Creative Cities Convention has announced its first ever Skills Summit, created to provide freelancers and emerging talent with the expertise to meet the challenges facing the industry.
The Skills Summit will run on 7 and 8 May, alongside the main conference in Bradford.
Day one is aimed at freelancers with at least five years’ experience in the screen industries and features a full day of workshops, practical training and peer-to-peer networking. Day two is aimed at new entrants including students and those transitioning from other careers.
The summit is being sponsored by Prime Video, ScreenSkills and 4Skills and has been made possible with support from CCC delivery partners: Bradford UK City of Culture 2025; Bradford Council; Screen Yorkshire; NFTS Leeds; BAFTA albert and ITV Academy.
Hosted by the BBC News social team journalist, Jameel Shariff, the freelancer day will focus on up-skilling with sessions covering practical topics such as: CV surgeries: AI tips with NFTS Leeds; BAFTA albert certified sustainability training; insights on creating a portfolio career and building your personal brand.
Lisa Campbell, Director of Creative Cities Convention, said: “Freelance talent is the lifeblood of the creative industry – an essential, skilled workforce is behind every show made in the UK.
“We recognise how the challenges facing the industry have impacted this workforce and see the value in providing an accessible and affordable opportunity to hear from industry professionals, tap into support networks and come together with peers.”
Laura Mansfield, CEO of ScreenSkills said: “ScreenSkills is proud to have supported the Creative Cities Convention for many years and is thrilled to be sponsoring the inaugural Freelancer Summit this year in Bradford alongside 4Skills and Prime Video.
“At a time when supporting the largely freelance workforce is more critical than ever, ScreenSkills is focused on equipping professionals at every career stage with the skills, knowledge and networks they need to thrive and succeed across the UK.”
Kevin Blacoe, Channel 4 Head of Partnerships & Skills, added: “4Skills is really excited to support the Skills Summit at the Creative Cities Convention as it will be a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on insights and tools to navigate the rapidly evolving creative industries.
“In today’s landscape, staying ahead means constantly refining and adapting our skills, and these sessions will provide the practical knowledge and expertise to help attendees do just that. It’s not just about learning – it’s about empowering the next generation of creatives to thrive in a competitive environment.”
Creative Cities Convention 2025, taking place in Bradford on 7–8 May, will be hosted by journalist Mobeen Azhar and is themed “Local to Global: More in Common”.
Alongside commissioner panels and insights into funding models, more major industry figures have now been announced for year’s conference. Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube, UK & Ireland, and 4Studios boss, Matt Risley, will be heading a session on the opportunities, pitfalls and challenges across platforms.
Managing Director of ITV Studios, Julian Bellamy, and Zoo 55 chief, Ruth Berry, will be discussing how to take advantage of digital and global market opportunities.
There will also be a Soaps session, featuring star names and insiders from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.
The convention has already unveiled a raft of high profile sessions including: BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, who will be in conversation with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.
Channel 4’s Managing Director, Nations and Regions, Channel 4, Sinéad Rocks, and PACT’s, John McVay are leading a session on funding for out-of-London producers.
Commissioning sessions featuring: Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning, UKTV, Channel 5 and Paramount Commissioning Editor, Kit Morey; BBC Commissioning Editor, Fran Baker and Unscripted Executive at Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video, Harjeet Chhokar.
The Creative Cities Convention was founded in 2018 by director Ruth Pitt and John McVay, the Chief Executive of the UK’s Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT).
CCC has opportunities for new supporters to join core stakeholders: BBC; ITV; Channel 4; Paramount and PACT, and other partners including UKTV.
Previous conferences have been held in: Leeds; Cardiff; Glasgow (online); Birmingham; Newcastle and Bristol. Past speakers and participants have included Lenny Henry; Kirsty Wark; David Olusoga, Anita Rani and Robson Green, alongside numerous leaders from the broadcasting, streaming and production communities.
