The Coffee & Connect events will give insights into the process of creating an animated series, covering everything from the development of the initial idea to funding, script development and sales.

Licensing International’s UK Young Professionals Network (YPN), together with the UK charity foundation The Light Fund, has announced a series of Coffee & Connect events. Set to be held over the next year, the series will focus on the theme, From Screen to Shelf.

Kicking off on the 1st of August from 10am-12pm at Paramount’s office in Camden, young licensing industry professionals will gain insights into the process of creating an animated series from Love Love Films. The independent production company’s pre-school show, Pop Paper City, is a hit on Milkshake and executives Georgina Hurcombe and George Caton-Coult will discuss the process of bringing an animated series to the screen, covering everything from the development of the initial idea to funding, script development and sales.

Future Coffee & Connect events will explore strategy, creative, manufacturing and retail.

“We are delighted to partner with The Light Fund on this new initiative,” said Steve Manners, head of Global Marketing and UK managing director at Licensing International. “I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years and really had no understanding of how a show is financed or the process a production company needs to go through, and yet, over my career, I have worked on many animated shows. Similarly, we know the cost-of-living crisis, inflation and shipping costs have really affected licensees. This is a chance to really delve into the realities that different players in the industry face and for our young industry professionals to gain a deeper understanding of every aspect of the licensing landscape.”

“The Light Fund is delighted to be partnering with the Young Professionals Network to offer a series of talks that centre around learning and insight, whilst also giving attendees the opportunity to connect with peers in a relaxed setting,” said Alex Salisbury, senior licensing manager, UK & EMEA Toys, Paramount Consumer Products, and committee member of The Light Fund. “Through the Coffee and Connect series, we seek to raise awareness of the work of The Light Fund and our supported charities. We hope to inspire newer members of the industry to support us throughout their careers – maybe even taking on a tough challenge or two. Licensing International and the YPN Committee have been fantastic partners in bringing it all to life and we’re also extremely grateful to the folks at Pop Paper City for being our first guest speakers of the series.”

Spaces for the events are limited. Tickets can be booked online and cost £20 per person for each event, with all proceeds going to The Light Fund to support charitable causes in the UK.