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Finance and TV heavyweights talk indie consolidation and how to value the industry

Richard Sharp, Harry Hampson, Kamal Ahmed and Jane Featherstone talk onstage at the RTS London Convention, each in solo photos

Financial and cultural value were discussed in an illuminating session that offered insights from what panel chair, The Telegraph’s audio director Kamal Ahmed, called “three titans in the area”.

Jane Featherstone, co-founder and CCO of Sister, commented on the current climate affecting the valuation of companies. “We’re in a state of change,” she said. “Budgets have risen, largely driven by getting movie talent in above the line,” she said. The feeling was that what was wanted wasn’t really TV any more, but long movies. This, she said, “pushed all the costs up”.

International Keynote: Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos | RTS London Convention 2024

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, the Principal Sponsor of the RTS London Convention 2024, opens the day with a keynote speech. Sarandos, the man behind the transformation of the company from DVD rental to the world’s leading entertainment service, addresses the need for the industry to innovate and the importance of putting the audience first.

Netflix UK's Anna Mallett on Bridgerton, British television's creative edge and the RTS Convention

For someone responsible for ensuring that the UK production pipeline for the worlds biggest streamer runs smoothly, Anna Mallett sounds very composed. But then this highly experienced executive spent 13 years at the BBC – where she ended up as Managing Director, Production, at BBC Studios – and knows the UK production business inside out. 

David Beckham and Secretary of State for DCMS among the new speakers announced for the RTS London Convention alongside the full programme

Taking place on Tuesday 17th September at Kings Place London, David Beckham has joined the line-up of high-profile industry leaders speaking at the event, where he will be in conversation with Co-Founder and CCO of SISTER, Jane Featherstone.

New speakers for the one-day event include:

David Beckham, Former Athlete, Football Club Owner, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Studio 99 

Rachel Corp, CEO, ITN

Dame Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive, Ofcom

Victoria Beckham lands a documentary series with Netflix

The documentary series will focus on the building of her fashion and beauty empire, and the balancing act between running a family and a business simultaneously. The Beckhams, close friends, and collaborators will all feature as the doc builds a full image of Victoria’s time in the spotlight – from Spice Girl to style guru, from WAGs to riches.

The series is executive produced by Nicola Howson, known for Beckham and Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything.