American TV writer and producer, Josh Weinstein, famed for his work on the legendary animated comedy series, The Simpsons, has been named the first official patron of Salford International Media Festival. Fellow American Michael Rosenblum, acclaimed TV producer and pioneering video journalist, has also been announced as a keynote speaker at the Festival’s 22nd Nations & Regions Media Conference, just as tickets went on sale (Friday 17 July).
A guest speaker at the 2013 Festival at MediaCityUK, Josh Weinstein pronounced Manchester’s potential to eclipse Los Angeles as a worldwide hub for the media industries during an in conversation event with DJ and former Inspiral Carpets musician Clint Boon.
Speaking ahead of the event, Weinstein said: “Since I was first involved with the Festival in 2013, I’ve been aching to do it again. I haven’t felt a pull like this since I started as a writer on The Simpsons. It’s because Creativity is there.
“It’s that sense of “We follow no one, but if you want to come along, stand right by us.” It’s the spirit of Creativity that may still be found in pockets in places like LA or London, but Manchester – and the University of Salford as one of its most important brain centres – and this Festival positively pulse with it.”
Built on the rich history of the Nations & Regions Media Conference, now in its 22nd year, Salford International Media Festival – which is hosted by the University of Salford and co-produced with industry partners – also features the Challenging Media Landscapes academic conference and an inspirational Next Generation programme catering for new and emerging media talent.
The Nations & Regions Media Conference has been a prominent voice in debates which have led to key milestones in the UK media sector, such as the introduction of out of London production quotas, the decentralisation of the BBC and the Corporation’s move to Salford Quays. The event gives industry figures, from content creators to commissioners, the opportunity to tackle the big issues currently affecting the media business. With firms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video becoming bigger players in territory formerly dominated by broadcasters and digital content now the prime currency in all areas of the media, the 2015 Conference has as its theme ‘serving digital audiences’.
Keynote speaker, New York based producer and video journalism pioneer Michael Rosenblum in a searching and provocative talk will aim to make sense of the ‘digital revolution’ for changing world of broadcast media. Reflecting on his address Rosenblum commented: “There is an old expression that says ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. In point of fact, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, new technologies come along uninvited and they turn the world upside down. Now the media industry is about to be remade, driven by the digital revolution. Old long established businesses are going to disappear. New ones will be born. How do you survive in a period of creative destruction? I’m looking forward to discussing this, and I’m sure much more, at the Nations and Regions Media conference.”
The Nations & Regions Media conference programme also features a pivotal discussion on short form content, sessions focused on radio production and commissioning, and a debate on the implications of the move to create BBC Studios. In addition, delegates will have the valuable opportunity to hear from, and discuss ideas with, high profile TV and radio commissioners in bookable one-to-one sessions.
Salford International Media Festival Director Beth Hewitt said: “This year is very much about moving the festival on into the digital era, giving broadcasters and independent producers the opportunity to meet those working in the digital industries and vice-versa. This year sees a strong emphasis on networking, providing independent production companies, CEO’s and Executives right through to new emerging producers, with opportunities to meet key commissioning editors from both the digital industries and broadcasters.
“We’re delighted that Josh Weinstein and Michael Rosenblum, both key figures in the broadcasting and digital industries, will be joining us at the festival, where we’re sure to have a lively debate.”
Delegate fees for the Nations & Regions Media Conference are just £85 and opened for registration from Friday 17 July.
The Salford International Media Festival runs from Monday 16 November to Thursday 19 November. Further information on all events at the can be found on the website: www.salfordmediafestival.co.uk
