The VFX and Animation World Atlas reveals global growth over the last 12 months

UK Screen Alliance in conjunction with the British Film Commission are proud to be platinum sponsors of the 2025 edition of the Visual Effects and Animation World Atlas, published today (29^th July).

The Atlas presents a snapshot of the global workforce, and as the data collection is repeated every quarter, it gives an indication of the recent changes in the sector. The data is drawn from a study of 120,000 VFX and animation professionals associated with 2,450 studios worldwide, and is collected from public sources such as company websites and individual social media profiles.

The Atlas shows that the global VFX and animation work force grew by 9.3% in the second half of 2024, followed by a contraction of 7.6% in the first half of 2025, giving a 1% net industry global growth over the past 12 months. The London workforce reduced by 5.1%. This figure includes the impact on the UK of the global collapse of the Technicolor group, which resulted in the shuttering of The Mill and MPC in February; followed by the closure of Jellyfish Pictures in March. Together these accounted for the loss of around 500 jobs in the UK.

London remains by far the largest city hub in Europe for VFX and animation, with 10,564 people, more than double the size of Paris, it’s closest European rival. In the global league table, London sits third, just behind Mumbai on 10,866, and Los Angeles on 12,354.

The UK has recently improved its tax incentives for film and TV, with an uplifted rate of 29.25% net for VFX, which is also now exempt from the 80% cap on eligible expenditure. VFX, post production and animation are also eligible for a net rebate of 39.25% for films with core production expenditure under £15 million. Although the VFX uplift can be claimed on expenditure from January 1^st 2025, it wasn’t confirmed in UK law until late March, with many productions reportedly delaying decisions for this certainty. UK Screen Alliance, the trade body for VFX, post and animation, feels that the impact of the recent improvements is only just beginning to be apparent.

“The VFX and Animation World Atlas is fast becoming an invaluable data source for our industry with its trend analysis and up-to-date information. But even though the data is recent, it reflects the industry as seen through the rear-view mirror. UK Screen Alliance has surveyed its member companies to gauge future sentiment, and found that 71% have seen an increase in sales enquires since the introduction of the VFX uplift, with 43% of those surveyed indicating a significant increase. As those enquiries translate into confirmed bookings VFX companies are showing increasing confidence in  a return to sustained growth in excess of  5% over the next 12 months.

“The UK’s VFX industry has an unrivalled reputation for success, with award-winning innovative crews. Now that we can couple that with a competitive tax incentive, we know that many productions are viewing  the UK as a priority destination for VFX. “

Neil Hatton, CEO of UK Screen Alliance

The VFX and Animation World Atlas is available as a free download from www.vfxatlas.com

Animation UK welcomes Creative Industries Sector Plan

Animation UK warmly welcomes the Government’s launch of the Creative Industries Sector Plan as a powerful recognition of the UK’s world-leading screen industries and a vital step towards long-term growth, innovation, and opportunity across our creative economy.

The new plan, part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, sets out significant measures to boost the creative sector, many of which will have a direct and positive impact on animation. As one of the most dynamic and geographically diverse sectors in the creative industries, UK animation stands to benefit from:

• £75 million Screen Growth Fund: A dedicated investment to develop and showcase UK film and TV content, with animation recognised as a central and distinctive contributor, combining high-quality storytelling, exportable IP, and world-class visual innovation that underpins the UK’s global screen reputation.
• Mayoral Strategic Authority Funds: The £150 million devolved funding for Mayoral Authorities offers an important opportunity to build regional animation hubs and support tailored investment readiness. With 63% of animation companies located outside London and the South East, this investment is vital to grow and sustain the UK’s vibrant animation ecosystem.
• UK Global Screen Fund Expansion: The enhanced funding for the UK Global Screen Fund further strengthens international market access, co-production, and distribution of British screen content including animation. This supports our mission to grow global reach for UK studios and celebrate our storytelling on the world stage.
• Support for Research & Development: The government’s commitment to creative R&D, via UKRI, a new wave of creative clusters, and revised R&D tax guidance reflects the constant innovation inherent in animation. From pioneering virtual production and immersive storytelling to pushing boundaries in visual effects and AI, animation is a natural leader in the ‘createch’ revolution.
• Skills and Talent Investment: With initiatives such as the Creative Careers Programme, creative skills bootcamps, and a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, the plan reinforces the importance of nurturing the next generation of animators and supporting talent in XR, immersive technologies, and audio-visual production.
• British Business Bank support: Increased access to finance, including new debt and equity funding and support for IP-backed lending, will enable more animation companies, especially SMEs and start-ups to scale and thrive in a globally competitive market.

The launch of the Creative Industries Sector Plan is a strong signal that government understands the value and potential of the UK’s animation sector. This is a strategic and long-overdue commitment to supporting the most innovative and geographically diverse part of the screen sector.

We are especially pleased to see the inclusion of many of the priorities we set out in the Animation UK Manifesto 2025, including the development of animation hubs, enhanced R&D investment, and a clear recognition of the need to unlock access to finance and build a future-facing skills pipeline.

The UK animation sector is ready to deliver, creating jobs, high-value IP, and internationally celebrated content. This plan gives us a platform to grow, and we look forward to working with industry and government to turn it into action..

Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK

The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be downloaded here.

£75 million funding boost for UK’s world-class film and TV industry as part of landmark new Sector Plan

UK Screen Alliance welcomes the government’s investment in the UK’s film and TV industry to secure the nation’s position as a world-leading production hub.

• Funding will support new £75 million Screen Growth Package to develop UK film and TV industry.
• Funding forms part of the wider Industrial Strategy, which aims to grow the economy and deliver the Government’s Plan for Change.
• National Film and Television School to also benefit from £21 million funding from government and sector.

The Screen Growth Package forms a central pillar of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, designed to enhance the UK’s status as a global creative superpower by 2035. The strategic funding will deliver benefits across the UK screen industry by:

• Expanding the UK Global Screen Fund to £18 million annually (2026-2029) to develop international business capabilities, enable co-productions and showcase independent UK screen content worldwide.
• Investing £10 million to expand the National Film and Television School at its primary site in Beaconsfield, unlocking £11 million in investment from industry and private supporters, including from the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation and Sky. It will help to modernise its facilities, making them fully accessible for students with disabilities, and train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade.
• Opening pathways for young people from underrepresented backgrounds through a significantly expanded BFI Film Academy, providing hands-on filmmaking experience and specialist training for 16-25 year olds.
• Investing £25 million in the businesses which are creating the next phase of augmented reality and motion capture technology, which has been used for productions including Wicked, A Picture of Dorian Gray and Those About To Die. This will fund five new CoSTAR research and development labs, which will help develop the next phase of augmented reality and motion capture technology. It will also fund two showcase spaces to demonstrate new createch, film, TV and games innovations to investors.
• On top of the bespoke £75 million in the Screen Growth Package, a new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will also be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities. From Manchester to Bristol, Birmingham to Sunderland this funding will allow local leaders to support development of regional screen agencies and production funds to boost our film and TV clusters across the country.

From Barbie and Killing Eve to Adolescence and Saltburn, the UK already has a stellar track record of producing award-winning films and cutting-edge TV which are enjoyed by millions at home and around the world.

But I want us to go further and to cement the UK as the best place on earth to make film and television, as we deliver our Plan for Change. This landmark Sector Plan puts the creative industries at the heart of our economic growth strategy and is key to making that ambition a reality.

Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary

The package will also strengthen the UK’s international appeal through continued support for the prestigious BFI London Film Festival and funding for the British Film Commission to attract further inward investment.

The plan provides foundations for the Government to take action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem, building on the Media Act and Ofcom’s public service media review which is due this summer. The BBC Charter Review will also launch later this year, to set the BBC up for success long into the future.

The Screen Growth Package is one element of the full Creative Industries Sector Plan, part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, identifying the film and TV industry as a high-growth sub-sector along with music, video games, and advertising.

This extensive funding package for the screen sector, follows on from competitive incentives for visual effects, animation and independent film introduced over the last couple of years. Together they put the UK in a strong position to cement our world leading position as a creative powerhouse, with growth and jobs in these high tech, high innovation and high productivity sectors.

Neil Hatton MBE, CEO of UK Screen Alliance

The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

Mel Sullivan, Framestore

We’re pleased the Government recognises that our world-class screen industries drive regional growth and add billions to the UK economy—and that the BFI plays an important part in that success. Through the BFI Film Academy we open doors for young people from under-represented backgrounds.

The UK Global Screen Fund helps UK screen businesses expand into overseas markets, while our work with creative clusters, partners providing industry support services and the CoSTAR research labs attracts fresh investment. And every autumn, the BFI London Film Festival brings global cinema and international filmmakers to audiences here and shines a light on UK creativity worldwide.

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of BFI

The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader.

In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic. This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

Jon Wardle, Director of National Film and Television School

The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be downloaded here.

Animation Scotland marks three years with bold new brand and global ambitions

Animation Scotland has unveiled a dynamic new brand identity to mark its three-year anniversary and signal a confident new chapter for the country’s animation and VFX sector.

The refreshed brand and positioning, launched with support from Screen Scotland, cement Animation Scotland’s commitment to championing local creative excellence while elevating Scotland’s presence in the global industry.

The milestone is being celebrated on the international stage at MIFA 2025 in Annecy, France, the world’s leading animation market, where Animation Scotland is showcasing its bold new positioning and a united studio network under one powerful creative banner.

Scotland is home to world-class animation and VFX talent. This new identity reflects our collective strengths, our ambition, and our growing influence in the global market. It’s not just a new look, Animation Scotland’s new identity reflects our evolving role as the national voice for a dynamic industry, championing talent and breaking down barriers to help animation thrive.

Sueann Rochester, Board Chair at Animation Scotland

Since launching in 2022, Animation Scotland has worked to unify and amplify the voice of Scotland’s animation and VFX sector, strengthening collaboration across studios. Through partnerships with organisations such as Screen Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, and Dash Accounting Services, the organisation has laid the groundwork for a thriving national network. It has also developed strong relationships with academic institutions to support graduate employment and futureproof the sector’s talent pipeline.

As an active supporter of Animation UK, Animation Scotland also contributes to UK-wide campaigning for industry growth and investment. This collaboration strengthens the case for policy change and strategic support across the nations, aligned with Animation UK’s manifesto priorities such as increasing investment in original UK content and fostering a sustainable talent pipeline.

Industry engagement has been central to this strategy, with Animation Scotland representing the country at major national and international events including MOVE Summit, Glasgow Film Festival, Manipulate Arts, and the World Animation Summit. Most notably, Animation Scotland has played a key role in attracting international investment, such as the recent arrival of Halon Entertainment, demonstrating that Scotland is not only creatively strong but also commercially ready.

Screen Scotland has worked with Animation Scotland to enable them to take this next step in their invaluable work. This is the first time Scotland’s animation sector has been showcased in this way at an international market – a clear indication that animation in Scotland continues to grow. This momentum in the sector reflects the international reputation of Scotland’s highly skilled animation and VFX workforce, who continue to work on globally significant content as well as exciting local productions.

David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland

At this year’s MIFA, this mission takes center stage. Visitors to Stand B.02 will experience not only the strength of Scotland’s animation sector but also the spirit of its identity. A bespoke Animation Scotland tartan will be present, along with a partnership with Raasay Distillery and Edinburgh Gin to bring a true taste of Scotland to France. 

MPTS 2025 celebrates largest edition ever with record visitor numbers

The UK’s most powerful hub for the creative industries united for two days of engaged networking, passionate debate and exceptional insights into AI, the creator economy, production craft and more – helping attendees stay ahead-of-the-curve for the year ahead.

After two exceptional days of conversation, collaboration and community, the biggest and buzziest MPTS yet welcomed a record 13,000 attendees from 50 countries, uniting the UK’s media and entertainment industry together in the heart of London, like never before.

Hosted at London’s Olympia on 14 – 15 May, the red-hot editorially driven programme delivered 100+ free-to-attend sessions across eight theatres, showcasing the insight and passion of more than 350 expert speakers and guest keynotes. The bustling show floor was packed with more than 300 exhibitors and sponsors, showcasing imagination, determination and standout talent of the UK’s creative and technical communities – at a time of both global challenge and immense opportunity.

Setting the agenda for MPTS, a State of the Nation Production keynote outlined a media and entertainment landscape in which storytellers had to embrace screens, formats and creators of all kinds. “TV doesn’t exist anymore in the way we knew it,” asserted Kate Beal, CEO, Woodcut Media. “We are in the middle of a decade of profound transition, and we’re past the tipping point,” said Derren Lawford, CEO, Dare Pictures. “TV is part of a wider, connected series of industries around the creation and distribution and funding of content.”

Headliners at MPTS included:

• Producer and presenter Ross Kemp, who took us on an exhilarating tour of investigative documentaries on the front lines of conflict, drug cartels and organised crime gangs. “They will know in a second if you are not telling the truth,” he said. “I specialise in telling the truth, it is as simple as that.”
• Georgie Holt, whose company Flight Story produces the world’s second biggest podcast ‘Diary of a CEO’, declared “We are in the era of the Founder Creator” — creators who are now in charge of media content and able to monetise spectacularly outside of traditional gatekeepers.
• NFL professional turned American Football broadcaster Jason Bell explained how sports coverage was evolving into the F1 Drive To Survive model, in which athlete personalities and back stories were the keys to growing audiences.
• Blockbuster editor Eddie Hamilton gave a masterclass about the precision involved in making Top Gun: Maverick and five Mission: Impossible movieswith Tom Cruise. He said, “Every nuance is refined hundreds of times. Sometimes we watch a 10-minute scene 40 times in a day, checking to see where your eye is moving in the frame.”

Diverse representation is a vital sign of the industry’s health and MPTS is proud to set the benchmark to secure equal representation and attendance from the next generation, not only across the programme, but also something clearly witnessed across the show floor amongst exhibitors and attendees.

MPTS also prioritises the crucial importance of sustainability and, in continuing association with BAFTA albert brought this conversation to the fore with experts including Jimmy Keeping, director and co-founder of Sustainable Film; Nazia Zaman, Warner Bros. Discovery; Junaid Baig, Dimension Studio; and Claire O’Neill, A Greener Future, speaking in the Sustainability Series.

MPTS is a really key moment in our calendar. It is always so great to connect with suppliers, companies, studios and creatives who share our common passion for sustainability within screen industries. It has also been really valuable to curate our sustainability series of panels across this year’s show, we’ve had some really insightful discussions and emphasised the importance of environmental focus throughout the screen industries.

Sam Street, Marketing Officer at BAFTA Albert

The brand-new ticketed AI Training programme and the expanded AI Media Zone drew exceptional attendance, with exhibitors such as Dot Group, Moments Lab and Software. Conversations in these packed-out sessions revolved around the impact of AI from ideation to VFX, featuring real-world insights and discussions on bridging the gap between theory and practice from speakers including Pete Archer, BBC; Jon Roberts, ITN and Damien Viel, Banijay Entertainment.

With a record number of exhibitors already rebooking for 2026, MPTS continues to prove its value as the UK’s number one event for media and production professionals, where brands, creatives and decision-makers come together to connect, collaborate and grow.

Without doubt, 2025 was the most stimulating, ahead-of-the-curve MPTS yet. At a time when we are seeing the industry under real pressure from budget cuts to talent shortages and perpetual change, the conversations and connections on the show floor were positive and demonstrated infectious community spirit. The level of attendance and the quality of attendees from across all sectors of the industry was incredible – not just stakeholders in technology but representatives from production and commissioning, the creator economy, those new to the industry and freelancers were all brought together by MPTS under one roof.

A huge amount of work goes into making sure that there is equal representation across our extensive conference programme. I am proud that MPTS is one of – if not the – most diverse shows both in terms of attendees and panellists.

Thank you to everyone for exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking, attending and engaging with the show to make MPTS such a thrilling success. We are already planning for 2026, which marks MPTS’ 10th edition, so look forward to a landmark celebration!

Charlotte Wheeler, Event Director at MPTS

Save the date for MPTS 2026 which returns to Olympia Grand Hall, London on 13 – 14 May 2026.

MPTS is more than just two days a year – it’s a connected, year-round community for the broadcast and media industry. From on-demand content to exclusive events, there’s still so much to explore. Stay connected here: https://www.mediaproductionshow.com/register-interest

To enquire about exhibiting at the landmark 10th edition, please go to: https://www.mediaproductionshow.com/stand-enquiry

MPTS 2025: Where Post, VFX and Production Technology converge

MPTS returns to Olympia London on 14-15 May, offering two packed days of insight, innovation, and industry connection for the UK’s screen sector.

With over 100 free sessions across eight theatres, MPTS is the UK’s largest event for professionals working across broadcast, post-production, VFX, studio operations, and content creation. For UK Screen Alliance members, it’s a unique opportunity to explore how technology is evolving the craft of screen storytelling.

The Audio Theatre features sessions with direct relevance to post and creative audio teams, including Black Mirror S7: Sound-Led Storytelling, a behind-the-scenes look at how sound design shaped the latest season’s tone and impact. Also in the spotlight is The Future of Audio: State of the Nation, which explores immersive formats, AI-assisted workflows, and new standards in spatial sound.

The Post-Production Theatre hosts case studies and technical insights into evolving workflows, with discussions covering HDR, Dolby Vision, finishing pipelines, and cloud-enabled post services.

In the Broadcast Tech and AI Media Zone theatres, expect deep dives into real-time pipelines, remote production infrastructure, and how generative AI is beginning to influence VFX, editorial, and asset management.

On the show floor, you’ll find 300+ brands including Blackmagic Design, AJA, ARRI, Canon, Pixotope, Calrec, and CVP, offering demos of the latest tools across grading, media orchestration, and virtual production.

Whether you’re a CTO, colourist, pipeline supervisor or creative lead, MPTS delivers the future-facing knowledge and tools to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Register for free today here.

Media Cymru to host leading animation and game-making talent in Cardiff

This is part of the “Innovators in Residence” programme running on 13-14 May.

Welsh Media consortium Media Cymru is set to host the latest in a series of special “Innovators in Residence” events, which will see its base in Cardiff play host to some of the UK’s leading animation, film-making and storytelling specialists.

During the two-day event series, innovation experts from Aardman Animations and beyond will share their knowledge on stop-motion animation, game making and storytelling through a series of interactive workshops, project deep dives and Q&A sessions.

Alongside Dan Efergan, guests will be joined by four additional special guests with their own expertise: David Gray, Eve Bolotova, Jon Quinn and Joshua Baldwin representing companies including MyWorld, The Chinese Room and Breaking Change.

Media Cymru’s “Innovators in Residence” programme brings expert innovators to the Cardiff Capital Region, providing opportunities for engagement with expertise from across the world. The series of free hosted events enables knowledge exchange and provides insights that develop new knowledge, skills, and ideas to support the innovation activity taking place in the Cardiff capital. It is delivered though masterclasses, workshops, arranged meetings and incoming trade missions.

Spaces are limited, but free spaces are available here.

Full programme announced for MPTS 2025

An exceptional line-up of talent and thought leaders address the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing our industry in expertly curated free seminar programme.

MPTS 2025 is set to redefine industry engagement with an exceptional line-up of guest speakers, essential State of the Nation debates and an array of expertly curated attractions, including a brand-new, ticketed AI Training programme. The UK’s premier event for the media and entertainment industry, which takes place 14 – 15 May 2025 at Olympia’s The Grand Hall, also responds to exceptional demand from its 2024 show for insight into artificial intelligence by unveiling an expanded gallery area. This includes a larger AI Media Zone, with a growing number of AI-focused exhibitors, and networking opportunities offering visitors an enhanced and immersive experience.

Acclaimed actor and award-winning documentary maker Ross Kemp joins MPTS in an exclusive conversation charting his extraordinary career, the challenges of filming in high-risk environments, and the responsibility of storytelling in shedding light on global issues.  Oscar and Bafta-nominated film editor Eddie Hamilton talks through his craft and career ahead of the release of his latest project – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in a special presentation. They join dozens of well-known industry figures, including NFL star and broadcaster Jason Bell on the MPTS stage. Further keynotes take us Behind the Sparkle of making Strictly Come Dancing week by week with director Nikki Parsons, hair designer Lisa Davey and costume designer Vicky Gill.

Programme highlights

MPTS’ State of the Nation Production keynote is led by four indie TV executives who will assess the industry’s rapid evolution and offer vital guidance on what the future holds. A masterclass with filmmaker James Jones and Raw TV explains how to make impactful, award-winning documentaries. Leading commissioners from UKTV, BBC and MTV Entertainment inform us what they want from Fact Ent pitches, and if sustainability is important to your show’s credentials, then a BAFTA albert introduction will tell you how to get your carbon-cutting screen journey started.

Broadcast Technology sessions kick off with a State of the Nation keynote dissecting the latest advances in transmission methods, the integration of AI in content creation and the impact of cloud technology. Senior ITV executive Kim Rowell discusses the EarthSonic project and its ground-breaking approach to sustainability in the creative industries, while a session on Future Technology Trends gets you ahead of the curve on how 5G and real-time capture can shape the future of immersive media.

The Post Production seminars are headlined by a State of the Nation panel on where the industry is heading in an era of unprecedented uncertainty and technological ingenuity. Exclusive VFX masterclasses will be held, with Bluebolt looking at the before and afters of the haunting Oscar-nominated Nosferatu; and how Union VFX created award-winning environments for The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

With so much turmoil in the VFX sector, MPTS brings a timely State of the Nation airing the key issues and questioning whether expanded UK tax breaks can alter the dial. 

If Audio is your art, then MTPS is your sounding board. A Future of Audio State of the Nation examines advances in immersive sound formats and the role of AI in sound design. The incredible composers behind Miss Austen, The Tourist and Black Doves convene for a dedicated panel. More exclusive masterclasses delve into the script-to-screen post of Black Mirror S7 and A Thousand Blows. Don’t forget to check out the unique musical challenges behind the Sounds of Saturday Night, including Gladiators and Strictly Come Dancing.

The latest developments in Artificial Intelligence permeate the MPTS programme in the AI Media Zone with debates ranging from business and copyright implications to practical and inspiring examples of AI’s use in production. A State of the Nation address led by the BBC and ITN asks how broadcasters are integrating AI to enhance content creation. Look too for an exclusive case study on how the late, legendary British chat show host Michael Parkinson has been brought back in the podcast Virtually Parkinson, thanks to the power of AI, with discussion of the ethical, creative, and technological considerations.

Virtual Production is no longer a niche aspect of filmmaking; it has become a game-changer, revolutionising how films, TV shows, and games are made. Experts on this State of the Nation panel examine what the rise of VP means for creators, the workforce, and the art of filmmaking itself. Look for a seminar on how to bridge the skills gap as technology advances and a BAFTA albert case study on how the technology is revolutionising sports broadcasting.

Returning for a second year running, the Media Technology Conference, in partnership with SMPTE, is open to all attendees and will take a deep dive into the technologies impacting the industry, including 3D technology, ST2110, the future of DTT/OTT and more.

We are thrilled to unveil this incredible seminar programme for MPTS 2025, an event that continues to be the leading platform for innovation, discussion, and collaboration in the media production and technology sector. This year’s programme has been carefully curated to address the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing our industry, featuring an exceptional line-up of speakers, thought leaders, and industry pioneers. Whether you are an established professional or a new voice in the industry, our sessions are designed to inspire, inform, and spark meaningful conversations.

Charlotte Wheeler, Event Director of MPTS

What to see at the expanded Gallery Level

MPTS 2025 has an expanded presence on the gallery level where visitors will find the new AI Media Zone, an additional café and networking area, the Blackmagic Design Seminar Theatre, and the brand new AI Training series organised in partnership with Future Media Concepts (FMC).

The AI Media Zone is your base for exploring the transformative power of artificial intelligence in media and production. Featuring interactive demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this space will highlight AI-driven workflows, automation, and the future of content creation.  

The Blackmagic Design Seminar Theatre will host live demonstrations and technical sessions to cover recent developments in cameras, post-production, and live broadcasting. Topics will include large-format cinematography with URSA Cine and Blackmagic Cloud for editorial workflows. 

And lastly, MPTS is delighted to bring the UK post-production community a chance to delve into enhanced training workshops on how AI is transforming post-production workflows, from automating tedious editing tasks to enhancing visual storytelling with advanced motion graphics and VFX. This special ticketed section of MPTS, designed in partnership with FMC/NAB Show will offer a comprehensive AI Training Programme that explores the practical applications of AI while addressing the ethical considerations surrounding its use in content creation.  

MPTS 2025’s expanded gallery level is a testament to the show’s commitment to innovation, education, and industry growth. With these exciting new additions, the event promises to be an unmissable experience for professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving media landscape.

We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the sector to engage with expert panels, hands-on demonstrations, and exclusive keynote talks. The conversations we foster here will help shape the next chapter of media production and technology. We can’t wait to see you at MPTS 2025.

Charlotte Wheeler, Event Director of MPTS

The full seminar programme is available at https://www.mediaproductionshow.com/programme. You can register to attend MPTS 2025 for free today by clicking here.

“Animated UK Meets Europe” returns to Cartoon Forum

Animation UK, in collaboration with CARTOON and with the support of BBC Children’s and Education, is delighted to announce the return of the “Animated UK Meets Europe” initiative at Cartoon Forum 2025.

This collaboration has been instrumental in reinforcing European partnerships and showcasing the strength of UK talent and creativity in European markets. We are thrilled to be back in Toulouse to support UK producers and foster new co-production opportunities across Europe.

About the initiative

The special session will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 17 September, showcasing two exciting new UK animation projects currently seeking European co-production and distribution partners. This curated event complements the official programme of European project pitches and aims to spotlight emerging talent and encourage new creative alliances.

To further highlight the power of cross-border collaboration, a panel discussion on the importance of co-productions will also take place. Chaired by Vanessa Chapman, the session will bring together leading European voices to share insights and successful case studies and will include Sarah Muller from the BBC.

Cartoon Forum is one of the most important platforms for animation producers to connect with international buyers and commissioners. We’re thrilled to return with the ‘Animated UK Meets Europe’ initiative, which champions the creative and commercial potential of UK–EU collaboration. At a time when cross-border partnerships are more valuable than ever, we strongly encourage UK participants to attend Cartoon Forum, forge new connections, and explore all the opportunities this unique forum has to offer.

Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK

BBC Children’s and Education is returning to Cartoon Forum supporting this important industry and building on the success of the previous UK Animation panel. We’re showcasing homegrown creativity alongside Europe’s best, collaborating with UK Animation and Cartoon Forum to support and elevate the animation industry globally.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education

Networking opportunity

CARTOON will host its renowned Networking Afternoon on Thursday 18 September, offering targeted matchmaking sessions for animation professionals. All registered participants—including the UK delegation—can benefit from curated one-to-one meetings to build new partnerships and develop business opportunities. Animation UK invites all UK animation professionals to join us at Cartoon Forum 2025 and be part of a growing and vibrant community of European collaborators.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce returns to the Children’s Media Conference 2025 to deliver Opening Keynote

The Children’s Laureate will open the conference on Tuesday 8 July.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, screenwriter for film and TV, award-winning novelist and the current Children’s Laureate returns to The Children’s Media Conference (CMC) to deliver the Opening Keynote on 8 July 2025. Frank is the first keynote speaker to return to CMC, having spoken brilliantly in 2013 about his unique role as writer on the London Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. 

CMC has invited Frank in recognition of his unique contribution to the lives of children and young people, his passionate support of the people who make content for them and his razor-sharp observations on creativity, culture, content and the young. Exactly one year into his Laureateship, Frank will reflect on the troubling times we live in and how the children’s media community can step up to the challenges and still shake things up for kids.

Greg Childs OBE, Editorial Director at CMC expressed his particular enthusiasm for Frank Cottrell-Boyce opening the Children’s Media Conference in 2025.

In times like these, when the children’s media business is full of uncertainties, and the world itself seems a colder, darker place, Frank’s clear-sighted humanity and passion for bringing the best to young people is what we need to inspire us to shake off the blues and keep going. Because the kids need us to.

Greg Childs OBE, Editorial Director at The Children’s Media Conference

Award-winning author and screenwriter, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, is the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024-2026. He is the author of ‘Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth’, ‘The Astounding Broccoli Boy’, ‘Cosmic’, ‘Framed’, and ‘Millions’, the last of which was a New York Times bestseller and was made into a movie by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. His books have won, or been nominated for, numerous awards including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award. Frank is also a screenwriter, having penned the scripts for a number of feature films including ’24 Hour Party People’ and ‘Millions’ as well as the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

CMC’s 2025 event will include a packed schedule of masterclasses and panels tackling the urgent issues facing the children’s media industry and young audiences. The conference’s sessions and networking events will take place at the Showroom Cinema, the City Hall and other venues in Sheffield.

After the conference delegates will have access to the entire event on video with complete coverage of all the topics explored in Sheffield, including research insights in “Understanding Kids”, the ever-popular practical strand “The Art of…”, “Inclusivity Now” panels which offer deep understanding of the routes to diversity and inclusion, and a new strand “Digital Discussions” with insights into how to work with the platforms where kids are consuming their content. Once again the range of speakers will be enhanced by a new influx of international guests including broadcasters, producers and distributors from Europe, Canada and the USA, who will also attend the CMC International Exchange one-day market on Tuesday 8 July – live again in Sheffield Town Hall.

Tickets for CMC 2025 are now on sale, with the Early Bird discount open to all until 6 May. Details on registration and delegate pass rates are available at: www.thechildrensmediaconference.com