Andy Burnham is set to take center stage at Mythos Manchester, a new UK film and TV industry event designed to champion creative talent across the north of England.
The Greater Manchester mayor, frequently talked about as a future Labour leadership contender and potential UK Prime Minister, will headline the event next Thursday. He will appear alongside a roster of major names from British television, including BBC iPlayer and channels boss Dan McGolpin and an executive producer from the acclaimed drama Adolescence.
Andy Burnham Leads New Manchester Film and TV Event
Burnham’s involvement gives Mythos Manchester immediate political and cultural weight. Over the past several years, he has positioned Greater Manchester as one of the UK’s most important creative hubs, with the city region benefiting from a growing production base, a strong talent pipeline and its proximity to major broadcasters and studios.
The event is expected to focus on the future of the UK TV industry, with a clear emphasis on opportunities beyond London. That regional focus matters. Manchester has long been home to significant broadcasting activity, from the BBC’s Salford presence to the wider ecosystem of indie producers, post-production houses, writers, crew members and screen sector freelancers.
BBC iPlayer Boss Dan McGolpin Joins Mythos Manchester Lineup
Dan McGolpin’s appearance adds another important angle: streaming. As head of BBC iPlayer and BBC channels, McGolpin sits at the center of how British audiences are changing their viewing habits. His presence suggests Mythos Manchester will not only look at production and talent, but also at how platforms, commissioning and audience behavior are reshaping film and television.
For anyone tracking BBC iPlayer news, the session will likely be watched closely. Public service broadcasters are under pressure to reach younger viewers, compete with global streaming platforms and keep UK-originated shows visible in an increasingly crowded market.
Why Mythos Manchester Matters for Northern TV Talent
The launch of Mythos Manchester arrives at a moment when the screen industries are talking more seriously about regional growth. London remains the UK’s dominant production center, but cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle have become central to the conversation about where the next generation of writers, producers, directors and technical talent will come from.
By bringing together politics, broadcasting and production voices, the new event appears to be making a direct pitch: the north of England should not just host productions, it should help shape the future of British film and television.
The inclusion of a figure connected to Adolescence also points to the kind of high-end drama conversation the event wants to encourage. Prestige scripted series remain a vital currency for UK broadcasters and streamers, both domestically and internationally.
Manchester’s Growing Role in the UK Screen Industry
Manchester’s screen sector has been building momentum for years, supported by MediaCity in Salford, strong university and training networks, and a deep pool of established and emerging talent. Events like Mythos Manchester can help connect those local strengths with national decision-makers.
That networking role should not be underestimated. For emerging creatives, access to commissioners, platform bosses and experienced producers can be the difference between a promising idea and a greenlit project. For broadcasters and streamers, regional events can surface voices and stories that might otherwise be missed.
What to Expect From Mythos Manchester
While full details of the program remain limited, the headline speakers suggest conversations around regional production, commissioning, streaming strategy and the future of northern screen talent. With Andy Burnham fronting the event, expect the wider economic and cultural case for investment in the north to be firmly on the agenda.
Mythos Manchester is entering a busy UK industry calendar, but its location and focus give it a clear identity. If it can attract the right mix of decision-makers and grassroots creatives, it could quickly become a notable stop for anyone interested in the future of British television outside the capital.
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