Wales Screen Summit - Full Agenda
Tuesday 7th October - Day 1
8.30am-9.15am – REGISTRATION
9.15am-9.20am – CROESO / WELCOME FROM EMYR AFAN OBE, SUMMIT FOUNDER
9.20am-9.25am – SHORT ADDRESS FROM GERAINT EVANS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE S4C
9.25am-9.30am – STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
With John McVay OBE, PACT Chief Executive
9.30am-10.10am – OPENING DEBATE: IS TV BROKEN AND CAN WE FIX IT?
In a fast-evolving media landscape marked by shifting viewer habits, budget pressures, and fierce competition from global streamers, this opening debate asks the big, uncomfortable question: is traditional television in crisis? Industry leaders, creatives, and commissioners come together to assess the current state of TV – from declining linear audiences and squeezed production funding to challenges in diversity, innovation, and sustainability. Is the model fundamentally broken, or is this just a moment of necessary transformation? And crucially, what must be done – and by whom – to ensure TV’s future is not only viable but vibrant?
Chair: Felicity Evans, Journalist & Broadcaster
Guest Speakers:
John McVay OBE, PACT Chief Executive
Kate Beal, CEO Woodcut Media
Ed Sayer, The TV Whisperer
Llyr Morus, TAC Chair & MD, Mojo Productions
SPONSORED BY Pact. & TAC
Produced by: Tim Wilson MCIPR, Policy Advisor
10.15am-10.55am – BACK TO UNSCRIPTED BUSINESS
Join leading unscripted representatives from major UK broadcasters as they lift the lid on the current commissioning landscape. In this candid conversation, they’ll share insights into their channel strategies, reflect on the challenges faced over the past year – from tightening budgets to audience fragmentation – and spotlight the kinds of ideas they’re actively looking for. A must-attend for producers keen to understand what’s working, what’s shifting, and where the real opportunities lie in unscripted content today.
Chair: Steffan Powell
Guest Speakers:
Jo Street, Director of Commissioning N&R & Head of Lifestyle at Channel 4
Nick Andrews, Head Of Commissioning, BBC Wales
Llion Iwan, S4C Head of Content
Joe Mace, Entertainment Commissioner, ITV
Produced by: Mark Espley, Development Executive
10.15am-10.45am – SCRIPTED COMMISSIONER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with scripted commissioners from broadcasters including ITV, S4C, BBC & UKTV.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Gwenllian Gravelle, Head of Film & Drama S4C
Helen Perry, Head of Drama, UKTV
Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama, Channel 4
Advance sign up required:
10.55am-11.30am – COFFEE BREAK
11am-11.30am – CHANNEL 4 PRODUCTION FINANCE MANAGER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Members of Channel 4’s Production Finance team will be hosting round table sessions to discuss key areas of production budgeting. This is an open forum where you can ask questions and gain clarity on the channel’s expectations when budgeting and financial support available.
Key Topics Covered:
4Access Fund
Guidance on how to budget or submit funding requests for access-related costs.
Sustainability
Channel 4’s expectations on sustainability that should be considered when preparing budgets.
Health and Safety
Will cover guidance on budgeting for duty of care, as well as expectations for budgeting for other health and safety requirements across your production.
Regionality
An open discussion on national and regional productions. Share your thoughts, experiences and questions around meeting the national and regional qualifying criteria.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to the Channel 4 team.
Table Hosts:
Ngozi Ubaka, Senior Production Finance Manager, Reality & Entertainment
Carla McGilchrist, Senior Production Finance Manager, Drama & Comedy
Emily Shields, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual (to discuss commissioning opportunities)
Advance sign up required:
11.30am-12.10pm – UNSCRIPTED SUCCESS STORIES: HOW DID THEY DO IT?
Hear directly from the Welsh production companies behind some of the UK’s standout unscripted hits. In this session, producers share the inside story of how their ideas made it from pitch to screen — and what made them resonate with commissioners and audiences alike. From creative breakthroughs to production challenges, discover the key ingredients behind their success and gain practical insights into developing and delivering winning unscripted content from Wales.
Chair: Yvonne Alexander, Creative Director, Jet TV
Guest Speakers:
Ben Smith, Creative Director, Tŷ’r Ddraig
Jo Pearce, CEO and Creative Director at Bright Branch Media
Katie Fazackerley Mason, Head of Production, Boom
Produced by: Paul Wood, Head of Development
11.30am-12.00pm – SCRIPTED COMMISSIONER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with scripted commissioners from broadcasters including ITV, S4C, BBC & UKTV.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Huw Kennair-Jones, Drama Commissioner ITV
Rebecca Ferguson, Drama Commissioner BBC
Laura Riseam, Comedy Commissioning Editor, Channel 4
Nick Andrews, Head of BBC Wales
Advance sign up required:
12.15pm-12.45pm – UNSCRIPTED COMMISSIONER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with unscripted commissioners from the BBC.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three
Lindsay Bradbury, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime
Sian Harris, Commissioning Editor, BBC Wales
Julian Carey, Commissioning Editor, BBC Wales
Advance sign up required:
12.15pm-12.55pm – SCRIPTED SPOTLIGHT: DRAMA COMMISSIONERS ON TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND HITS
Top scripted commissioners from UK broadcasters come together to discuss the evolving drama and comedy landscape. They’ll unpack current commissioning priorities, share what’s resonating with audiences, and reflect on the creative and financial challenges of the past year. From bold new voices to returnable hits, this session offers vital insight into what PSBs are looking for – and where the biggest opportunities lie for writers and producers in a competitive market.
Chair: LA Thorp, Drama Development Executive
Guest Speakers:
Helen Perry, Head of Drama, UKTV
Huw Kennair-Jones, Drama Commissioner ITV
Rebecca Ferguson, Drama Commissioner BBC
Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama, Channel 4
Gwenllian Gravelle, Head of Film & Drama S4C
Produced by: LA Thorp, Drama Development Executive
1pm-1.40pm – FILM IN FOCUS: WELSH TALENT, GLOBAL IMPACT
A deep dive into the current state of the film industry, this session brings together Welsh producers to celebrate recent successes and explore the opportunities and challenges facing the sector today. From homegrown features making waves on the festival circuit to international co-productions rooted in Welsh talent and storytelling, hear how these films were brought to life – and what’s next for film in Wales.
Chair: Amanda Rees, Chairperson, Ffilm Cymru
Guest Speakers:
John Giwa-Amu, Founder & Producer, Good Gate Media
Branwen Cennard, ‘Effie’ Producer
Anwen Griffiths, Head of Legal & Business Affairs, BBC Film
Produced by: Jack Carey, Development Producer
1pm-1.30pm – UNSCRIPTED COMMISSIONER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with unscripted commissioners from Channel 4.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Joanna Potts, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Current Affairs
Clemency Green, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Lifestyle
Sacha Mirzoeff, Head of Channel 4 Bristol & Rachael Kinley, Junior Commissioning Editor Docs & Fact Ent
Advance sign up required:
1.30pm-2.30pm – LUNCH
2.30pm-3.10pm – STRONGER TOGETHER: SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR THE SCREEN INDUSTRIES
As the pressures on freelancers and indies in the screen sector continue to grow, this session brings together leading charities and industry organisations offering practical support, resources, and guidance. From mental health to financial wellbeing, we’ll explore the real strain facing those working behind the scenes — and what’s being done to help. An essential conversation for anyone navigating the challenges of a demanding and fast-paced industry, with an opportunity to share experiences in a public forum.
Chair: Olly Reid, Co-Founder, Hum4ns
Guest Speakers:
Sarah Joyce, Head of Unscripted, ScreenSkills
Claire Stephens-Lee, Production Co-ordinator & The TV Mindset
Sophie Freeman, Engagement Producer, The Film & TV Charity
Siân Gale, Skills & Development Manager, Bectu / CULT Cymru
SPONSORED BY SCREENSKILLS
Produced by: Scott Dewey, Head of Development
3.15pm-3.55pm – GAME ON: THE RISE OF SPORT PRODUCTION IN WALES
Wales has quietly become a powerhouse in sports production, delivering world-class content that punches well above its weight on the global stage. This panel brings together key players behind the cameras to explore how Welsh talent, infrastructure, and storytelling are transforming the landscape of sports media – from the broadcast of the Paralympics to new digital series Last Pundit Standing.
Chair: Steffan Powell
Guest Speakers:
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three
Cai Morgan, Head of Digital, Boom
Carys Owens, Managing Director, Whisper Cymru
Pete Andrews, Head of Sport, Channel 4
Produced by: Osian Davies-Litt, Operations Director
3.15pm-3.45pm – UNSCRIPTED COMMISSIONER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with unscripted commissioners from broadcasters including ITV & S4C.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Joe Mace, Commissioning Editor ITV
Beth Angell, Commissioning Editor S4C
Sioned Geraint, Commissioning Editor S4C
Advance sign up required:
4pm-5pm – EVE MYLES: IN CONVERSATION WITH JANE MILLICHIP
In this intimate fireside chat, acclaimed actor Eve Myles sits down with BAFTA CEO, Jane Millichip, for a candid conversation about her remarkable career — from early breakout roles to becoming one of Wales’ most recognisable screen talents. Expect reflections on key moments, behind-the-scenes insights, and Eve’s perspective on the evolving industry, her craft, and the importance of telling Welsh stories on a global stage.
Chair: Jane Millichip, CEO, BAFTA
Guest Speaker: Eve Myles
Produced by: Hollie Abbott, Creative Director
5pm-7pm – NETWORKING DRINKS
After a busy Day 1, please join us at The Parkgate Hotel for networking drinks.
SPONSORED BY HUGH JAMES
Wednesday 8th October - Day 2
8.30am-9.20am – REGISTRATION
9.20am-9.25am – CROESO/WELCOME BACK DAY 2
9.25am-9.30am – SHORT ADDRESS FROM GARMON RHYS, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF BBC WALES
9.30am-9.35am – PACT: FUTURE WALES OPPORTUNITY
Pact set out their Future Wales Scheme in partnership with Creative Wales and how to apply.
Guest Speaker: Chris Curley, Head of Nations and Regions, PACT
9.35am-10.15am – IN CONVERSATION: JORDAN SCHWARZENBERGER
Join entrepreneur and talent manager Jordan Schwarzenberger in conversation with our host for a dynamic fireside chat exploring the collision of digital culture, youth audiences, and mainstream media. From building brands like The Sidemen to commissioning for new platforms, they’ll discuss creativity, disruption, and what the next generation of content – and content creators – really looks like.
Chair: Steffan Powell
Guest Speaker: Jordan Schwarzenberger
Produced by: Hollie Abbott, Creative Director
10.20am-11am – DIGITAL FIRST: MEET THE DECISION MAKERS
In this session, leading digital commissioners share their current strategies for reaching online audiences and what they’re looking for from indies and creators. From platform-specific content to innovative formats and fresh talent, discover where the real opportunities lie in the digital space – and how to pitch ideas that cut through in a fast-moving, competitive landscape.
Chair: Guto Rhun, Young Audience Commissioner, S4C
Guest Speakers:
Amie Parker Williams, Director, Digital Commissioning and Production, MTV
Sam Pearson, Digital Commissioning Editor, Hearst Networks
Maeve McLoughlin, Digital Commissioning Executive Unscripted, BBC
Hanzla MacDonald, Digital Commissioning Executive, Branded, Channel 4
Produced by: Jo Pearce, Creative Director
11.05am-11.45am – YOUTUBE 101: UNLOCKING VALUE FOR PRODUCERS & CREATORS
Industry experts explore how producers and creators can grow audiences, build sustainable revenue streams, and make the most of platform tools and analytics. Designed for both new and experienced users, the panel will provide actionable advice to help attendees unlock YouTube’s full potential as both a creative outlet and a business opportunity.
Chair: Sam Barcroft, CEO, SWNS Media Group and Founder of Creatorville
Guest Speakers:
Tomos Grace, Former Head of Media & Sport at YouTube
Rob Wilson, YouTuber-in-Residence at vidIQ
Anna Cronin, Digital Transformation Consultant & Course Lead for YouTube & National Film & TV Creator Incubator
Produced by: Hollie Abbott, Creative Director
12.15pm-12.55pm – JUST ONE BOX: AI FOR PRODUCERS WITH JASON YATES
In this dynamic live session, Jason Yates will explore the role of Generative AI in accelerating the TV and film development pipeline – bringing projects to life faster, smarter, and to world-class standards. He will share how these technologies are democratising the playing field, enabling creators of all sizes to compete on equal footing, and how embracing this shift can open new creative and commercial opportunities for the industry.
Guest Speaker: Jason Yates, Creative Director & Executive Producer, Fully Charged Entertainment
1pm-1.35pm – GREENING THE SCREEN: INNOVATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
In this fast-paced session, three trailblazing speakers deliver lightning presentations on groundbreaking projects that are redefining what sustainable screen production looks like. Discover how the industry is tackling the climate crisis head-on, right here in Wales. Presentations will be followed by an open Q&A, offering practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact on set and beyond.
Host: Steffan Powell
Guest Speakers:
James Edwards, Technical Manager and Outside Broadcast Unit Manager, Afanti Media
Hannah Raybould, Senior Corporate Operations Executive, Bad Wolf
Nicole Wait, Production Sustainability Manager
SPONSORED BY FFILM CYMRU & MEDIA CYMRU
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Produced by:
Louise Dixey, Sustainability Manager
Kayleigh McLeod, Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead
1pm-1.30pm – DIGITAL DECISION MAKER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with digital commissioners from broadcasters including MTV, S4C, BBC, Hearst Networks and Channel 4.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to channel decision makers.
Table Hosts:
Guto Rhun, Young Audience Commissioner, S4C
Amie Parker Williams, Director, Digital Commissioning and Production, MTV
Sam Pearson, Digital Commissioning Editor, Hearst Networks
Maeve McLoughlin, Digital Commissioning Executive Unscripted, BBC
Hanzla MacDonald, Digital Commissioning Executive, Branded, Channel 4
Advance sign up required:
1.30-2.30 – LUNCH
2.30pm-3pm – S4C HANSH PITCH COMPETITION FINAL
The 3 finalists of our Hansh x Wales Screen Summit pitching competition showcase their ideas live on stage in front of a line up of judges. Who will win the £3k development funding to take their idea to the next level?
Host: Steffan Powell
Finalists:
Gwion Samson
Elin Edwards
Steffan Morris
Guest Judges:
Guto Rhun, Young Audience Commissioner, S4C
Claire Urquhart, Head of Commercial Content Fund at S4C International
Tomos Grace, Head of Media & Sport at YouTube
SPONSORED BY S4C
2.30pm-3pm – MEET THE DISTRIBUTER ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with distributers including: Shimmer Media, Getty, Sphere Abacus, Rocket Rights and DLT Entertainment.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to distribution experts.
Table Hosts:
Pascal Dalton – Shimmer Media
Cat Davie – Rocket Rights Booster
Paul Islwyn Thomas & Donald Taffner Jr. – DLT Entertainment
Simon Wood – Getty
Will Stapley – Sphere Abacus
Advance sign up required:
https://form.typeform.com/to/xhHCKBP1
SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE
3.05pm-3.40pm – BRANDS: THE NEW BROADCASTERS?
Brands are becoming the new decision makers in the content commissioning eco-system – whether that’s bringing funding to a TV series to get it made or short-form digital content that aligns with a brands strategy and provides snappy bites of entertainment for platforms. In this panel a line-up of speakers discuss how they work with brands in different ways to land commissions, what brands want and discuss what the future holds – are brands the new broadcasters?
Chair: Sam Grace, Head of South Shore Wales
Guest Speakers:
Christie Toal, Company Director, Crash Productions
Helen Veale, Media Executive & Strategic Consultant
Dominic de Terville, Executive Producer & Brand Partnerships Specialist
Toby Cameron, Founder & Senior Producer, On Par Productions
Produced by: Scott Dewey, Head of Development
3.15pm-3.45pm – REALLY USEFUL PEOPLE ROUND TABLES – THE TELEGRAPH ROOM
Have a seat at the table with some amazing industry experts.
This is an opportunity for ticket holders to build relationships and put their questions directly to experts.
Table Hosts:
Hannah Roose, Screenskills Training Liaison Manager
Rob Wilson, YouTuber-in-Residence at vidIQ
Gwenda Carnie, Director of Industry Media
Elaine McElroy, Project Manager, BFI Global Screen Fund
Advance sign up required:
https://form.typeform.com/to/xhHCKBP1
3.45pm-4.15pm – HARRY HAMBLEY: IN CONVERSATION WITH CAI MORGAN
Join illustrator and digital creator Harry Hambley – the mind behind the global phenomenon Ketnipz – for an inspiring fireside chat exploring how a doodle turned into a worldwide brand. From viral Instagram posts to licensing deals, merchandise, and global partnerships, Harry shares the journey of building and monetising original IP in the digital age. A must-attend session for anyone interested in creativity, brand-building, and the business of being online.
Chair: Cai Morgan, Head of Digital, Boom
Guest Speaker: Harry Hambley, Illustrator & Creator of @ketnipz
4.20pm-4.55pm – THE IP GOLDMINE: HOW TO PROTECT & PROFIT FROM YOUR TV IDEA
In today’s content-driven market, owning your intellectual property isn’t just smart – it’s essential. In this session, legal experts, producers, and strategists will unpack the full lifecycle of TV IP, using a new idea pitched by the chair as a real-world case study. Together, they’ll explore how to protect creative concepts from development through to distribution, and how to maximise their value across platforms including streaming, publishing, gaming, and merchandise. As demand for adaptable IP grows, this session will offer a practical roadmap for turning great ideas into long-term, revenue-generating assets.
Chair: Hollie Abbott, Creative Director, Awkward Studios
Guest Speakers:
Gwenda Carnie, Director of Industry Media
William Van Rest, DTC Commercial & Partnerships Consultant
Ashley Lewis, Managing Director, Metavision
4.55pm – 5pm – CLOSING REMARKS FROM SUMMIT FOUNDER, EMYR AFAN OBE
5pm-5.30pm – TIM DAVIE: IN CONVERSATION WITH STEFFAN POWELL
BBC Director-General Tim Davie joins host Steffan Powell for a wide-ranging fireside chat exploring the future of the BBC and the wider TV industry.
Chair: Steffan Powell
Guest Speaker: Tim Davie, Director-General, BBC
Produced by: Tim Wilson, Tim Wilson MCIPR, Policy Advisor
5.30pm – THANK YOU & GOODBYE FROM STEFFAN POWELL