Welcome from Justin Crosby, TellyCast Media & Events.

Across markets, YouTube’s trending data shows a platform evolving toward television in form and function —with longer runtimes, higher production values, and broadcasters increasingly active alongside creators. This presentation draws on multi-year, cross-country analysis to explore how viewing habits and content genres have shifted, and how traditional media are adapting within a creator-driven ecosystem. The findings highlight YouTube’s growing role in global viewing and what this means for the future relationship between platforms and television.

Caroline Servy from the Wit presents a whistle stop tour of digital-first formats making waves across them world.

Sidemen Entertainment MD Victor Bengtsson reveals the creator supergroup’s unique format development process in a fireside discussion with Justin Crosby

20 mins

Victor Potrel – TheSoul Group

Matt Campion – Spirit Studios

Katharina Gellein Viken – Metrotone Studios

Moderator: Stewart Clark – Deadline

This session looks at the rapid rise of micro dramas on digital platforms and the economics underpinning their success. It unpacks the business models that support short-form scripted content, from brand partnerships to platform revenues. The panel also explores how the genre might evolve as audiences, creators and investors test its long-term sustainability.

Sponsored by Tubular.

Three years after ChatGPT shook the content world, what are the AI strategies that will define success for TV producers and creators in 2026? Oxford University’s Dr Alex Connock, author of the globally acclaimed Media and AI, shares his latest insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping media—and offers a first look at his next frontier: quantum computing and its potential impact on the industry.

Emma Webster – E.ON Next

Hannah Hamer – Russell Hobbs

Claire Prince – Essence MediaCom

Moderator: Sonny McLean – Fan Club

Hosted by Fan Club, this interactive session will dive into industry leaders’ most provocative “hot takes” on the future of social branded content. Whether it’s brands taking over Hollywood, creators launching brands, or brands becoming broadcasters it’s sure to spark lively debate and offer fresh perspectives. The audience will also have the chance to weigh-in with their own opinions on our experts’ takes.

Sandwich and Finger food lunch and networking. Sponsored by Tubular.

60 mins

Jason Fisher – Flight Story

Ben Kerr – Cold Glass Productions

Darby Dorras – Platform Media

Moderator: Athena Witter – Engine Pop

This session explores how video podcasting is evolving from a niche format into a powerful force in the wider content economy. It examines the financial and creative models driving the rise of vodcasting and its impact on audience behaviour. The discussion also considers how this fast-growing sector is influencing commissioning, distribution and the future shape of TV itself.

Matt Ford – Sony Pictures TV

Mike Beale – ITV Studios

Molly Wells – Studio B

Taf Makopa – Mako Studios

Moderator: Bart Frank – Objekt

This session examines how social video platforms are changing the way formats are developed, financed and distributed. It looks at the opportunities and pressures shaping IP in a multi-platform world. The discussion also explores how traditional and emerging players are adapting their approaches to stay competitive in the new content economy.

Indi Sunner – Lunar X

Jason Kingston-Brown – Viewture

Claire Geddie – Electrify

Moderator: Daniel Winner – Avalon Advistory

A new generation of investors is betting big on the future of social video — and they’re reshaping the industry landscape in the process. This session lifts the lid on who these investors are, what’s driving their appetite for digital-first businesses, and what kind of creators and studios are attracting their attention. From preparing your company for investment to understanding what investors see as the most durable business models, our expert panel reveals how to access capital, scale faster, and build long-term value. Expect frank insights, trend analysis, and practical advice on turning investor interest into real-world opportunity.

Meet the movers and shakers of the digital-first video sector. Complementary tea, coffee and biscuits.

Sponsored by Tubular.

30 mins

Gerrit Kemming – Quintus Studios

Marvin Benoit – Bakers Dozen Studios

Jamie MacDonald – After Party Studios

Moderator: Lucy Smith – Fawkes Digital

This session examines the latest shifts in factual content shaped by digital-first platforms, from short-form storytelling to global distribution models. It explores how audience behaviour and platform strategies are influencing what kinds of documentaries and factual formats get made. The discussion also highlights where innovation and investment are driving the next phase of growth in the factual sector.

Kate Sullivan – Sky News

Ian Rumsey – ITN 

Jon Lloyd – The Sun

Moderator: Sam Barcroft – SWNS Media Group / Creatorville

This session explores how major media companies are adapting news for digital-first audiences across platforms. It looks at the financial, editorial and technological shifts shaping video news in an era of streaming, social media and on-demand consumption. The panel also examines how legacy broadcasters and publishers are rethinking workflows, revenue models, documentary opportunities and audience engagement to stay relevant.