Mythos Manchester Programme
Mythos Manchester (10–11 June) is a creative industries x finance event from House of Dogstar, in partnership with Head Gear Films, UK Private Capital and EISA. It is a high-level, deal-focused gathering bringing together senior leaders across film, television, gaming, finance, business and technology to catalyse partnerships, unlock investment and accelerate growth across the UK creative economy.
Positioned as the “Cannes of the North,” the programme aligns with Greater Manchester’s wider vision for economic and creative growth, with support and participation from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Programme for the Day
Welcome - 9:45
Opening remarks for a day of transformative conversation about the UK's regional screen industry. The session sets the
tone for the programme by bringing the room together around shared ambition, collaboration and opportunity.
Host: Caroline Simpson, GMCA
Film and TV: An entrepreneurial approach - 10:00
This panel champions IP ownership, creative entrepreneurship and sustainable independent content businesses in the UK. It
explores how producers can build enduring companies while protecting the value of their ideas.
Speakers: Phil Hunt (Head Gear Films), Neil Chordia (independent producer), Victoria Fah (IPR), Carla Murray (Slater Heelis),
Kathryn Carmichael (Bad Fox Productions)
Creative x Finance: Closing the Gap - 10:30
A panel on the UK screen funding gap, exploring how private capital and new financial models can unlock creative ambition.
It looks at the friction points between bold ideas and investment structures, and how those can be bridged more effectively.
Speakers: Brief keynote - Karim Palent (UK Private Capital - host), Dave Hall (YFM), Peter Touche (Allegro Finance), Rachel
McClelland (Mythos / House of Dogstar - host)
BREAK - 11:00
10 minute comfort break.
Keynote: Andy Burnham - 11:15
The Mayor of Greater Manchester shares his vision for the North's creative economy and the case for regional media
investment. He will set out why the region is uniquely placed to lead the next chapter of UK screen growth.
Speakers: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Regional Storytelling and the Global Appeal - 11:30
This session looks at why regional stories resonate globally, and what infrastructure is needed to sustain that momentum. It will explore how authentic local voices can travel farther than ever when supported by the right funding, commissioning and production ecosystem. The discussion connects cultural identity with export potential.
Speakers: Joe Manning (Invest Manchester), Caroline Cooper Charles (Screen Yorkshire), Isabel Davis (Screen Scotland), Rob Page (Space Studios and Screen Manchester), Carol Bell OBE (Creative UK - host)
HETV: What Makes a TV Series Successful - 12:00
Industry practitioners examine the anatomy of a successful high-end drama series, from development to audience resonance. They will unpack the combination of story, production value, positioning and timing that helps a series break through. The session offers valuable lessons for anyone building premium scripted content in a competitive market.
Speakers: Emily Feller (Warp Films), Noel Hedges (former EVP Lionsgate - host), more to be announced soon
LUNCH and Dogstar Exchange Activation - 12:30
A chance to relax, recharge, enjoy a bite to eat whilst digesting the mornings content. Networking to explore what a deal structured environment could become for our region.
Led by the House of Dogstar founding team and special guests
From Ads to IP - 13:45
How advertising and brand partnerships can become a springboard for original IP, as brands increasingly become storytellers. The conversation explores how commercial work can evolve into longer-term creative assets with lasting audience value. It is especially relevant as creators look for new ways to fund and scale original ideas, and brands attempt to create culturally defining moments that last.
Speakers: Charlie Read (Upstream Consulting), Joe Churchill (Studio Fan Club), Mark Beaumont (Dinosaur)
The Missing Market: Untapped Talent, Audiences and Investment - 14:45
A conversation about where the UK creative sector is leaving value on the table, from overlooked talent to shifting funding priorities. The focus is on where capital, commissioning and audience growth are heading next.
Speakers: Marcus Ryder (Film and TV Charity) and guests in conversation with Sarah Foster
Storyworlds - An Investment Dream? 14:15
Gaming, digital platforms, live events and broadcast converge in a session on whether transmedia storyworlds are the next big investment frontier. The panel will examine how audiences move across platforms and why cross-format worlds can create stronger commercial potential. It also asks what investors need to understand before backing these ambitious, interconnected properties.
Speakers: HaZ Dulull (Beyond the Pixells), Dan McGolpin (BBC iPlayer), Emma Cooper (Innovate UK)
BREAK - 15:00
15 minute comfort break.
Flagship: The New Content Economy - 15:15
Drawing on IPR.VC’s New Content Economy report, this session examines how media value has shifted from distribution to audiences and IP ecosystems.
Speakers: Victoria Fäh (IPR.VC), Nick Donaghy (Creative UK), Phil McKenzie (Goldfinch), Rachel McClelland (host), Jordan Dargue Lifted Ventures)
Sales, Distribution and ROI Reality Check - 15:45 – 16:15
How money returns in practice and where traditional models are under pressure.
Speakers: Noel Hedges (former EVP Lionsgate)), Carla Murray (Slater Heelis), Melanie Iredale (Reclaim the Frame), more to be announced soon.
Closing remarks and House of Dogstar Soft Launch - 16:15 – 16:30
Drinks - 16:30 – 19:00
Networking drinks reception
Join us at Mythos Manchester 2026
Get in touch if you’re a producer or investor who would like to know more, or if you’d like more information on partnership opportunities.