Traveling means learning! That was one reason why, in mid-September, a delegation organized by MediaTech Hub Potsdam set off for Wales. The shared goal was to explore one of Europe’s most exciting media clusters: Media Cymru in Cardiff. The delegation included some of the most important players in the Potsdam ecosystem, among them RBB, Brandenburg’s economic development agency, the Konrad Wolf Film University and the Erich Pommer Institute.

Two clusters, a lot of connections

Choosing Cardiff as the destination was no coincidence. Just like Babelsberg, the Cardiff Capital Region is one of Europe’s leading hotspots for TV and film production and media technology. Both locations are defined by vibrant innovation scenes and close ties between industry, research and public service media. With Media Cymru, the Welsh counterpart has built a network that specifically strengthens digital infrastructure, new technologies and sustainable production methods. In short: anyone working in Babelsberg will quickly find like-minded counterparts in Cardiff asking similar questions.

Potsdam delegation at PLAYBACK

The focus of the delegation trip was the PLAYBACK Festival – the annual showcase for innovations from the Media Cymru ecosystem. The festival is considered one of the UK’s leading stages for innovation. Over two festival days, hundreds of media and research projects were presented at the Tramshed in Cardiff, complemented by an academic conference at Cardiff University. Keynotes, panels, immersive showcases and lightning talks: the programme was dense and ranged from sustainable production to AI and XR, as well as international cooperation models and film financing.

Asking common questions

It became clear as early as the opening reception at BBC Cymru Wales Headquarters that cross-sector collaboration is also seen in Cardiff as a key driver of progress. Representatives from the cluster network and the BBC shared insights into their cooperation and highlighted the key questions: How are new media formats created? How do production companies, research and technology come together? And what role do international partnerships play in building a regional media community?

For the Babelsberg delegation, there was also a real highlight on the very first day: attending the live recording of the pilot episode of The One Planet Show at the Tramshed. Produced by Little Wander and hosted by Kiri Pritchard-McLean, the show combines climate topics with comedy. The production is supported, among others, by the Media Cymru Content Innovation Fund and the BBC Digital Innovation Fund.

Babelsberg becomes visible in Cardiff

The Babelsberg media hub also became part of the conversation at the PLAYBACK Festival: during the panel “Wales to the World,” MTH Potsdam site manager Hannah moved from the audience to the stage. Together with other international partners of Media Cymru, she spoke about the importance of global cooperation and the shared goals of Europe’s media hubs in the context of technological progress.

And best of all: the visit to Cardiff was only the beginning. At the end of September, the Welsh delegation will come to Babelsberg. At the MediaTech Hub Conference on 29 and 30 September, we will welcome our new partners from Wales. We are excited to see what can grow from this collaboration!