This year we are honored to have industry leaders facilitate each of these groups, including Marc Cantone, Lynn Kestin-Sessler and Amanda Gummer. Their expertise will certainly make for a dynamic program!
Each group will focus on a discrete topic. The following Collaborative Groups will be offered this year:
Academia to Media: Navigating the Transition
Summary: Navigate a smooth transition from academia to the children's media industry. Gain insights into meaningful networking, self-advocacy, and leveraging your academic background to achieve your goals.
The Business of Children's Media
Summary: Authentically navigate the media business: Explore fostering collaboration between creatives and talent for successful marketing initiatives, as well as understanding the principles of franchise building for lasting success.
The Business of Voiceover
Summary: Take your voiceover career to the next level, while focusing on being of service to the fields of entertainment and education. Expand your professional network globally. Narrow in on which genres of VO - animation, gaming, eLearning, narration, etc. - really fulfill and inspire you.
Calling the Shots on Your College Career
Summary: Being career-ready tomorrow starts with the choices you make on campus today! In this Collab, learn to make the most out of your college experience by identifying personal and professional goals. Explore navigating choices, embracing curiosity, demonstrating leadership, mastering networking, and even how to create new opportunities. Discover how the unique skills you already have transfer to the career you dream of.
Consumer Products: the evolution of toys and games
This workshop will explore the evolution of toys and games, examining their historical significance and broader societal impact. Discover innovative new games and gain insights into the marketing strategies for each product.
Co-Working Project Support
Summary: Have that one personal TV/Podcast/Book project that keeps getting pushed aside? Join 3-4 other creatives with That One Project for elevated co-working, support from expert guests, and shared cheer-leading!
Crafting Kids' Content for Diverse Platforms
Summary: Master the dynamic children's media landscape by creating a strong digital presence. Learn to grow, adapt, network, and stay prepared in this ever-changing industry.
Crafting Kids Content for YouTube & Podcasts
Summary: Learn the essentials of crafting engaging kids' content for YouTube, writing for children's podcasts and songs, and gain insights into networking and career building.
Crafting Theatrical Experiences
Summary: Dive into script writing, story development, children's media in performing arts, and adaptation across mediums. This workshop is a holistic journey for independent artists, fostering creativity in theatrical media.
Creative Catalysts: Transforming Indie & Side Projects into Career Accelerators
Explore how your creative projects can fast-track your career growth and pave the way for future opportunities. Uncover practical strategies and insights to optimize the impact of your side projects on your professional path.
Early Career: Unlocking Opportunities in Children's Media
Summary: Elevate your career prospects by honing your elevator pitches, refining resumes, and optimizing LinkedIn profiles, all while connecting with industry professionals for valuable opportunities. Perfect for members with a career focus in psychology, communications, or research.
Essential Strategies for Independent Kids' Content Producers
Summary: Breaking through as an independent producer, creator and live-action host in children's media can be challenging. Learn specific strategies to sustain your work and reach a larger audience without compromising the integrity of your series.
From Pitch to Production
Summary: Gain essential skills and collaborative insights to navigate development successfully. Whether crafting a preschool TV series or exploring early-career opportunities, join for a supportive journey in the pitching & development process.
Pitching Preschool Media Content
This group will focus on pitching preschool media content through: meeting with industry executives and successful creators, learning in-person pitching best practices, and pitch package preparation. Note: This isn't for pitching your own IP; it's for gaining insights into the process. Participants will refine their pitching skills using public domain content.
Freelancing in Children's Media/EdTech
Summary: Discover the intricacies of freelancing within children's media and EdTech, uncovering various opportunities, challenges, and strategies for success.
IP Development & Commercialization Strategy
Summary: Uncover effective strategies for developing and commercializing intellectual property (IP) in the creative industries. Navigate the delicate balance between creativity, profitability, and business growth.
Research & Curriculum: Preschool TV's Foundation
Enhance your career by understanding young audiences, using research for effective strategies, and adopting a child-centric approach that resonates authentically with the younger audiences. Learn how different types of content are developed to engage young audiences, while also ensuring they hit curriculum goals.
Research-Driven Strategies for Engaging Kids
Summary: Enhance your career by understanding young audiences, using research for effective strategies, and adopting a child-centric approach that resonates authentically with the younger audiences.
Share Your Work: Media and Festivals
Learn to get your work seen! This group will focus on film festival submissions and media coverage. Learn entry preparation, promotion strategies, and post-acceptance actions. Gain media attention with press releases, pitches, and social media. Excel in arts criticism for effective reporting and critique skills.
Storyworlds to Franchises
Summary: Explore how creative storyworlds can be transformed into successful franchises. Master strategic world-building, character dynamics, and narrative architecture, captivating audiences across various platforms.
Writing for Animation
Animation allows writers to explore new worlds while crafting compelling characters, dynamic plots, and captivating settings. Unleash your creativity and leave reality behind.