Thrive until 25! We did it! TVC:LIVE, our inaugural international hybrid content festival, was nothing short of incredible. Over eight days, nearly 300 global majority creatives from across the globe came together to share, learn, and grow. We hosted over 30 workshops featuring 40 industry experts and thought leaders, with one goal in mind—how we thrive well past 2025.
To everyone who supported, spoke, or participated—thank you. From those who freely gave their time to share expertise to those who contributed to discussions, we deeply appreciate your commitment to building something bigger. And a special shoutout to Reece and especially Lillie for her tireless work behind the scenes, pulling everything together. Without you all, this would not have been possible.
As we kicked off, I invited everyone to introduce themselves and share their hopes for this festival. What struck me was how deeply people resonated with the mission. In these challenging times—when the industry seems to be slowly dying, and conversations around “surviving until 25” dominate—it’s easy to feel like we’re at a breaking point. But here’s the thing: there is still an insatiable appetite for our stories. Shows like SupaCell, Dreaming Whilst Black and Big Zuu’s BAFTA wins are just small examples that we’re more than surviving—we’re thriving. The impact of documentaries like Defiance: Fighting the Far Right; a timely reminder given the summer of racist trouble we had; further remind us that we’re creating meaningful, world-shaping work.
The festival was a celebration of this resilience. We held business clinics, masterclasses, and thought-provoking panels, tackling everything from protecting IP and finding agents, to the latest developments in AI, co-productions, and immersive tech. It was a rare opportunity to engage directly with creatives like Morgan Cooper (creator of Bel-Air), Maxine Watson, the executive producer of Emmy winning African Queens, and even heard from Akala in a powerful legacy lecture. All can be rewatched on our online platform by signing up here.
A couple of key learnings really stood out to me. First, AI isn’t something to fear—it’s something we should be leveraging. It’s clear that many creatives are still unsure about how to incorporate AI into their workflows, but the consensus was that this technology will become a tool for creative expansion, not replacement. And the second big takeaway: understanding the importance of ownership and using digital platforms to get our stories out. There were several panels that highlighted when creators fully own their IP and can prove demand, have leveraged this and built lucrative lasting legacies.
But this wasn’t just about learning; it was about connection. Many of us are navigating the same challenges, and it’s through working together that we find our power. Our Collective Content Fund, inspired by the Caribbean “pardner hand,” reflects this spirit of mutual support. With Rajesh Thrind winning £5000 and becoming our first recipient, there are monthly prizes up for grabs. We’re directly investing in global majority creatives and the stories we want to see. The draw takes place on the 25th October click here for more details. You have to be in it so we can all win it.
We know the road isn’t easy, but we also know that when you commit to something bigger than yourself, you find a way. When I reflect on this festival, I think back to conversations I had with my late father about doing something like this years ago. It’s taken me six years to take action, but once I did, it felt like a train—we were unstoppable. I’ll be the first to admit I hesitated, second-guessed, and at times felt like giving up. But when you’re in service of something greater than yourself, something clicks, and you push through.
To anyone still on the edge of making that next move, take the step. Just dip your toe in. You’ll be truly amazed by the resources, connections, and community that you already have around you. And if you’re looking for a place to belong, the TV Collective is here. Our online platform is more than a space; it’s a community, where events like this happen every month, with first-look job postings and daily industry news. We’re building together because we truly believe united we stand divided we fall – the clue is in our name.
This past week showed us that, despite the industry’s ebbs and flows, we’re not just surviving—we’re thriving, innovating, and leading. Let’s carry that energy forward. And remember, the festival might be over, but the works stills continue.
If you want to catch up on all the highlights of the festival tune into the latest addition of our podcast or watch every single session at your leisure on our online platform.
Until next time, see you online. Let’s thrive together
With Love,
Simone Pennant, MBE
Founder of The TV Collective
