Surviving the Commissioning Squeeze

TIME & LOCATION

Tuesday 10 November, 5:30 pm

End Time: 5:30 pm

Studio Theatre

About

The UK independent production sector is facing unprecedented pressure. Commissions are harder to secure, budgets are shrinking, and advertising revenues are under strain. For Nations and Regions indies, relying on traditional broadcast commissions alone is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

So how are independent producers adapting to survive? Through the experiences of industry experts and producers, this session explores the new business models, partnerships and opportunities helping companies diversify beyond the traditional commissioning system. From building self-funded digital content and unlocking added value from back catalogues to retaining international distribution rights, we look at how indies can take greater control of their own futures – and find out what it takes to turn new revenue streams into sustainable businesses.

Chair

Marian McHugh, Broadcast.

SPONSOR

Panel

Jannine Waddell MBE

MD, Waddell Media

As Managing Director, Jannine Waddell MBE has built Waddell Media into a leading producer of factual entertainment, documentaries and lifestyle programming. Under her leadership, Waddell Media has developed a reputation for creating award-winning content for UK, Irish and international audiences, working with major broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, RTÉ, ITV, Discovery and National Geographic. Most recently, Waddell Media has expanded into digital-first content with the launch of its own YouTube channel, Kyle's Wildlife Heroes, in collaboration with social media personality and wildlife enthusiast Kyle Thomas. The venture marks an exciting new chapter for the company, bringing compelling wildlife stories to a global digital audience.

Nigel Warner

CEO, PACT

Nigel is the Chief Executive of Pact and is responsible for leading work in support of independent film, TV and online content producers across the UK. Nigel has extensive experience in both the political and creative sectors, having been Special Advisor (SpAd) to the Rt Hon Mo Mowlam MP at the Northern Ireland Office and Cabinet Office, and also SpAd to the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Following his time in Government, Nigel became Director of Public Affairs at ITV for four years at a crucial time for the future of the public service broadcaster. He then cofounded Creative Access with a mission for the UK media to become more inclusive, which is now an industry-funded social enterprise. He has also written for the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) on policy for the media and creative industries. Directly prior to joining Pact, Nigel was the UK Policy Consultant for the Motion Picture Association as well as Special Counsel at strategic communications consultancy, Lexington, where he focussed for more than ten years on policy issues of concern to the creative industries providing policy, strategy and political communications advice. He is currently a board member of the Creative Diversity Network, a member of the Creative Industries Council (CIC) and a board member of the Creative Cities Convention.

Marian McHugh

Marian Mc Hugh has been a reporter with Broadcast since 2021, primarily covering stories about Channel 4, Disney+ and Fremantle, as well as serving as correspondent for the nations and regions.

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Andrew Rajan

Business Affairs consultant

Andrew brings over 35 years experience of working in the television industry. He is a qualified solicitor and, prior to moving into the media industry, was a partner in a major London law firm specialising in media related commercial law. Andrew is formerly the Director of Legal and Business Affairs for Planet 24 group of companies where he advised on groundbreaking television series such as The Word, The Big Breakfast, TFI Friday and Survivor. For the last 15 years Andrew has provided Business Affairs consultancy services to many of Northern Ireland's major production companies where he looks after all commercial aspects of the business including contract negotiations with broadcasters, talent, co-production partners, distributors and financiers.

Paul Heaney

CEO, BossaNova Media

Paul Heaney is the founder and CEO of BossaNova, the UK’s largest unscripted specialist distributor. BossaNova is a company that brings together the producers, commissioners and buyers of unscripted TV into an integrated hub, creating a community that enables all of the stake-holders in the content chain to meet, create and do business. Heaney has a strong track record in helping producers to establish successful factual franchises. Over the last 25 years, as CEO of two previous distribution operations, he has built up a huge network of producer and commissioner/buyer relationships. In August 2021, The Serafin Group got on board as partners and backers, providing BossaNova with a content fund to invest in projects from an early stage highlighted by the Development Days occurring every October and growing in size and profile annually. Previously Heaney founded factual distribution company TCB Media Rights, which started trading in 2012. Having grown into one of the UK’s most successful independent distributors, TCB was acquired by the Kew Media Group in October 2017. Prior to launching TCB, Heaney served as president and managing director of Cineflix Rights, which he started in 2002 and also built from a boutique operation into a major distribution force. Heaney’s CV also includes stints at BSkyB, where he served as commercial director, and Southern Star, he worked as head of sales. Prior to entering the television industry, he worked in advertising and media sales for 15 years.