Following the opening cocktail on Sunday afternoon, with views of the Super Bowl on the big screen, Kidscreen Summit 2025 continues today with its second day at the Marriott Marquis Marina in San Diego. According to information provided at the event's front desk, there are 1500 people registered so far, although as every year, the volume of attendees increases as the market progresses. This year, international delegations from Brazil, Canada, the United States, Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Korea and Taiwan are taking part.

The first day of the event was marked by intense meetings in the San Diego Ballroom, located on the first floor of the hotel, where the stands of Animation Ireland, ICON Creative Studio, Kiddopia, Lemon Sky Studios, TAICCA and TransPerfect Media are located. There was also activity in other areas of the hotel such as Presidio, Sorrento, Torry Pines, Commodore Suite and Spinnaker Suite, which house booths from Boat Rocker Media, 9 Story Media Group, Banijay Kids & Family, YouTube, Pocket.Watch, BBC Studios Kids & Family, Spin Master, WildBrain, Atomic Cartoons and Guru Studios. In addition, international delegations can be found in the meeting table area.

One of the keynote speeches was led by Planet Media, which addressed the essential role of media in climate literacy and the ability to transform knowledge into action. Gary Knell, senior advisor on media and social impact at Boston Consulting Group, said: ‘We are story makers, and we have the ability and opportunity to generate content that educates future generations, so that today's children will be responsible adults in the future and can live with this planet’.

The panel “A brighter future: Going carbon neutral, now!” made it clear that the animation industry is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. Through the adoption of innovative technologies, the implementation of international standards and collaboration between studios, a more sustainable future for children's production is being built. Sustainability is proving to be not only possible, but also profitable. The key is transparency, innovation and commitment from all stakeholders to achieve a carbon-free future. Dete Meserve, executive producer of Silver Creek Falls Entertainment, said: ‘At PBS Kids we believe it is important to teach children to connect with nature and understand the climate in a positive way. We want to spark their interest in the weather and have them observe it in their immediate environment. Instead of seeing it as an obstacle, we want them to see it as an opportunity to explore, enjoy and use their senses to better understand their environment’.

Among the news on the first day of the market, Nickelodeon announced that it is developing a new spin-off of “Victorious”. Meanwhile, Spin Master unveiled its Bakugan live-action film project, in development with acclaimed filmmaker Brad Peyton. It was also reported that former BBC Studios Kids & Family VP of development Ed Barnieh is working on what will be his new creative agency Oware.

What are the players saying? Paolo Conti, CEO of Animaking (Brazil), commented: ‘My vision is that people will talk a lot about AI, especially in audio, as it is the most targeted market at the moment. In a couple of years, animation will also be impacted by AI. How will studios handle this new reality? I think AI is the future, and we have to understand how to-do with it.

Youku Vignau, independent producer, shared: ‘This year remains challenging, with the market in decline and people reserved to invest in new developments. Companies are extending existing IP, but it is difficult to maintain original channels. Studios, like streamers, are looking for ways to reach audiences and generate revenue. With new technologies, they are looking to be more efficient, but the market is still not strong. Fewer people are attending this year, and many companies are looking for work, especially from places like India and Canada, as they face cutbacks’.

Roberto Pumar, CEO of El Reino Infantil, explained: ‘The industry is going through difficult times, especially for the big companies, which has created a tense environment. However, many mid-tier producers are looking for alternatives. We, as Digital First, see a huge demand for co-productions, as YouTube has become an outlet that many had not taken advantage of. Producers are changing their approach, understanding that the industry is no longer the same as it was 30 years ago, and those who adapt will be the protagonists of the change’.

Adam Woodgate, VP, research solutions, The Insights Family, noted: ‘YouTube will be the number one destination for 5-9 year old, but it faces a big challenge with content discovery, as there is too much on offer competing for attention. Children will only be interested if the content is recommended by friends or family. Short films are effective in capturing attention, but YouTube must stop being seen as just short content. In addition, producers should think about interaction and immersion, as children are used to devices from a young age. AI will also play an important role in this change’. 

Francisco Ferreyra, from San Diego

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