MPTS 2025 unveils final speaker line-up

MPTS 2025 has released the final speaker line-up for the extensive conference and training programmes taking place at the Media Production & Technology Show at London Olympia next week (14-15 May).

Ross Kemp joins MPTS in an exclusive conversation charting his extraordinary career, including the challenges of filming in high-risk environments, and the responsibility of storytelling in shedding light on global issues. 

Oscar and Bafta-nominated film editor Eddie Hamilton talks through his craft and career ahead of the release of his latest project - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.

Elsewhere, NFL star and broadcaster Jason Bell joins the event, on the MPTS stage, and further keynote talks take us Behind the Sparkle of making Strictly Come Dancing week by week with director Nikki Parsons, hair designer Lisa Davey and costume designer Vicky Gill.

Programme Highlights

MPTS’ State of the Nation Production keynote is led by four indie TV executives who will assess the industry’s rapid evolution and offer vital guidance on what the future holds.

A masterclass with filmmaker James Jones and Raw TV explains how to make impactful, award-winning documentaries.

Meanwhile, leading commissioners from UKTV, BBC and MTV Entertainment inform us what they want from fact ent pitches, and if sustainability is important to your show’s credentials. Sticking with sustainability, a BAFTA albert introduction will tell you how to get your carbon-cutting screen journey started.

Broadcast Technology sessions kick off with a State of the Nation keynote dissecting the latest advances in transmission methods, the integration of AI in content creation and the impact of cloud technology. Senior ITV executive Kim Rowell discusses the EarthSonic project and its groundbreaking approach to sustainability in the creative industries, while a session on Future Technology Trends gets you ahead of the curve on how 5G and real-time capture can shape the future of immersive media.

MPTS 2025’s Post-Production seminars are headlined by a State of the Nation panel discussing where the industry is heading in an era of unprecedented uncertainty and technological ingenuity. Exclusive VFX masterclasses will be held, with Bluebolt looking at the before and afters of the haunting Oscar-nominated Nosferatu; and Union VFX explaining how its artists created award-winning environments for The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

With so much turmoil in the VFX sector, MPTS brings a timely State of the Nation airing the key issues and questioning whether expanded UK tax breaks can alter the dial.

In audio, a Future of Audio State of the Nation examines advances in immersive sound formats and the role of AI in sound design; the composers behind Miss Austen, The Tourist and Black Doves convene for a dedicated panel; and more exclusive masterclasses delve into the script-to-screen post of Black Mirror S7 and A Thousand Blows.

The latest developments in artificial intelligence permeate the MPTS programme in the AI Media Zone with debates ranging from business and copyright implications to practical and inspiring examples of AI’s use in production.

A State of the Nation address led by the BBC and ITN asks how broadcasters are integrating AI to enhance content creation.

MPTS 2025 will also deliver an exclusive case study on how the late, legendary British chat show host Michael Parkinson has been brought back in the podcast Virtually Parkinson, thanks to the power of AI, with discussion of the ethical, creative, and technological considerations.

With Virtual Production no longer a niche aspect of filmmaking, experts on the Virtual Production State of the Nation panel examine what the rise of VP means for creators, the workforce, and the art of filmmaking itself. There’s also a seminar on how to bridge the skills gap as technology advances and a BAFTA albert case study on how the technology is revolutionising sports broadcasting.

Returning for a second year running, the Media Technology Conference, in partnership with SMPTE, is open to all attendees and will take a deep dive into the technologies impacting the industry, including 3D technology, ST2110, the future of DTT/OTT and more.

Event director Charlotte Wheeler said: “We are thrilled to unveil this incredible seminar programme for MPTS 2025, an event that continues to be the leading platform for innovation, discussion, and collaboration in the media production and technology sector. This year’s programme has been carefully curated to address the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing our industry, featuring an exceptional lineup of speakers, thought leaders, and industry pioneers. Whether you are an established professional or a new voice in the industry, our sessions are designed to inspire, inform, and spark meaningful conversations.”

What to see at the expanded Gallery Level

MPTS 2025 has an expanded presence on the gallery level where visitors will find the new AI Media Zone, an additional café and networking area, the Blackmagic Design Seminar Theatre, and the new AI Training series, organised in partnership with Future Media Concepts (FMC).

The AI Media Zone is your base for exploring the transformative power of artificial intelligence in media and production. Featuring interactive demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this space will highlight AI-driven workflows, automation, and the future of content creation.  

The Blackmagic Design Seminar Theatre will host live demonstrations and technical sessions to cover recent developments in cameras, post-production, and live broadcasting. Topics will include large-format cinematography with URSA Cine and Blackmagic Cloud for editorial workflows.

And lastly, MPTS is delighted to bring the UK post-production community a chance to delve into enhanced training workshops on how AI is transforming post-production workflows, from automating tedious editing tasks to enhancing visual storytelling with advanced motion graphics and VFX. This special ticketed section of MPTS, designed in partnership with FMC/NAB Show will offer a comprehensive AI Training Programme that explores the practical applications of AI while addressing the ethical considerations surrounding its use in content creation.  

Wheeler added: “MPTS 2025’s expanded gallery level is a testament to the show’s commitment to innovation, education, and industry growth. With these exciting new additions, the event promises to be an unmissable experience for professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving media landscape.

“We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the sector to engage with expert panels, hands-on demonstrations, and exclusive keynote talks. The conversations we foster here will help shape the next chapter of media production and technology. We can’t wait to see you at MPTS 2025.”

The full seminar programme is available at https://www.mediaproductionshow.com/programme