Changes in Commissioning...From Commissioner to Indie: A study of film, TV and online in the British Broadcast Industry.

Commissioning processes have changed over the entire face of television which in turn have changed the way we sell ideas, develop projects and produce programmes. These changes have impacted Serena’s career over the past 20 years giving her new opportunities and challenges. By looking at her own personal experiences and case studies Serena will help you to explore changes in commissioning, based on her own journey from own commissioner to indie.

Through a study of film TV and online in the British Broadcast industry you will understand the changes and opportunities being presented by digital and transmedia production.

This session is also offered part of our Future Media Bootcamp and IP Rights and Monetisation MA Unit. It is aimed Indpendent TV and content producers determined to succeed in the digital age of production and distribution collaboration and partnership funding.  The digital age requires the adoption of a whole host of new business skills and practices to enable traditional production companies to adapt into 21st century cross media exploitation companies. This will start you thinking about how you monetise existing new content in new ways across new platforms and territories.

Speaker: Serena Cullen, Independent Producer, SCP Ltd

Serena has worked in the British television industry since 1990.  She set up various feature films including Talented Mr Ripley, The Hole and Hideous Kinky.  Serena worked as Head of Development at ICM and then at World Productions where she developed shows including This Life, The Cops and Ultra Violet.  Serena then moved to BBC as Head of Development and an Executive Producer in BBC Drama Series.  She developed shows including Grease Monkeys for BBC 3, The Afternoon Play series, Waking the Dead and Judge Jon Deed as well as working on the long runners including East Enders, Holby and Doctors. Serena Cullen joined Sony Pictures Television International in June 2007 as Director of Drama and Comedy.

Serena began consulting for Shinevu, Shine's new digital start up in late 2009. She also has her own company, Serena Cullen Productions Ltd and her feature film "Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll has just bee released.

Serena has produced a pilot remake of Bewitched for BBC Comedy.  Serena also created Sofia’s Diary, an online multi-platform teen drama series.  This was fully funded by Bebo through brand sponsorship and has also been transmitted on Fiver.  Serena is also working on other projects such as a remake of Charlie’s Angels for BBC and other comedy projects including developments with Guy Jenkin, Jed Mercurio, Georgia Pritchett, Fay Rusling, Oriane Messina and Amy Jenkins.

London Media Skills Week is a one-off chance to access free training sessions and networking events at Skillset Media Academies across the city between 21-25 November 2011. Sessions are open to professionals with two or more years experience in the creative and media industries. For further information visit: Skillset.org/lmsw