“Kidscreen Summit 2024 Unveils Survival Tactics for the Future of Kids’ Media!”
The Kidscreen Summit 2024 brought together 1,500 animation and children’s media professionals at San Diego’s Marriott Marquis from February 9-12, offering a deep dive into the evolving world of kids’ content. With the media landscape constantly changing, industry experts explored ways to maximize content success on digital platforms, adapt to the “new streaming normal,” and harness AI’s growing role in entertainment.
Navigating the New Business of Kids’ Content
A standout panel, The New Business of Content, featured Darran Garnham (Tokido), Sean Gorman (Cloudco Entertainment), Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala (Rovio Entertainment), and Andy Yeatman (Miraculous Corp)—moderated by Peter Robinson (Gone With). The discussion centered on expanding brand audiences, deepening fan engagement, and navigating today’s fragmented media consumption habits.
“Discoverability and regular media exposure are becoming more challenging,” noted Gorman. “The average American consumer spends 3.5 hours daily on social media, so content strategies must evolve. Brand collaborations help us tap into new audiences—like using classic Care Bears content to attract different demographics.”
Yeatman highlighted how Miraculous evolved from a 2015 linear TV launch on TF1 and Nickelodeon to a multi-platform global phenomenon. “Today, Miraculous has over 50 broadcasting and streaming partners, adapting to the modern audience’s varied viewing habits.”
Reaching Global and Niche Audiences
Valkeapää-Nokkala shared that while Angry Birds is perceived as a kids’ brand, its core audience consists of gamers aged 30-60. “Our puzzle game in the U.S. is mostly played by 40-year-old women, while slingshot games attract kids to 50-year-old men. We must engage diverse audiences while staying true to our brand, whether through Mercedes-Benz collaborations, comics, or feature films.”
Robinson emphasized the importance of early adopters and superfans in driving content success. “Unlike the old model, where content aired and found its audience, today’s creators must actively find their audience, test engagement, and adapt.”
Adapting to Industry Layoffs & Career Resilience
This year’s Summit also featured candid discussions on navigating layoffs in an unpredictable industry. Former Warner Bros. Discovery VP Adina Pitt reflected on her career journey: “I’ve been through six mergers—change is inevitable. But the kids’ content community is incredibly supportive, making transitions easier.”
Jilliane Reinseth (SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents) recalled her first layoff at Nickelodeon, linking it to post-9/11 restructuring. “It was painful, but I focused on how I wanted to be remembered, which helped me transition positively.”
Key survival strategies shared by panelists included: ✔️ Reviewing past successes to build confidence during job searches
✔️ Networking, as 80% of creative industry jobs come from personal connections
✔️ Staying adaptable and embracing new industry trends
The Future of Kids’ Media: Where Do We Go From Here?
With media consumption habits shifting faster than ever, industry leaders at Kidscreen Summit 2024 emphasized the need for multi-platform storytelling, brand collaboration, and audience-driven strategies. As AI, streaming, and social platforms reshape content creation, one thing is clear—innovation and adaptability are the keys to success.
Stay tuned as the kids’ media industry continues to evolve!
