October 24

For immediate release Tuesday 29.10.24

CREATIVE CITIES CONVENTION NAMES BRADFORD AS 2025 HOST CITY

The Creative Cities Convention (CCC) has announced Bradford will be the host city of the organisation’s seventh convention on May 7 – 8 next year, in celebration of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025. 

The two-day event is the only conference dedicated to people making film, TV or digital content outside London.

Each year the prestigious conference takes place in a different major UK city with hundreds of delegates gathering to hear leading industry players and thinkers debating the major issues of the day.

Lisa Campbell, incoming Director of the CCC, said: “As Bradford prepares to become UK City of Culture in 2025 we cannot think of a better place to bring the Creative Cities Convention than to this most diverse and youthful of British cities.

“We believe our two-day event will galvanise significant interest in the district’s screen sector and focus attention on the opportunities for growth as well as showcasing the incredible talent that exists in the area.

“We’re excited about promoting initiatives such as the Keighley-based free-to-use screen hub, The Unit, and to helping screen businesses in the region make lasting new media connections.”

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, added:
“The Creative Cities Convention is one of the many events we're excited to welcome during Bradford's UK City of Culture year in 2025. It's a fantastic opportunity to welcome creatives from across the North, especially those working in film, TV, and digital content. As a UNESCO City of Film, this convention highlights our ongoing commitment to nurturing creative industries and strengthens Bradford's position as a hub for innovative media production.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
 
“2025 is going to be an epic year for West Yorkshire’s creative industries, with the mighty Bradford UK City of Culture taking centre stage.
 
“Our region’s creative sector is driving growth in our economy and creating amazing jobs for creative talent to thrive in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.
 
“It’s fantastic that this event will shine a light on the production opportunities we have to offer and I look forward to welcoming talented creatives from across the country in May.”

The news follows last week’s announcement that Lisa Campbell is to join as the conference’s new Director. Currently ITN’s Director of Corporate Communications and a former Director of the Edinburgh International Television Festival and editor of trade publication Broadcast, Lisa will be joining CCC on secondment from ITN.

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).

Previous Director Pitt will now chair a newly formed advisory body. Comprising key industry players, it will share thoughts on the hot topics of the day and offer insights into what the regional conference should focus on.

CCC is also looking for new supporters to join core stakeholders: BBC; ITV; Channel 4; Paramount and PACT, and other partners including UKTV, Banijay UK and ScreenSkills.

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.

ABOUT CREATIVE CITIES CONVENTION

Creative Cities Convention is a leading event bringing together producers and distributors in the fields of film, television, and digital media outside London. Established in 2018, the convention is supported by key stakeholders, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5/Paramount, and Pact, and is committed to promoting practical support and networking opportunities for professionals in the screen sector. The 2024 conference was held in Bristol.

For further information contact press@creativecitiesconvention.com.

Funded by Channel 4’s 4Skills programme and by Bradford Council, The Unit! is a free, open-access space for creatives and filmmakers in the Keighley and Bradford district. Visit https://www.theunit.org.uk/ for more information.

SOCIAL LINKS TO BRADFORD ANNOUNCEMENT

X: https://x.com/CCConventionUK/status/1851250753282732525
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7256954192257335296
Instagram: @ccconventionuk

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