The 65th edition of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival is set to place the future of television and streaming firmly under the spotlight with an expanded Business Forum programme bringing together some of the industry’s most influential creative and executive figures from Friday, June 12 to Tuesday, June 16.
Organisers have revealed a packed schedule of panels, masterclasses and industry discussions featuring internationally recognised actors, producers, writers, agents and digital innovators across a three-day programme in Monaco. The Business Forum, which has become an increasingly prominent part of the festival in recent years, will also give accredited attendees access to selected press conferences featuring stars including Kristin Scott Thomas, Kurt Russell and cast members from The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Among the headline guests announced are Aldis Hodge, creator and producer Ben Watkins, acclaimed historical drama writer Michael Hirst, actress Lesley Manville, actor and director Kevin McKidd and documentary filmmaker Joshua Seftel.
This year’s programme will examine some of the industry’s most pressing issues, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the evolution of digital storytelling, the role of women in reshaping television leadership, and the increasing pressures facing broadcasters and producers in a changing regulatory environment.
One of the flagship sessions will see Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins discuss the creative relationship between actor, writer and producer, offering insight into the development of modern television drama and collaborative storytelling. Michael Hirst, best known for creating historical series including Vikings and Billy the Kid, will also participate in a dedicated conversation exploring his unconventional writing methods and the enduring popularity of historical narratives with modern audiences.
The forum will additionally feature a high-profile panel examining how television projects move from concept to screen, bringing together producers and studio executives to discuss development, financing and production in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
Digital innovation will play a major role throughout the programme, with former YouTube Originals executive Susanne Daniels joining industry specialists to debate how algorithms, streaming platforms and audience behaviour are transforming storytelling conventions.
Artificial intelligence will also take centre stage during a dedicated documentary-focused session exploring how filmmakers are beginning to integrate AI tools into production and editing workflows, despite ongoing ethical debates surrounding the technology’s use in factual programming.
Alongside the panel discussions, the Business Forum will host the second edition of the “Tell Me A Story” pitch competition, designed to support emerging documentary creators. Selected finalists will present original factual projects before an international jury of television executives and producers, with the winning entrant receiving professional development support and industry introductions.
Young filmmakers attending the festival will also have access to a specialised masterclass dedicated to documentary storytelling and factual production techniques.
Networking events and the Festival Connect platform will once again run alongside the formal programme, allowing producers, broadcasters, creatives and executives to exchange ideas and build industry partnerships during the festival in Monaco.