Channel 4’s Humans: Stunts, Synths and Social Media

18th October, 6-6.50pm

For the first series of its sci-fi drama Humans, Channel 4 delivered an immersive digital marketing campaign that had people wondering if ‘Synthetic Humans’ were available to purchase. Multi-award winning, witty and innovative, it was a campaign which included setting up a fictional shop front on London’s Regent Street and the first fake auction on eBay to be permitted by the site. The first episode of Humans subsequently attracted six million viewers, Channel 4’s biggest drama audience in 23 years. ‘Persona Synthetics’ trended as the no.1 search on Google and Twitter on the drama’s opening weekend and within three weeks, the website had over 1 million hits. Series two featured another ‘first’, partnering with Facebook’s Creative Shop and the first ever artificially intelligent bot created purely for entertainment purposes in Europe.

Christos Savvides, Senior Digital Producer at 4Creative, delves into the development, delivery and success of this ambitious multi-platform campaign, with collaboration at its heart.

Chaired by Rob Hifle, Director BDH

21st Century Skills for 21st Century Talent: 

What does the industry need for the future?

18th October, 7-7.50pm

Building digital-savvy teams and improving digital skills is often cited as a number one priority for indies and broadcasters. But what does that really mean for the world of television production? Is it companion content, social media, apps, user generated content, managing file based workflows, VR?

What skills do you actually need and where are the opportunities? The world of digital media is an exciting and innovative place to be for any emerging talent within the creative industries- a creative as well as a technological space. This experienced panel will share their thoughts on what the industry requires for the future and provide practical advice on what you can be doing to stand out.

Panel speakers include:

Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Academy and Director of BBC Birmingham

Stuart Dyer, Operations Manager, Films at 59

Christos Savvides, Senior Digital Producer, Channel 4

More panel speakers to be announced

Chaired by Lynn Barlow, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement, UWE

BOTH SESSIONS ARE FREE TO ATTEND

PLEASE NOTE: JUST ONE BOOKING IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO BOTH SESSIONS. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS AS THEY WILL RUN CONSECUTIVELY.

Following the sessions, the BBC bar will be open for guests to purchase drinks.