Kids Media Club Podcast

In this week’s Kids Media club podcast, it the hosts are playing tag: Emily is away this week, but Jo is back from giving a talk at the Vimeo Creativity conference in New York. Andy and Jo discuss the Vimeo conference and the way video platforms are evolving. On the one hand we have platforms like YouTube and TikTok which offer massive reach, albeit subject to the vagaries of the algorithm, and on the other hand we have fan-based subscriber driven platforms like Substack, Patreon, Vimeo, possibly even Onlyfans. It feels like YouTube, TikTok et al are the way to get noticed, but getting paid there is a bit more of a question. Do the fan based subscription platforms offer a better financial return for creators? Listen in to hear what we think!https://creativelycurious.substack.com/https://thekidsstreamersphere.substack.com/

In this episode of the Kids Media Club, we are back from Cannes and have some thoughts! Jo is on a work trip, but for the rest of us, we are back in the office and ready to share our impressions of MIPCOM and MIPJunior and just what it means for the industry. We chew the fat on the current state of programming strategy in streaming services, highlight the contrast between the algorithmically led programming compared to editorially led approaches. Lots to dive into. Also, quick plug for Emily’s brilliant and incisive substack, which we mention on the episode: https://thekidsstreamersphere.substack.com/

In this episode of Kids Media Club podcast hosted at Mipjunior in Cannes, we were delighted to be joined by the very special guest Frank Falcone, founder of Guru Studios. On the 25th anniversary of his studio, Frank reflects on the changes the animation industry has gone through in that time. We discuss the challenges of A.I., adapting to the fragmented landscape and new audiences expectations, and the continuing importance of delivering high quality, and passionate storytelling created with human creativity.

On this week’s show, we are delighted to be joined by David Michel of French television producer and CEO of Cottonwood Media. We discuss the craft of creating dramas for tweens, teens, and millennials. We look at the impact that big budget Netflix shows like Wednesday, Heartstopper, and even Stranger Things have had on the industry and whether kids producers have the resources to compete for that cross-generational attention. There’s stuff about the role for social and vertical video to reach younger audiences and the place for linear TV within this new landscape. It’s a packed episode. Listen in and let us know what you think!

Cory Williams, the self-taught animator behind the Silly Crocodile franchise, shares his journey from playful inspiration with his daughter to creating a thriving YouTube channel. He reveals the challenges of YouTube monetization, the impact of AI-generated content, and why he turned down a $5 million offer to retain creative control. With a focus on high-quality storytelling and community feedback, Cory discusses his innovative use of game engines for reactive animation and his plans for future character development.

In this week's episode of the podcast, we chat to analyst Ian Whittaker and ask him the question - 'Is YouTube TV?' This question prompts a deep dive into channel fragmentation, advertising revenue, the creator economy, and the centrality of Kids content within the current battle between legacy media and social media. It's a fun, no hold bars, discussion, so grab a tea and sit back and enjoy. Oh and a small disclaimer - as Ian always says, none of the opinions expressed here constitute investment advice! :-)

In this episode, we dive deep into Roblox as a game-changing platform for brand engagement and immersive content creation. Our guest, Nate Spell, CEO of Barrier4, reveals how his team evolved from producing trailers to building interactive experiences for top brands like Netflix and Nickelodeon—all within the Roblox ecosystem.We explore how brands are moving beyond traditional ads, using gameplay as storytelling and Roblox as a long-term engagement strategy. From licensing opportunities to community-driven development, this episode unpacks the new frontier of digital marketing and interactive media.Key Takeaways:Roblox is transforming digital marketing—shifting from a novelty to a core strategy for audience engagement.Barrier4's journey: From a niche magazine to a major Roblox content studio serving global brands.Gameplay meets brand storytelling: Why integrated, interactive narratives drive deeper user connections.Roblox as a platform for IP growth: Opportunities for both emerging and established franchises.Community-first strategies: Why successful brands treat Roblox as a living ecosystem, not just a campaign.Licensing potential: Explore how brands can tap into and collaborate with Roblox’s vast creator community.

As the media industry transforms at lightning speed, how do iconic events like MIPCOM and MIPJunior stay ahead of the curve?In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Smith (Entertainment Division Director, RX France; Director of MIPCOM) and Carole Ollardissen (Content & Conference Manager, MIPCOM & MIPJunior) for an insider look at how the world’s leading entertainment markets are evolving to meet the demands of a shifting industry — from the rise of streaming to the explosion of the creator economy.Together, Lucy and Carole discuss the strategic changes coming to MIPJunior 2025, its deeper integration with MIPCOM, and how both events are designed to fuel connection, innovation, and opportunity in an increasingly competitive and global content space.🔍 In this episode:Lucy’s 20-year journey through media transformation — from the DVD era to the streaming ageWhy MIPCOM and MIPJunior are more relevant than ever in 2025How the events are tackling the biggest challenges in kids and family contentMajor format changes at MIPJunior 2025, including:Physical integration with MIPCOM (no longer separate venues)Smarter, dedicated matchmaking toolsStronger alignment with broader MIPCOM initiativesNew YouTube partnership and a focus on the creator economyWhy MIPJunior is no longer just the “room where it happens” — it’s a collaborative launchpad for the future of kids contentWhether you’re developing IP, distributing content, building partnerships, or navigating the digital-first world of kids media, this episode offers an essential preview of what to expect at MIPCOM 2025 — and why it remains the beating heart of global entertainment deal-making.

In this week's Kids Media Club Podcast, Andy is away so Jo and Emily are indulging their inner-geek and doing a deep dive into THE kids phenomenon K-Pop Demon Hunters. They unpick the strategies behind the birth of a new mega kids franchise, check out the fan created content on Roblox and Youtube, and learn about the science and craft behind the chart topping songs. K-Pop Demon Hunters really is THE hit movie that has taken everyone by surprise. When even tennis champion Novak Djokovic is doing the soda pop dance at the US Open for his daughter, you know this is one of those cultural explosions that happen very rarely.

This week’s hosts’ hangout at the Kids Media Club HQ is all about discussing K-Pop Demon Hunters’ record-breaking success (yay!). They also talk about the ongoing challenges facing kids’ media (boo!) and, in particular, try to tackle the thorny issue of COPPA regulations. Could they be amended to help the industry monetise kids’ content on YouTube more successfully or is it working as it was intended?