The FAST Boom with Laura Taylor-Williams and Kate Cook

FAST TV Channels have become the industry buzzword over the last few years. In this session, Laura Taylor-Williams and Kate Cook from Aardman will take you through what Free Ad Supported TV channels (FAST) are, their rise in the distribution landscape and why, the platform players and differences in international markets and pointers for companies considering launching their own FAST Channel.

In addition, they will flag potential considerations for those outside of distribution with the advent of new rights to help content owners, producers and composers. Finally, they will give you a snapshot of Aardman’s own FAST channel that has recently launched in the USA Shaun the Sheep & Friends.

After the talk there will be the opportunity to ask questions.

Laura Taylor-Williams is Head of Digital & Strategic Development at Aardman leading the direction and partnerships of digital monetisation across YouTube, AVOD and EST platforms, FAST Live TV Channels, including spearheading the launch of Aardman’s own FAST Channel Shaun the Sheep & Friends. Core areas of expertise include digital strategic planning, complex deal negotiation, business development, partnerships, and execution.

Previous to Aardman, Laura, worked at major Hollywood studios, NBCUniversal and Warner Bros, spanning multiple international markets. Laura is a member of Women in Film and TV, a full voting member of BAFTA and has voted for BIFA (British Independent Film Awards).

Kate Cook is an award-winning Feature Film and TV marketer with 12 years of industry experience.  As Brand Strategist and Digital Marketing Manager at Aardman, Kate leads research and insight strategy for the studio’s iconic brands and oversees marketing strategy for digital platforms across FAST, AVOD and EST.  Previous to Aardman, Kate worked for Hollywood studio Sony Pictures, in their UK Distribution division. Kate was selected for the 2024 Women in Film & TV Mentoring Programme.

How will the online event work?

This event will be live streamed via Zoom.us. Viewing details will be sent via your confirmation.

Attending participants will not be visible to others and will be muted throughout the session. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask their questions to the panel by using the Q&A feature.

This event is for existing WFTV members only.

If you are not a member and would like to join, membership costs just £100 + VAT/yr , please click here or email admin@wftv.org.uk

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Cancellation Policy: Due to limited capacity, we request that if you are unable to attend this event to please cancel your ticket at least three working days before the event. To cancel your ticket, please contact the WFTV team on admin@wftv.org.uk or 0207 287 1400.