Kids Media Club Podcast

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?

In this episode, we respond to the UK government’s industry survey on children’s content, programming, and social media.We talk about the aims of the survey, share our honest thoughts on what’s working, what’s not, and what the future of kids' media could look like. From funding challenges to the impact of social platforms, we unpack it all.🎧 Tune in for a real-time industry check-in from three people who care deeply about children’s content.#KidsMedia #ChildrensTV #GovernmentSurvey #KidsProgramming #DigitalKids #KidsMediaClub

In this episode of the Kids Media Club podcast, we sit down with renowned children's TV writer and producer Mellie Buse. Known for her work as head writer on Charlie and Lola, co-creating Grandpa in My Pocket, and writing/producing The Hoobs for The Jim Henson Company, Mellie shares her journey through the world of kids’ television.We dive into the evolution of children’s media, discussing the shift from traditional TV to platforms like YouTube, the opportunities this brought for IP creators, and the challenges that followed due to COPPA regulations and monetization changes.Whether you're a content creator, producer, or fan of children’s programming, this episode is packed with insights into the creative and business sides of kids’ media. Tune in now! #KidsMedia#ChildrensTV#KidsContent#TVProduction#Screenwriting#MediaForKids#ContentCreation#CreativeIndustry#KidsEntertainment

Kids Media Club is thrilled to team up with Brands in Play for an exciting new episode! We chatted with Nic Hill and Albane Prioux, hosts of the Brands In Play podcast, to explore the wild and deeply weird world of Italian Brain Rot. This chaotic blend of ironic meme culture and generative AI is making waves as the latest UGC trend. Is it just the sloppiest of AI slop yet, or does this anarchic phenomenon have the potential to evolve into a massive, open-sourced IP? Meme Chaos or IP Gold?Tune in to find out!