS and Mellany Welsh – VP, Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press.

Australian featured guests include Jenny Buckland – CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Grainne Brunsdon – COO Screen Australia, Geoff Cooper – Production and Programming Manager – Queensland Nine Network Australia, Libbie Doherty – Head of ABC Children and Family, Kyas Hepworth – Head of Screen NSW, Marissa McDowell – Head of Commissions NITV and Bernadette O’Mahony – Head of Content / Acting CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as executives from Screenwest.

SLR Productions CEO and Australian Children’s Content Summit Founder, Suzanne Ryan, said speaker panels, exclusive content pitches, business discussions and more would allow the children’s and family screen industry to network, collaborate, share insights, and build significant business relationships.

“I’m beyond thrilled to see the Australian Children’s Content Summit return to Coffs Harbour to highlight the incredible children’s and family screen industry. The Australian Children’s Content Summit is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the connection to audiences in Australia and globally that our inspiring content makes. The Australian Children’s Content Summit is proud to be at the heart of this wonderful gathering.”

Australian Children’s Television Foundation CEO Jenny Buckland said, “The Summit is a “must do” event – bringing the Australian children’s television sector together under one roof and attracting major international partners, in an intimate and inclusive setting. The Australian Children’s Television Foundation is a very proud supporter.”

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “Following the success of the inaugural Australian Children’s Content Summit last year, Screen NSW is pleased to support this important event again in 2024. The summit is a fantastic opportunity for industry to come together to focus on delivering great local content for children and families that will have global reach.”

Head of ABC Children and Family Libbie Doherty said, “The Australian Children’s Content Summit will again open up the opportunity for industry collaboration and to share pitches, insights and connect with the children’s indy production community. I feel so proud of the ABC’s commitment to Aussie kids and their families and excited to showcase the breadth and creativity of our slate. It will be a great joy to be back in Coffs Harbour and explore Australian storytelling and excellence with our friends from overseas who are attending this year.”

Flying Bark Productions President and CEO Barbara Stephen said, “Flying Bark is thrilled to return as the Platinum sponsor for the 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit. As a company, we are committed to producing Australian stories for local and global audiences. The Australian Children’s Content Summit is the perfect opportunity to network with industry professionals and garner important insights from local and international buyers.”

The 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit is Presented by SLR Productions with Principal Partner, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. The Major Government Partners are Screen Australia and Screen NSW.

Platinum Partner for the 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit is Flying Bark Productions. Gold Partners for this year’s summit are ABC, Simpsons and Screenwest. This year’s Silver Partners are Screen Territory, Count Out Loud, Silver Trak Digital and Paradox Media. Werner Film Productions, Fremantle and Input Advisory are the Bronze Partners.

Industry Partner is Screen Producers Australia and the summit’s Destination Partner is the City of Coffs Harbour.

Australian Children’s Content Summit
Tuesday 27 August to Thursday 29 August 2024
Pacific Bay Resort, Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour
australianchildrenscontentsummit.com