Screen Forum Conference 2023

Highlights from the British Screen Forum Conference 2023 in London

Sussex Film Office had the privilege of attending the British Screen Forum Conference 2023 in London, held on Wednesday, November 22nd. This annual event is a cornerstone for industry leaders, British Screen Forum members, associate members, future leaders, and invited guests, providing a platform to explore the latest trends, innovations, and discussions in the realm of media and entertainment.

Key Speakers and Sessions:
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions, promising a day filled with insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations. Notable figures included Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, who shared her perspectives on the industry’s current landscape.

One of the highlights was a major session on news provision, chaired by Lord (Tony) Hall, former Director-General of the BBC. Angelos Frangopolous, Chief Executive of GB News, and Alison Philips, Editor of The Daily Mirror, contributed to a compelling discussion on the future of news.

Tim Richards, Chair of BFI and Founder/CEO of Vue Entertainment, as well as Chris Bird, Managing Director of Prime Video UK, brought valuable insights into the evolving landscape of film and streaming services.

A particularly timely and insightful session was led by Louisa Compton, Head of News at Channel 4, and Esella Hawkey, Creative Director at Hardcash Productions. They provided an inside track on producing agenda-setting television, drawing from their recent work on Dispatches: Russell Brand – In Plain Sight.

Panel Discussions:
The conference also delved into the changing business strategies of key players in the games sector. Li Ma, Director of International Partnerships at Tencent Games, Lisa Opie, Managing Director of Ubisoft, Maria Sayans, CEO of ustwo, and Tim Scott, Director of Public Policy at Roblox, participated in a panel discussion that explored the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry.

Tech Entrepreneur’s Insight:
A captivating presentation on AI and the future of creativity was delivered by technology entrepreneur Suhair Khan, shedding light on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the creative space.

Market Overview and Cutting-Edge Demonstration:
Ben Keen presented a comprehensive overview of the current state of the screen market, providing valuable insights into the industry’s trends and challenges. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to witness a live demonstration from Glaze, a revolutionary system utilizing machine learning algorithms designed to protect human artists by disrupting AI style mimicry.

Thank you British Screen Forum Conference 2023 for bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators for a day of learning and collaboration.