Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television, is set to deliver the inaugural ‘Wake Up Address’ at this year’s Creative Cities Convention.
The new keynote is designed to challenge industry assumptions and spark debate among delegates attending the event in Liverpool on May 6 and 7.
As one of the sector’s most esteemed executives, Garvie will offer a sharp, big-picture view of the current state of production.
He joins a high-profile roster of speakers, including Sir Phil Redmond, legendary writer Jimmy McGovern, Nicola Shindler of Quay Street Productions, and Jimmy Mulville of Hat Trick Productions.
Derry Girls Star and Industry Leaders Join Lineup
Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her starring role in Derry Girls, will join the This City is Ours panel.
The discussion will explore the journey of the BBC crime drama to the screen, featuring writer Stephen Butchard, executive producer Rebecca Hodgson, and BBC commissioner Jo McClellan.
The convention also places a significant focus on the future of the workforce.
ScreenSkills CEO Laura Mansfield will participate in the “Help! Finding your way in Digi-land” panel.
She is expected to share brand-new data from the UK-wide Powering Production report, which identifies future skills needs and the potential impact of AI on the screen industry.
Addressing Production Challenges and Career Equality
The CEOs of Screen Alliance North, Lynn Saunders (Liverpool Film Office), Alison Gwynn (North East Screen), Rob Page (Screen Manchester), and Caroline Cooper Charles (Screen Yorkshire), will discuss training provision and championing equitable access to careers.
Wayne Garvie’s address will specifically examine the pressures reshaping the UK production economy and the international forces redefining how content is made, financed, and distributed.
Drawing on Sony Pictures Television’s global perspective, the keynote will look at the convergence of traditional television and digital content, alongside new creator-led models.
Wayne Garvie commented on the current climate of the industry:
“These are changing and challenging times, precarious times for our industry.
“However, if we understand and embrace the opportunities of the new era, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
“I look forward to delivering the Wake Up Address, provided I get out of bed on time, and hope to give everyone much to chew on.”
The 2026 Creative Cities Convention will be staged at Camp and Furnace, located in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
The venue is recognised as the city’s foremost live events and music space, providing a central hub for the two-day industry gathering.
