TechFest 2024

This session will explore the challenge of preserving, managing, and making accessible large-scale collections of historical footage. The extensive ITN News Archive, which dates back to 1955, serves as a case study for the session.

The discussion will cover best practices in archival management, including digitisation, metadata creation, copyright considerations, and how to maintain the integrity of footage in the face of AI generated content.

Earlier this year, ITN became the first UK news organisation to secure its archives against synthetic media via blockchain cryptography through an innovative partnership with OpenOrigins. It was a proactive move to authenticate more than a million video clips of the organisation’s iconic news footage.

Attendees will  learn about  ITN’s approach to balancing commercial and cultural pressures to ensure that valuable historical content remains accessible for future generations.

The session will also explore the role of archives in media production, education, and research, emphasizing the importance of making historical footage available to the public and professionals alike.

Discover best practice when using archive to create sport documentaries, with makers of some of the top documentaries over the past year giving the insights and tips picked up while producing their shows. Learn how to find the best content, sift through large collections of footage, use it in conjunction with interviews and other footage, and more.

This opening panel will take a look at the current landscape of film and television archiving across the UK. This panel will bring together leading archivists and representatives from major institutions, broadcasters, and private collections.

Panellists will discuss the critical importance of preserving the nation’s cinematic and television archive heritage, addressing the challenges of both analogue and digital formats. Topics will include the state of funding for preservation projects, the impact of emerging technologies on preserving archives, and the ongoing efforts to make archived content accessible to a wider audience.

This panel offers an in-depth discussion on the current landscape, challenges, and advancements in the field of film restoration. This panel gathers leading experts, restoration, and filmmakers who are deeply involved in preserving cinematic history. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of restoring classic films, the techniques and technologies used in the process, the ethical considerations surrounding restoration decisions, and the role of film archives in cultural preservation.

Panellists explore the balance between maintaining the authenticity of original works and utilizing modern technologies to enhance viewing experiences for contemporary audiences. They also address the funding and institutional support needed for restoration projects and the collaboration between public archives and private entities. The discussion highlights recent successful restorations, ongoing projects, and the future of film restoration in the digital age, emphasizing the significance of preserving film heritage for future generations.