Bridging Creativity and Education at the Children's Media Conference

mike26716
May 15
2 min read

How the Children's Media Conference in Sheffield Fuels Educational Animation

Collage of colorful drawings: rhinoceros, man in grey suit, woman in blue outfit, orangutan, tiger, various art supplies, and plant-related text. — Montage of resources by Tentacle Media

The Children's Media Conference (CMC) held annually in Sheffield, stands as the UKs premiere gathering for professionals dedicated to children's content across various platforms.

Featuring animation, television, digital media, publishing and educational representatives. For creators and educators passionate about producing meaningful animated content, CMC offers a unique opportunity for collaboration.

Three animated children in a kitchen with a mess of food and utensils. A boy has a sausage on his head. "Oats" box visible, playful scene. — Educational Food Vocab : Tentacle Media x BBC

A Hub for Educational Animation

At it’s core, CMC champions the creation of content that educates, entertains and empowers young audiences. With featured sessions throughout the conference, those in attendance can get insight from incredible studios like Aardman, Blue Zoo, BBC Children’s and Sky Kids.

Successful animations such as JoJo and Gran Gran, Number Blocks, and Hey Duggee are dissected, highlighting the elements that make them resonate with children. Discussions delve into how storytelling, character development and cultural representation can be used to create animation with impact.

Wizard in purple robes and hat falls through letters on a blue background. Letters scattered around, creating a playful and whimsical scene. — Phonics Phase 2, Phase 3 series : Tentacle Media x BBC

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Around 1000 people attend every year and networking opportunities are available throughout the entire event. You can connect with broadcasters, content creators, educators, technology providers, leading to collaborations that can lead to innovative educational projects.

Two people with VR headsets interact happily in a cozy living room with a yellow couch, lamp, and window. One is in a wheelchair. — Tech in Schools : Tentacle Media x BBC

Embracing Innovation

CMC encourages conversation around topics like AI in content creation and sustainability, helping to connect people that wouldn’t normally be able to be at the table, to gain vital insight and bring new ideas together.

Cartoon scene with a dancing cow, a pink pig, a sheep, and a person jumping. Blue boombox plays music on a sunny farm with barns. — Old McDonald Singalong in French : Tentacle Media x BBC

The Children's Media Conference in Sheffield serves as a catalyst for the development of educational animated content, offering a playground for inspiration, collaborations and professional growth.

By bringing together a diverse array of industry professionals, the conference not only fosters the creation of high-quality educational media, but also ensures that such content is inclusive, innovative and impactful.

For anyone involved in or aspiring to enter the field of educational animation, attending CMC is an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights into industry trends, and contribute to the future of children’s media.

A person energetically drumming with sticks in a backyard with swings, laundry, and cityscape. Bright colours and dynamic energy lines convey excitement. — Sonic Explorers, Early Years Sound Discovery : Tentacle Media x BBC

Let's have a chat about all things Children's Media, you never know where it might lead!

Let's have a chat!