Peaky Blinders creator and writer Steven Knight CBE will be a big draw for visitors but is just one of the headline guests set to take to the stage at The Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS) on 10-11 May.
Knight, who is currently penning a new Star Wars sequel and a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo, will share insights into his creative processes,and his passion and plans for bringing more productions into the West Midlands.
Knight joins a host of luminaries from UK film and TV at the country’s largest event for the broadcast media, production and technology industry. Speakers include Daniela Neumann, who heads Spun Gold TV, BAFTA winning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless), and Jo Plaete of Metaphysic, the company behind the Tom Cruise deepfakes. Powerhouse doc filmmakers Tom Porter and Michael Ogden and the creative team behind Oscar winning Best Animated Short, The Boy, The Fox, The Mole and the Horse will also take to the stage.
Generative AI and real-time production are two game-changing technologies that the MPTS programme keeps an eye on, along with major issues around tackling diversity, training, sustainability and the ethical use of technology.
Charlotte Wheeler, Event Director said, “MPTS is our chance to press pause, assess the impact and speed of change, and collectively make sure our industry is fighting fit for the future.”
There are over 100 presentations, masterclasses, panel discussions and educational sessions across the two days, plus a packed show exhibit which covers all bases. In order to accommodate more exhibitors on one floor, the event has now moved into the Grand Hall of Olympia. The additional space was also needed for all the new exhibitors joining MPTS this year. The seminar theatres have increased in size by a quarter, there’s more seating and there’s a bigger bar!
The biggest increase in terms of activity is related to the boom in Virtual Production. With studios popping up all over the UK and the world and with technology and techniques advancing every day, the need to learn about the latest developments is pressing. BK Johannessen, Unreal Engine Business Director for Broadcast and Live Events at Epic Games keynotes, while at the expanded Virtual Production Theatre visitors can hear case studies and insights from Pixotope, Absen, Move.ai and disguise and get to grips with demonstrations with exhibitors on the show floor.
The industry is experiencing a talent crisis that could last decades and impact on the UK’s ability to maintain its place at the centre of international production. That’s why one of the biggest themes at the show is encouraging and sustaining next generational talent.
“We need to make sure our sector is a viable, inclusive and attractive one for young people to want to build a career in,” said Wheeler. “Not enough students are choosing engineering and technical roles as a vocation at University but the focus should also be on in-house training. MPTS will explore this by also welcoming exciting new talent on the stages to talk about their experiences.”
The best part is that no matter when you register, the show and its stellar conference programme is FREE to attend!
Wheeler added, “This is our BIGGEST and most exciting programme yet, and we hope visitors enjoy all that it has to offer.”
Jon Creamer
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