This year’s Media Production & Technology Show takes place on 14 and 15 May at Olympia Grand Hall, London

The Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS)‘s packed, two-day programme, held across 14 and 15 May at Olympia Grand Hall, London, is full of sessions, debates and panel discussions with industry experts, on a huge range of subjects across the content, broadcast, tech and AI sectors.

A themed-session strand that runs through the two days is the State of the Nation, starting with Production State of the Nation: Insights from Industry Leaders on Day One at 10.30.

As the television landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, senior executives from independent production companies come together to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. From the impact of streaming and shifting audience habits to budget pressures, technological advancements, and the future of unscripted and scripted content, this session will provide a high-level overview of where TV production stands—and where it’s heading.

Chairperson: Marian McHugh, Reporter – Broadcast Magazine. Speakers: Derren Lawford, founder & CEO – Dare Pictures; Dean Webster, head of development – Ten66 Television; Kate Beal, CEO – Woodcut Media; Matt Richards, managing director & executive producer – Air TV.

Also on Day One, at 10.45, is Broadcast Technology: State of the Nation.

Discussions with this panel of technology leaders and purveyors of broadcast technology and services will include the latest advancements in transmission methods, evolving standards, the integration of AI and machine learning in content creation and distribution, as well as the impact of cloud technology on broadcasting.

The panel will explore challenges and opportunities related to cybersecurity in the broadcasting sector, virtual and augmented reality applications, and the ongoing transition from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms. This seminar will provide insights into the current landscape and future trends shaping the broadcast technology industry.
Chairperson: Max Miller, senior reporter – Broadcast Tech & Sport Group. Speakers: David Travis, director of content, Broadcast & Platforms – Sky; Rob Siddall, VP of technology – The Farm; Heidi Shakespeare, CEO – Memnon.

Running concurrently is Post-Production: State of the Nation.

As the demand for high-quality content continues to grow, the post-production industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This panel brings together leading experts in editing, visual effects, sound design, and post workflows to discuss the biggest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of post-production.

From the impact of AI and cloud-based workflows to the rising costs of post-production and the growing demand for high-end VFX and immersive audio, this session will provide a comprehensive look at where the industry stands—and where it’s heading.

During the first five minutes of this session, Amelia Knott will share the recent research findings from the Human Rights in Posy Production Survey.

Chairperson: Jake Bickerton, editorial director – Broadcast Tech & Sport. Speakers: Adam Downey, Director of post production – Sky; Natascha Cadle, creative director/co-founder/director – ENVY Post Production; Donna Mulvey-Jones, director of post production – Banijay UK; Simon Kanjee, joint CEO – Grand Central Post & The Farm; Amelia Knott, Human Rights Specialist – Romanac Consulting Ltd.

This year’s dedicated AI Media Zone is the venue for State of the Nation: AI in Media & Entertainment, at 11am on Day One.

As AI rapidly advances, broadcasters are proactively reshaping their strategies to leverage its transformative potential. This session delves into how broadcasters are integrating AI to enhance content creation, optimise workflows, and offer personalised viewer experiences.

From automated editing and AI-driven graphics to predictive analytics and audience engagement tools, broadcasters are using AI to streamline operations and stay competitive.

Chairperson: Felicity Barr, broadcast journalist. Speakers: Pete Archer, programme director, Gen AI – BBC; Jon Roberts, chief technology officer – ITN; Frédéric Petitpont, CTO and co-founder – Moments Lab.

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Virtual Production: State of the Nation (also on 14 May). Virtual production is no longer a niche aspect of filmmaking; it has become a game-changer, revolutionising how films, TV shows, and games are made.

From The Mandalorian to immersive live events, virtual production techniques have introduced new possibilities in storytelling, creativity, and production efficiency. But what is the current state of the industry? How are filmmakers, technologists, and studios adapting to these technologies, and what is on the horizon for the next phase of virtual production?

This panel will bring together top industry experts, technologists, and creatives to explore the latest trends and developments in virtual production. Panellists will dive into real-world applications, lessons learned from landmark projects, and the key technological innovations that are pushing virtual production to new heights. From advanced LED walls and motion capture systems to real-time rendering in game engines like Unreal Engine, the tools at our disposal are changing the way content is created, distributed, and consumed.

Additionally, the session will look ahead to what the future holds for virtual production: How can it continue to evolve, and what are the emerging challenges in integrating this technology into traditional filmmaking workflows? What does the rise of virtual production mean for creators, the workforce, and the art of filmmaking itself?

Speakers: Lauren Newport-Quinn, innovation project manager and skills producer – University for the Creative Arts; Paul McHugh, virtual production & VFX supervisor – Recode XR Studio; Niki Whittle, creative technology specialist; Nick Jones, director – virtual production / ICVFX.

Future of Audio: State of the Nation will bring together professionals from the worlds of film and television sound to explore the current landscape of audio production.

From advancements in immersive sound formats like Dolby Atmos to the evolving role of AI in sound design, the session will examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.

Panellists will discuss topics such as evolving workflows in post-production, the impact of streaming platforms on sound quality standards, accessibility in audio (including descriptive sound and localization), and the growing importance of sound in storytelling. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends, technological innovations, and best practices shaping the future of audio in film and TV.

Chairperson: Helen Alexander, MD – Formosa Group (UK). Speakers: Nick Fry, head of sound – The Farm; George Foulgham AMPS, sound re-recording mixer & chair – AMPS & GF Soundscapes; Emma Young, industry consultant.

Day Two

It’s the turn of visual effects on Day Two with VFX: State of the Nation.

After several difficult years dealing with the effects of the US strikes and commissioning slowdown, are things now looking up for VFX? The expanded tax breaks promise to bring more work to the UK, but is the industry ready for it, and can more be done? Hear about all the latest issues in VFX.

Chairperson: Max Miller, senior reporter – Broadcast Tech & Sport Group. Speakers: Rachel Matchett, managing director, UK – Outpost VFX; Emma Kolasinksa, executive producer – Lux Aeterna VFX; Sara Khangaroot Rust, executive producer – Cinesite London.

State of the Nation: UK Studio Landscape is on 15 May at 15.45. As the UK remains a key hub for film and television production, studios are adapting to an ever-evolving industry.

This panel brings together key figures from leading UK studios to discuss the current landscape, industry challenges, and future opportunities. From expanding studio infrastructure and sustainability efforts to the impact of streaming, AI, and international investment, our experts will provide an insider’s perspective on the state of UK film and TV production.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or industry professional, this session will offer invaluable insights into the driving forces shaping the future of UK studios.

Speakers: Bee Devine, chief operating officer – Garden Studios; Paul de Carvalho, general manager – 3 Mills Studios; Rachel Morrison, studio director – Farnborough International Studios.