Inspired and connected: takeaways from the third annual Australian Children's Content Summit
The Australian children’s screen sector came together on Gumbaynggirr country in Coffs Harbour last week for the third Australian Children’s Content Summit (ACCS), presented by SLR Productions.
On paper, it reads like a corporate event, with the Summit attended by executives from the ABC, NITV, YouTube, Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Territory, Studio Canal, Village Roadshow, ABC Commercial, SPA and the Nine Network, as well as international visitors from the BBC, CBC, ITV, Apple, Warners, Amazon, Odin’s Eye and more. But the Summit tone is informal and inclusive, attracting established production companies like Flying Bark and Cheeky Little Media, prominent YouTube success stories like Bounce Patrol and Lah-Lah Productions, but also newcomers and aspiring writers and producers, regardless of whether they have a credit (or a channel) to their name. Some of these delegates come prepared to pitch a project for the very first time, while others are looking to make connections with more experienced companies that might be interested in partnering with them on their concept. The format and tone of the Summit mean that there are multiple opportunities to engage, connect with, and learn from each other, and it’s not possible to leave without feeling as though you’ve made new friends.
Emma Watkins expertly moderated the whole event, and insightful sessions spotlighted feature films, television content, games, YouTube content, licensing, and more. Highlights included writers Tim Bain and Charlotte Rose Hamlyn delivering an entertaining but educational interactive session on taking a project from “development hell” to being greenlit, and a panel led by Justine Flynn considering “what’s hot right now”.
The “In Conversation” trio of sessions was inspirational. Cieron Cody’s conversation with Karissa Valencia, creator and executive producer of Spirit Rangers, a preschool show on Netflix rooted in Native American culture, was wonderful. Karissa’s vision and passion, which were given full rein at Netflix, delivered an extraordinary show. Meanwhile, Kyas Hepworth explored Leah Purcell’s career as a performer, writer, and producer, and we learned that she is branching out into telling more stories for children and youth.
Barbara Stephen’s conversation with Glitch founder Kevin Lerdwichagul explored the growth of Glitch from Kevin and his brother’s parents’ garage to an international digital-first animation powerhouse. Whilst this session was the epitome of the “greenlight yourself” mantra, other YouTubers at the conference noted that the Glitch content does not target kids (and is therefore not marked “Made For Kids”), so it is harder for many to create a fandom and community around content in the same way the Glitch team does. Nevertheless, the quality of their animation and independence of their model was eye-opening for those working in more traditional TV systems.
It wouldn’t be a summit without discussing the challenging world we all operate in, especially during a time of significant media disruption. International guests confirmed that the issues we face are global: commissioning of children’s content is declining everywhere, with constrained budgets and fragmented audiences leading to “safe” choices, making it harder for new original content to get commissioned. A concept must be exceptionally strong to succeed in securing a commission, with Pixel Zoo’s Josh Fisher advising that whilst it’s more necessary than ever to join forces and partner up to get a commission over the line, the days of mediocre content being commissioned to fill schedules are gone. “What’s not hot right now? Shows that are cobbled together just because the deal feels right. They aren’t going anywhere anymore.”
The Own It, Build It, Grow It session, led by Patrick Edgerton, was insightful because it not only demonstrated how resilient and persistent producers need to be but also different pathways to success and even different definitions of success, depending on your purpose.
The public broadcaster session (featuring ABC, BBC, CBC, and NITV) reminded us that public broadcasting is essential during challenging times. It was encouraging to see their ongoing dedication to promoting local content and their collaboration with each other. The ABC session, where Jen Collins and Catherine Collins discussed the success of ABC’s new channel strategy after its first year, was optimistic and upbeat. Their enthusiasm for upcoming shows and commitment to doing more are positive takeaways for us all.
The ACTF team had more than 60 scheduled meetings across the conference and many more informal ones. We returned with lots to think about, much to do, and a renewed admiration and respect for the passion and commitment of the companies, organisations, and people we work with.
Tim Bain and Charlotte Rose Hamlyn delivering an informative and entertaining session "Development Hell"
ACCS 2025 emcee and moderator Emma Watkins
Barbara Stephens from Flying Bark Productions in conversation with Glitch founder Kevin Lerdwichagul.
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth and performer, writer and producer Leah Purcell
Mary-Ellen Mullane (ABC), Kate Morton (BBC), Marie McCann (CBC) and Cieron Cody (NITV) highlight the importance of public broadcasting
NITV's Cieron Cody in conversation with Karissa Valencia, creator and executive producer of Spirit Rangers
The ACTF team: L-R Paul Gartside, Li-Kim Chuah, Jenny Buckland and Bernadette O'Mahony