Edinburgh TV Festival 2024

Kick off your 2024 Festival with a coffee on us in the ConnectED Lounge! Take the opportunity to meet fellow delegates and ease into the week.

Kick off this year’s Festival by joining Advisory Chair, Harjeet Chhokar, and Creative Director, Rowan Woods, to introduce this year’s edition. Jack Rooke x Sophie Willan follows directly after this session without a break.

Open the Festival with a bang! Join professional funny people Jack Rooke, creator of Big Boys (returning for season 3!) and Sophie Willan, creator and star of Alma’s Not Normal (returning for season 2!) as they dig into their work and creative process. Expect a fun and insightful conversation between two of the brightest comedy stars in British TV.

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Session Producer: Gina Lyons

Konrad Kay and Mickey Down’s critically acclaimed drama set in the cutthroat world of investment banking has developed a wide fanbase over its first two thrilling seasons and is widely considered one of the best shows on TV. Now returning for its eagerly anticipated third season, the co-writers and creators sit down with Executive Producer, Jane Tranter, and star, Sagar Radia, to deliver secrets from the trading floor.

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Session Producer: Andrea Colomina Basanta

Welcome to the Telly-Verse Revolution! This session investigates the metaverse's role in reshaping television and IP, with platforms like Roblox and Fortnite introducing new generations to beloved franchises. Discover how broadcasters, brands and creators are adapting as young audiences demand interactive experiences, leading to virtual worlds from the likes of BBC, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. 

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Session Producer: James Reevell

Start your Festival day by joining Screen Scotland for coffee, tea and some delicious wee pastries. All welcome, from Festival experts to first timers.

Are creators really the future? Will I ever make money out of my TikTok channel? Is a digital broadcaster commission worth it? And how do you get a brand to pay for your show? In this antidote to LinkedIn-fluencing, expect no-holds-barred, honest, transparent opinions from the people that have left (or gone beyond) TV and are making (and losing) money at the digital coalface. 
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Session Producers: Thom Gulvesen, Ben Powell-Jones

The 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival’s Opening Session, led by the BBC’s Ros Atkins, dives headfirst into the storm rocking the UK television industry. Revered globally for its stellar content and unmatched talent, the industry now stands on a precipice. Can it rebound from the recent upheaval, or is a complete re-imagination necessary? Ros Atkins will deliver a trademark explainer examining the true state of the TV industry. Following his analysis, a powerhouse panel, featuring SVOD MDs, indie leaders, creator economy pioneers, and dynamic commentators, will chart a course for the future. They will tackle pressing questions about survival, job security, and the fate of traditional revenue models. As digital disruption reshapes viewing habits, the stakes have never been higher. Will bold leadership and radical change secure a future in this brave new digital world? Prepare for an electrifying debate as the industry’s finest confront the ultimate question: where do we go from here? 
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Session Producers: Fatima Salaria, Emile Nawagamuwa

WBD UK & Ireland commissions hundreds of hours of British made and talent fronted programming for discovery+ and linear channels including Really and Quest. Their portfolio includes everything from true crime and paranormal to food and factual entertainment, with recent commissions including James May & the Dull Men’s Club, Vinnie Jones In The Country and Meet the Rees-Moggs. Now, join broadcaster and critic Rhianna Dhillon as she meets the team. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

IP is king. From One Day to Fallout to Baby Reindeer to The Gentleman, adaptations of existing stories are proving as popular with TV audiences as ever. Are commissioners now prioritising adapted material? How can producers get their hands on it? What are the best approaches once they’ve secured a story? And where does all this leave original ideas? 
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Session Producer: Hannah Griffiths

Ready to make TV that audiences pay attention to? Whether it’s calling for action like Ade Adepitan and Kevin McCloud in Channel 4’s climate season, telling shocking true-stories like On Thin Ice: Putin v Greenpeace, or incidental inclusion in everything from kids TV to Channel 5’s upcoming ‘blue lights’ series, we explore ways to engage audiences with climate change.
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Session Producer: Alf Lawrie

The UK has an abundance of world class IP and in a world where commissions and money are tight, it’s often left sitting on the shelf gathering dust. But is there a way we can exploit this old IP and turn it into a digital powerhouse? That’s exactly what this panel aims to answer. Hosted by Danny Lorimer (Executive Producer of the Sidemen’s reality show Inside), three digital experts have been given old-school TV IPs and tasked with turning them into brand new digital hits. They’ll outline strategies that everyone can use to make these old shows into money makers, as well as going through some digital production and activation hints and tips. 
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Session Producer: Danny Lorimer

Come and meet the commissioners from the BBC Commissioning Team.

Join us at the ConnectED Lounge to meet and network with your fellow producers, developers and commissioners of scripted programming. With a special guest introduction from Claire Mundell, Founder of Synchronicity Films, and Johnny Lewsley, Head of UK Scripted Originals at Amazon Studios.

In 2024, a British commission has made Netflix’s most watched ever list – Fool Me Once, with over 98 million views! Now, join broadcaster and critic Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on Netflix, with its VP for Content, UK, Anne Mensah, plus Anna Ferguson, Director, Original Series, Adam Hawkins, Director, Documentary Series, Ben Kelly and Daisy Lilley, Directors, Unscripted Series, and Nelesh Dhand, Manager, Documentary Series. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

Join us as we take the temperature of British TV comedy with top comic talent, producers, and commissioners. In light of mounting financial pressures and the need for global co-productions, the panelists will explore the current comedy landscape, examining the influence of the US market and the rise of genre-blending. Discover how the traditional British sitcom can not only survive but thrive in this evolving environment. 
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Session Producer: Roya Eslami

The Israel-Gaza conflict poses enormous challenges to broadcasters, with widespread criticism of the way traditional news programmes have covered the war and repeated claims of bias on both sides. It’s also a conflict that has come at enormous cost to those who are covering it, with 120 media workers killed so far in Gaza. This session will explore the unique journalistic challenges posed by this war, including access, language, impartiality, the impact of social media, duty of care to staff and wider political pressures. 
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Session Producer: Nevine Mabro

Industry experts discuss the fatigue around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in TV, and explore what the future holds for these important principles within broadcasting. The industry has watched on as some high profile exits in recent months have sparked a wider debate around DEI departments and their function – with some believing it could signal their erosion altogether. Current and former practitioners and producers unpick this complex and important topic. 
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Session Producer: Neila Butt

Going viral is easy, but staying viral isn’t! Want to know how digital talent operate? How they stay relevant and why this is important for TV Producers? Can big TV ideas really land on social and how on earth does that generate revenue? Think there is no money in digital? Think again! From digital-born talent with worldwide IP, to the power of the podcast and making your digital production budget go further, join the social elites as we discuss being born, bred and booming on social. 
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Session Producer: Laura Marks

Join us at the ConnectED Lounge to meet with delegates from around the world.

These meetings are for indies and new talent to make connections with commissioners they dont usually work with to expand their commissioner network.

TV and film plays a unique role in influencing attitudes and social values. The success of Mr Bates vs the Post Office shows the power of TV storytelling to engage millions on topics of injustice and create a mandate for change. Other TV shows have changed social norms and attitudes to gender, LGBTQ and inequality. Are there lessons that we can apply to other pressing issues our society is facing, such as the nature and climate crisis, and what is TV’s responsibility to tell the stories that make a difference? 
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Session Producers: Jenna Brown, Catherine Ellis

ITV is among Britain’s biggest broadcasters, able to deliver a seven million overnight (I’m a Celebrity…) and to change the national conversation (Mr Bates vs The Post Office). Now, as it faces digital growth and job cuts, critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on ITV, with its Managing Director: Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo – plus Head of Drama Polly Hill, Head of Entertainment, Katie Rawcliffe, and Head of Factual Entertainment, Sue Murphy. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

The former network chief and architect of NBCs Must See TV era, developing and overseeing such series as Friends, Seinfeld, ER and Cheers, Warren Littlefield is now forging a new career as a producer of high-end drama. The producer with the golden touch is behind multi-Emmy and Peabody Award-winning shows like The Handmaids Tale, Fargo, Dopesick, The Old Man, and the forthcoming Amanda Knox drama co-produced by Knox and Monica Lewinsky. Littlefields career has mirrored many of the big shifts in the industry and, in conversation with Anne Mensah, VP of Content UK at Netflix, he will be discussing his work on both sides of the commissioning line, the current state of scripted drama, how to forge strong talent relationships and where the next big shows will come from.

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Session Producer: Helen Ziegler

Having trouble funding your show? As traditional commissioning models fade and budgets tighten, join us to explore the dynamic, ever-changing world of television project funding. Gain expert insights and explore real- world case studies for navigating alternative funding streams in both scripted and unscripted genres. Learn the complexities of Advertiser-Funded Programming (AFP) and get actionable advice straight from industry leaders. Don’t miss this chance to transform your funding approach and bring your projects to life! 
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Session Producer: Fernando de Jesus

From Beckham to Drive to Survive, the traditional sports documentary has evolved into premium home entertainment, reaching huge global audiences by blending big talent with high stakes editorial and a touch of reality TV entertainment. While Sport-Busters have united fragmented audiences and revolutionised the unscripted landscape, have we become cheerleaders for the puff piece by trading ratings for truth? Or do clubs and sports stars have a right to tell their story, in their own words? 
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Session Producers: Charlotte Reid, Steven Fullagar

Join us at the ConnectED Lounge to meet and network with your fellow producers, developers and commissioners of factual programming.

Television’s best and brightest are taking the stage to pitch for a guaranteed commission with Channel 4’s Random Acts. This is a chance to see a shortlist of our Ones To Watch delegates in action, bringing new ideas and perspectives to the iconic strand. Eight 90-second pitches will be vying to capture the interest of judge Shaminder Nahal and join the ranks of some of the world’s best creative films. The winner will be announced at the Edinburgh TV Awards on Thursday evening. 
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Session Producer: Helen Miller

Come and meet Dawn Beresford and Helen Pratt from the BBC Content Talent, Commissioning Team. Bring your CV! Drop-in session – no need to book.

This year has seen high profile Disney+ UK launches including Sally Wainwright’s Renegade Nell, music documentary series Camden (executive produced by and featuring Dua Lipa), with the hugely anticipated drama Rivals coming soon from Dame Jilly Cooper and Steven Knight’s upcoming period drama, A Thousand Blows. Now, as the streaming market matures, join critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon as she meets the team. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

A frequent landmark in our TV schedules, delivering over 700 hours of unmissable content a year, but what have soaps ever done for us? This essential conversation will explore soaps as a national cultural touchstone, a nationwide training ground, an enviable digital playground that is constantly evolving and a launchpad for both domestic and international talent. From the beloved stars who got their start on set, to execs and commissioners overseeing the storylines of today, join us to talk about soaps, class and entertainment. 
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Session Producer: Deborah Sathe

The ‘freelancer crisis’ has been one of the biggest talking points of the year so far. Join industry experts across broadcasting, industrial relations, and from the freelance community, to discuss productions’ ever- increasing reliance on this ‘invisible army’. Reflecting on the subsequent pressures placed on TV freelancers, the panel will call for industry actions to better support freelancers and consider what more needs to be done to ensure a more sustainable engagement model and a healthier, happier workforce. 
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Session Producer: Josie Emanuel

Grammy Award-winning musician, producer, creative innovation advisor, reality TV coach and tech entrepreneur will.i.am, takes centre stage to explore the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and entertainment. With his ground-breaking work as the Founder and CEO of FYI, a trailblazing web 3.0 AI creative productivity platform, he is uniquely positioned to offer invaluable insights into AI’s impact on content creation, distribution and audience engagement. Don’t miss this session with one of the creative industries’ foremost innovators. 
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Session Producer: Muslim Alim

In the first of our two comedy showcases, six stand-up comedians in a mixed bill deliver the essence of their Fringe shows to the stage. Unwind after a day of deep-dive discussions with a selection of the best of this year’s Edinburgh talent!

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Session Producers: Charlie Coombes, Maiya Sabapathy-Andrews

Join Climate Spring's Josh Cockcroft and David Leach in the ConnectED Lounge to meet with fellow unscripted producers and development executives, and discover new ways to create compelling unscripted climate content. The session starts with a speed development game to originate fun ideas for climate TV formats, followed by informal networking.

Channel 5 is Britain’s third largest public service broadcaster and the only commercial PSB to have grown peak-time share last year, as well as increased My5 views. Its success is due to a creative and reputational transformation that prioritises UK-produced content and embraces new genres, including original drama. But with British linear viewing dropping over 25 percent since 2018, these remain challenging times. Now, join critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the spotlight on Channel 5 with its Chief Content Officer, Ben Frow. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

The biggest cast and largest cash prize to ever appear in a reality TV show, Squid Game: The Challenge takes unscripted adaptions to a whole new level. But with epic scale comes equally epic challenges (and we're not just talking about cutting shapes out of honeycomb here). Featuring the minds behind the Netflix megahit, this session lifts the lid on everything from global casting calls to supersized set designs, colossal duty of care procedures and larger-than-life logistics. Join us to discover the secrets behind the making of one of the world's biggest ever reality shows. 
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Session Producer: David Kerr

Following in the footsteps of Hillsborough and The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office showed that a drama can change not only the way an audience thinks and feels, but mobilise that audience to rise up in outrage at institutional injustice. But the trend towards productions aimed at international audiences or platforms makes domestic real-life stories, and specifically four-part dramas, increasingly hard to sell and difficult to finance. Four drama industry heavyweights, responsible for some of the most memorable factual dramas of the past decade, discuss how to protect the Mr Bateses of the future. 
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Session Producer: Anna Thomson

Join us for Margaritas!

Since 1976 the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture has been the centrepiece of the Edinburgh TV Festival. It provokes and inspires debate, conversation and change. Joining a long list of thinkers and luminaries, award-winning playwright and dramatist James Graham will deliver the 49th lecture. Lauded as one of the most incisive and prolific voices of his generation, James Graham has risen to prominence for his critically acclaimed and hugely popular stage, television and film work. He’s also regarded as the UK’s most prominent and celebrated political dramatist. Graham is responsible for some of the most memorable stage and screen dramas of the past decade, including Dear England, which he is currently adapting for television, Sherwood, Quiz, Ink, Brexit: The Uncivil War, Coalition, This House, and his recent stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking TV drama Boys From The Black Stuff. Graham is a fearless contemporary chronicler of British history, institutions and power structures, and a firm believer in the role of television in shaping the political agenda and illuminating social injustice. He’s also deeply committed to a vision of representation that confidently includes social class and regionality, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to speak to where we find ourselves culturally, socially and politically in 2024. Join us in the Lennox for the event that brings all of us together, defines what is unique about the Edinburgh TV Festival and will surely inform many more essential conversations to come.

Join us and Shutterstock in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland for our renowned Festival Drinks. Network with old colleagues and meet new friends after the MacTaggart Lecture while you sip on a Shutterstock Spritz.

FREE COACHES TO THE MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND DEPART THE EICC FROM 19:00 UNTIL 19:30ADDRESS:
MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, CHAMBERS STREET, EDINBURGH, EH1 1JF

ConnectED speed meetings are back for 2024, giving delegates direct one-on-one access to commissioners, distributors, producers and TV specialists from across the industry. Available exclusively to delegates, these speed meetings give creatives the chance at the pitch of a lifetime. Browse the ConnectED Host Line-Up to find outmore about our hosts and the types of projects they’re interested in and why.

Sky is multi-faceted with connectivity, Sky Glass and Stream delivering content over the internet, but our focus is the Sky Originals brand that has steadily grown as viewership, nominations and critical acclaim build. Join broadcaster and critic Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on Sky, with Sky Studios CEO and Chief Content Officer, Ccile Frot-Coutaz, plus Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Arts and Entertainment, Hayley Reynolds, Acting Director of Factual and Documentaries, and Meghan Lyvers, Director of Original Series.

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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

Hear from pioneering audio leader Audible and celebrated creative voices as they discuss today's opportunities to create in audio. In this session, Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible, is joined by award-winning actor and author, Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, The Stranger, Geneva, The Cut) renowned theatre producer Francesca Moody MBE (Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, I'm Almost There) and Kate Navin, Senior Director of Creative Development at Audible. Together theyll discuss both their recent and upcoming Audible Original projects and the unique opportunities that audio storytelling offers across genre and formats, from Audible Original audiobooks to podcasts, theatre, comedy and more.

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Session Producer: Camilla Mosley

Similar to the impact of Black Lives Matter, recent far-right riots targeting Muslims may be a pivotal moment for the TV industry. For Muslims working in TV, these events highlight ongoing exclusion. This session explores whether this backlash will lead to a genuine reassessment of Muslim representation and treatment, and whether it will challenge industry leadership to drive real progress in inclusive and accurate storytelling.
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Session Producer: Fatima Salaria

Post-match analysis! James Graham is in conversation with Kirsty Wark to dig further into the themes, issues and questions arising from last night's MacTaggart Lecture.

What if we reframed the commissioning slowdown as an as an opportunity not a threat? Whether scripted or unscripted; micro, small or super-indie, this session delivers practical tips, inspirational stories and some mind-blowing blue-sky thinking from those at the coalface of the indie sector on how to not just stay in business, but thrive, think big, strategize, and make the most of all you have. Strap in for a session that brings you the light at the end of the TV tunnel!

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Session Producers: Sian Price

Does your background determine how far you can progress within UK television? With recent reports suggesting that social class plays a big role when it comes to promotion to senior, decision-making roles, what needs to be done to make opportunities more equitable and less reliant on a who-you-know culture? The panellists will examine the extent of the issue, discussing how training, skills and championing better inclusive practices should be as important as access to industry networks and credits.

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Session Producer: Anna Green

After a challenging 2023, Channel 4 has bounced back this year with an overall increase in total viewing for the first half of the year alongside a +29% increase in online viewing year on year. It has seen a string of factual successes and recently launched its Fast Forward strategy to become the UKs first Public Service Streamer by 2030, at the same time reorganising its teams to focus more sharply on streaming. Broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon asks what being a Public Service Streamer really means and how the channel is accelerating its transformation into one. Joining her is Channel 4s Chief Content Officer, Ian Katz, alongside Alisa Pomeroy, Head of Documentaries & Factual Entertainment, Steven Handley, Head of Reality & Entertainment, and Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 & Channel 4 Drama.

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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

In January 2024, podcast producer Listen broke records with genre-defining visualised companion podcast, The Traitors: Uncloaked, reaching 4.4 million viewers with its finale. Now in this special session, a panel from across audio and TV will explore how the lines between TV and podcasting are becoming increasingly blurred, and where the future opportunities lie.

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Session Producer: Darby Dorras

The average TV viewer may not have heard of Andy Wilman but theyll most certainly have watched his shows. From playing a seminal role in turning Top Gear into the biggest unscripted show in the world, co-creating The Grand Tour, and bringing the day-to-day life of a farm in Oxfordshire to millions of households across the world with the record-breaking factual series Clarksons Farm, Wilman is behind three of the biggest unscripted shows ever created. As Clarkson, Hammond and May take their final bow on The Grand Tour, Wilman speaks to Jane Root who in her role as BBC Two Controller greenlit the 2002 reboot of Top Gear that started it all about the secrets behind the success.

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Session Producer: Harjeet Chhokar

At a time when the reputation of the police on both sides of the Atlantic has been damaged, two British TV dramas have cut through with their depictions of fallible, vulnerable characters striving to do their best as serving police officers. The showrunners of Blue Lights and The Responder will discuss authenticity, class and how to move beyond the genre. 

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Session Producer: Chris Aird

Looking for the freshest ideas to appeal to 16-24s? Come and hear them straight from the horse’s mouth at The Network Live Pitch. For the last 48 hours, delegates on our entry-level talent scheme The Network have been learning the secrets of development with a team from MultiStory Media. Now they get to pitch their ideas for a Channel 4.0 format fronted by social media sensation and podcast host GK Barry direct to GK and Channel 4’s Digital Commissioning Editor and Channel 4.0 Lead Evie Buckley. Talk about nervewracking! 
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Workshop Leaders: Matt McGough, Dorsa Nam, Jake Smith

These meetings are for indies and new talent to make connections with commissioners they dont usually work with to expand their commissioner network.

Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering a vast collection of premium programming, including UK produced hits such as Clarkson’s Farm, The Grand Tour, The Rig, 007: Road To A Million and The Devil’s Hour. Join critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on Prime Video in the UK, with Amazon MGM Studios Head of Northern Europe Originals, Tara Erer, Jonathan Lewsley, Head of Scripted UK Originals, Fozia Khan, Head of Unscripted UK Originals and Harjeet Chhokar and Cat Lynch, Unscripted Executives. Joining Tara and her team is Hannah Blyth, Head of TV Prime Video UK, and Rola Bauer, Head of Pan-English, Amazon MGM Studios. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

From Married at First Sight; Love Triangle, and Masterchef to My Mum Your Dad, Australian television has become a byword for bingeable. Scripted and unscripted television has returned to Oz. But is Australia’s global domination sustainable in its current form? Looking at iconic TV moments from recent years we discuss why Australian TV is so popular. And debate how the growing responsibility of welfare and diversity will impact the current boom. 
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Session Producers: Ben Peart, Lily Wilson

The art of collaboration is key to bringing stories to life on a global scale. What are the secrets to successful creative partnerships in television? How do you choose the right partners, adapt beloved intellectual property into hit series, and navigate cross-cultural production? Join a panel of industry leaders as they share insights on the strategies, challenges and rewards of forging global creative partnerships in an ever-evolving media landscape. 
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Session Producer: Sarah Asante

‘Based on a True Story’ are some of the most thrilling words to appear at the beginning of any TV series. They promise compelling stories of humanity, stories that we may already be familiar with, stories that have had social, political and cultural impact in the real world. But with the portrayal of real events and real people, comes added responsibility and complexity. Joined by writers, producers and compliance experts in this space, this session aims to provide useful insight into getting these shows right – and the consequences of getting them wrong. 
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Session Producer: Alesya Capelle

Love a cliffhanger? For the last 48 hours, delegates on the Festival’s entry-level talent programme The Network have been learning the art of script and story with the team behind BBC Studios’ multi-award-winning soap EastEnders. Now it’s the moment of truth as cast members Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) and Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell) bring to life their scripts in a live read-through event that’s not to be missed. 

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Workshop Leaders: Kris Green, Kate Oates, Kyri Zindilis, Roisin Mullins

The BBC remains Britain’s first choice for national events – twice as many viewers chose BBC One over ITV1 for both the for the election and the Euros final. But iPlayer is increasingly important, reaching a record 177 million streams last Christmas week. Now, join critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on the BBC, with Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, plus Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, and Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emily Parkins

Amidst squeezes on spending and pull-backs on commissioning, how can producers continue to harness realistic scripted budgets? A panel of industry veterans discuss the creative financial problem solving required to take ideas to screen in the current climate. Juggling balancing costs with delivering against quality and value, where can producers source and secure cash outside UK shores? 
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Session Producers: Laura Saunders, Kate Humphreys

TV was supposed to be the medium of the masses, so how come just eight percent of those working in the industry are from a working class background? How does that impact what gets commissioned? And what does it mean for authentic portrayals of the working class on screen? Hosted by the “indefatigable” BAFTA-nominated producer and best-selling author, Sam McAlister, whose book Scoops was turned into the hit Netflix film, this definitive and spiky session featuring on-screen stars and commissioners will grapple with television’s class problem and ask what can be done to fix it. 
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Session Producers: Danny Horan, Alison Ramsay

The next generation of journalism and fact-based storytelling talent have been busy compiling all the issues and action from this year’s Festival. With the guidance of the CNN team, these Network delegates, armed with only their smartphones and a nose for a story have had just 48 hours to create a polished, professional-quality TV news report. See the best of the Festival so far. Workshop Leaders: Glen Mulcahy, Adam Dunnakey, Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou

Join the Disney+ team for a 1980’s-inspired soiree. Stop by and enter the world of Rutshire and raise a glass with us to celebrate the upcoming series, as well as sampling some 80s culinary delights on offer. Rivals goodies will also be available to guests during the event.

Come and meet Jessica Schibli, Nichola Garde and Hannah Truswell, from the BBC Creative Diversity Team, to explore developing talent from underrepresented backgrounds, creating inclusive productions and BBC Elevate, which supports the progression of mid-level deaf, disabled and / or neurodivergent production talent across BBC titles and come and meet Gaby Hornsby and Zen Barry, BBC Editorial Leads for Sustainability, to explore different ways of  incorporating sustainability into your content and productions.  

UKTV’s network saw a five percent increase in share last year, while on demand viewing grew by 56 percent. This summer, UKTV’s free to air channels and its streaming service have been brought under the new ‘masterbrand’ of U (and advertised by Cher!) – a clear sign that competition for British eyeballs remains fierce. Now, join critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon as she shines the Edinburgh TV Festival spotlight on UKTV, with its Chief Creative Officer, Richard Watsham, and its Director of Commissioning, Hilary Rosen. 
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Session Producers: Toby Smith, Emma Parkins

Are you a connoisseur of content? A knowledgeable TV nerd? Have you been paying attention to what’s been broadcast over the last extraordinary year? Grab a beer and enjoy this fun, informative quiz. There’ll be a mystery celebrity host! And prizes to be won! Come as a group or come alone, make new friends and triumph over old ones. The perfect way to ease into the Festival Awards! 
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Session Producer: Lynn Sutcliffe

Whatever happened to the great British obs doc? In the streaming age, glossy box sets and IP are winners. Buyers want sure things. Sellers want global appeal. The stories we tell are retrospective, pre-planned, risk- free, and re-hashed. Cults, crime, contemporary history and celebrity are in, distinctly British precincts and unfolding stories are out. This expansive session will bring together those on the docs frontline to interrogate how we got here, what the consequences might be and how we build a varied, thriving documentary future. 

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Session Producers: Denise Seneviratne, Cameron Gray

Our second comedy showcase features four solo performers presenting excerpts from their Fringe shows to a panel of TV comedy executives. Gain insight into the type of conversations between commissioners and past Fringe successes, such as Fleabag, and witness the development of this next generation of new talent.
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Session Producers: Charlie Coombes, Maiya Sabapathy-Andrews

Join us for a festival cocktail!

Join The TV Foundation for a pre-awards drink. This is your chance to meet the talent from across the TV industry taking part in our programmes, from entry level to industry leaders. Here you’ll find Ones To Watch, The Network, ReConnect, New Writers Collective, New Voice Award winners, and Changemakers.

Hosted by comedian and actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the Edinburgh TV Awards supported by Cast & Crew are now in their 23rd year and a highlight of the Festival calendar. With categories honouring extraordinary skill in production, outstanding performances and the impact of climate storytelling, this year’s TV Awards celebrate the breadth of creativity both on and off screen. The shortlists were voted for by over 180 industry professionals, and the second round of judging involved eight independent juries made up of experts from across the TV landscape.

After the annual Edinburgh TV Awards at the EICC, come along to the Festival’s After Party at the Virgin Hotel, the party will bring all delegates together to network and celebrate our industry.

ADDRESS:
Virgin Hotel, Greyfriars Hall and Eve Restaurant, 2 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR

Happy Friday! Join us for a bacon, scrambled egg or a grilled portobello mushroom roll.

Martin Lewis has been unwell and unable to travel, so will now be joining us on zoom.

This year’s Outstanding Achievement Award goes to campaigning journalist and consumer rights champion Martin Lewis. Presenter of The Martin Lewis Money Show – the most watched current affairs programme in the UK – and a regular face on Good Morning Britain and This Morning, he’s the person The Economist called “the most influential man in British politics”. Martin sits down for an exclusive interview to discuss his career, the importance of consumer journalism and holding power to account. 
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Session Producer: Sreya Biswas

Sky Arts Bloody Marys to ease into Friday and the last day of the Festival.

Launched in 1997, the Alternative MacTaggart provokes debate in the industry from different viewpoints. This year’s Alternative MacTaggart will be delivered by a true TV legend. Since making her debut on Countdown, the first ever programme on Channel 4, Carol Vorderman MBE has been part of the DNA of the UK television industry and a mainstay of our screens. She is also a funny, fearless and ferocious commentator on everything from politics to social mobility, sexism and education. In a 25 minute address, followed by an interview, expect something suitably furious, funny and forthright from the self- described “post-menopausal woman who doesn’t give a damn.” 
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Session Producer: Joanna Potts

That’s a wrap on the 49th edition of the Edinburgh TV Festival! Before we all head home, join our panel of execs, creatives and journalists to talk through the headlines, highlights and hot takes coming out of this year’s Festival.

Join us for another round of Sky Arts Bloody Marys to ease into Friday and the last day of the Festival.