Panel discussion about the future of the Scottish film industry to include speakers from BBC Films, BFI, Film4 and Creative Scotland. In Conversation event with independent film producer Christine Vachon (Carol, Boys Don't Cry)
Glasgow Film Festival is pleased to announce the return of its specialist Industry Focus strand, following its successful debut in 2016.
Taking place during the Glasgow Film Festival, from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 February, the four day event is open to anyone working in any aspect of filmmaking - from screenwriters to producers - and at any stage in their career, from students to established professionals.
A series of industry panel discussions, pitching opportunities and hands-on workshops, Industry Focus is designed for creators, producers and grassroots filmmakers to meet future collaborators, learn about the craft and business of filmmaking and progress their projects.
Highlights across the programme include:
• Arthouse producing powerhouse Christine Vachon - who has been behind over 100 films including modern classics Boys Don't Cry, Still Alice, and Carol - discussing her career and the art of producing
• Independent Producers Scotland (IPS) hosts panel discussion with UK funding executives, including BBC Head of Film Joe Oppenheimer, Film4 Head of Production Tracey Josephs, Senior Production and Development Executive for the BFI's Film Fund Lizzie Francke and Director, Screen at Creative Scotland Natalie Usher on the future of the Scottish film industry in IPS Filmmaking in Scotland: Devolution or Revolution?
• Veteran Scottish film and TV producer Chris Young discussing the launch of the Young Films Foundation. Inspired by the Sundance Institute Feature Film Programme, the foundation will be a UK-wide screenwriting programme bringing aspiring new writers to Skye for an intensive week where writers will have the freedom to develop their own work while receiving personal, honest and critical guidance from established industry mentors.
• Round Table sessions offering filmmakers the chance to have informal chats about their projects with leading funders, distributors and sales agents, with representatives from Creative Scotland, SFTN, Irish Film Board, Swedish Film Institute, Norwegian Film Institute, Lionsgate UK, Bankside Films, Protagonist Pictures, Boudica and Embankment due to attend.
• Finance Forum sessions discussing financing, international co-production and distribution, including focuses on financing opportunities for women in association with Women in Film and Television (WFTV) and international co-production with Scandinavia.
• A series of events for new and grassroots filmmakers including Foot In The Door, a one stop shop for getting a first break in Scottish filmmaking; Filmmaker Speed Dating, which will match writers looking for directors and filmmakers looking for producers and Producer Session panels and Q&As to help new filmmakers get to grips with how the industry works
• Exclusive industry screenings of some of the hottest films at GFF. Throughout the four days there will be lunches, drinks and informal social sessions giving attendees plenty of time to network and make new contacts.
Ben Taylor, Festival and Industry Coordinator, said: “Scotland is rich in filmmaking talent so we're excited to have a dynamic programme that will help to further develop that talent through talks, workshops and presentations, presents Scottish filmmakers and projects in live pitching events to funders and distributors and facilitates filmmakers coming together and connecting.
We're excited to be working with such a wide range of amazing partners to host a programme that is international in its outlook and proactive in helping filmmakers.”
Rachel Fiddes, Glasgow Film Festival Manager said: "Glasgow is the centre for production in Scotland, and we are so pleased that we have been able to expand our industry programme in 2017 to reflect the demand for this from our local creatives and technicians, and from those from further afield too."
Passes for the Industry Focus strand cost £50 (with discounts available) and cover access to all talks and events, press and industry screenings and social events, plus ticket discounts to other Glasgow Film Festival screenings. Tickets are on sale now from: glasgowfilm.org/festival.
The Glasgow Film Festival Industry Focus is funded by Creative Scotland with programme partners Directors UK, Euroscript, BellRock Screenwriters Lab, Young Films, WFTV, University of Glasgow, Creative Europe and our media partner Screen International.