Industry Events Programme: 19-27 June

The films in 2009! 23 world, 16 international and 60 UK premieres: over 100 handpicked international feature films screening over 12 days

Networking! More than 1,200 film industry professionals gathered to see films and do business

More than 600 press

More than 400 filmmakers visiting with their films

More specially focused events for the industry than ever as EIFF enlarges its Industry programme

Bumper Industry Events Programme!

The Edinburgh International Film Festival re-shaped its industry focus in 2009 to embrace technology in the digital age, to demystify, to stimulate discussion, and to make connections between filmmakers and the business of film, and between culture and commerce, innovation and industry.

An expanded range of events for industry professionals, attracting directors, cinematographers, producers and the whole filmmaking community, was unveiled.  

Highlights of both the public and industry events programme include:

* Digital Focus *

Lord Puttnam keynote speech
When: Sun 21 June 
With the Digital Britain Report in the offing and drawing on themes addressed by the Government's Digital Britain work, Lord Puttnam will address the opportunities and challenges for film and the creative industries presented by the transition to a digital world, focusing on the development of high-speed broadband, the digitisation of cinemas, and the need for media literacy in a digital age. The producer of Chariots of Fire and The Mission now works in the area of public policy and is Chancellor of the Open University, Chair of Futurelab and President of the Film Distributors Association. This is a public event of special interest to the industry.

Tales From The Digital Frontier
When: Tues 23, Wed 24 June
Presentations, panels and discussions on the very latest practices, opportunities, challenges, facts and fictions in relation to the film industry in the digital age, over two afternoons - so you can go to the movies in the mornings. Produced and presented by Power To The Pixel's Liz Rosenthal, this event will appeal to everyone professionally involved with the moving image.

* Technology Focus *

Cinematography and 3D
When: Thurs 25, Fri 26, Sat 27 June
As part of its ongoing commitment to expand its industry initiatives, the EIFF will host presentations, debates, screenings and masterclasses looking at new developments in cinematography and 3D, led by professionals working at the cutting edge of motion picture production - assisting filmmakers with the growing range of film and digital choices available today.

Includes:
Seamus McGarvey BSC in conversation with Anthony Dod Mantle DFF BSC - public event
Haris Zambarloukos BSC - masterclass comparing Mamma Mia with The Other Man
Painting with Light - screening of the documentary about the late great Jack Cardiff BSC
Understanding 3D stereo - with 3D guru Phil Streather of PLF - public event
Red - presentation from Ted Schilowitz, leader of the Red rebellion
British Society of Cinematographers/Image Forum - panel discussion about the choice of formats today, plus a sneak peek at the BSC Camera Tests which will premiere in July.
Lowry Digital on film restoration

The CameraZone... a 2-day special, where filmmakers can check out cameras and associated post production systems.

* Funding *

Film Funding in the UK
When: Monday 22 June

Who really has the funds to invest in UK production?
Join funding representatives from UK Film Council, Regional & National Screen Agencies, BBC Films and Film4 to talk about the major public funds available for production in the UK, followed by debate about the differences between the different kinds of funding and related support, and how working with public finance can work for UK producers.

Producer delegates with viable projects will be able sign up for one-to-one sessions with fund executives following this event

* Production *

Directors Lab Masterclasses
When: Saturday 20 - Monday 22 June

The Directors Lab returns to EIFF bringing top level speakers and the brightest new directing talent to EIFF.  Once again the Directors Lab will be opening up selected sessions to delegates during the five-day programme.  Check the links to the left for full information.

The Directors Lab is supported by the UK Film Council, Skillset and the EIFF, and is managed by Lifesize Pictures.

* Sales, Marketing *

Packaging and Selling your project for international markets
When: Sunday 21 June

Supported by the Scottish Government / Expo

What are the benefits afforded independent producers working with packaging agents and sales agents?  How do you retain rights and originality while extending the commercial potential of your projects? And is it really possible to sell in the US if you're based in the UK?

Join US-based packaging agents, brought to EIFF with support from the Expo project, and international sales agents, debate the merits, common mistakes and misconceptions about working to pre-sell and develop projects with broad international appeal.

* Distribution, Exhibition *

NESTA presents: Take 12
When: Tuesday 23 June

A unique opportunity to hear more about the NESTA / UK Film Council 'Take 12 - Digital Innovation in Film' programme. The programme, which has been running for a year with 12 businesses representing the independent film industry, has been exploring how film businesses grow and survive in the digital world.

Participant film businesses and the partners they have been working with will reveal insights from this experience and a panel discussion moderated by Pete Buckingham, UK Film Council Head of Distribution & Exhibition, will draw on the experiences, concerns and challenges of the different projects.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from Innovation Partners for the scheme  - Richard Ellis, MTM London, Morgan Holt, HUGE Entertainment, Vanessa Arden-Wood, Illumina Digital and;
Film Businesses participating in the project - Justin Marciano, Revolver Entertainment, Christopher Figg, VOD Almighty & Jezz Vernon, Metrodome

Digital Cinema Exhibition: Opportunities & Challenges
When: Friday 26 June

There are many questions confronting exhibitors considering whether to convert from the longstanding 35mm format to digital cinema. There is no shortage of information available, but many remain confused by the variety of different facts and figures in circulation.

This presentation, undertaken by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association and the UK Film Council with the support of Screen Digest, will attempt to provide answers. Setting out an objective view of the financial, operational and technical issues presented by digital cinema, it will also offer an opportunity to hear first hand-from exhibitors with practical experience of digital cinema operation.

Included on the day will be an additional focus on - and demonstration of - digital 3D cinema. The success of recent releases such as My Bloody Valentine, Bolt, Monsters vs Aliens and Coraline, and the anticipation of more 3D features over the coming weeks, has only served to strengthen interest in this area. The presentation will explore whether this is another passing fad or whether - as some claim – it represents a revolution in cinema-going akin to the introduction of sound.

* Short Films *

Shortsighted - Short Filmmakers Toolkit (in association with Shooting People & BAFTA Scotland)
When: Sunday 21 June

An intensive session devoted to helping you get your short film exhibited and distributed.  Join short film programmers, buyers, talent execs and filmmakers themselves in this illuminating panel devoted to uncovering the opportunities the internet provides for short filmmakers in the UK and further afield.

Confirmed speakers include Jan Naszewski (buyer, Shorts International), Brian Newman (director, Tribeca Film Institute), Tricia Tuttle (BAFTA), and James Mullighan (Creative Director Shooting People)

* Documentary *

SDI Documentary Editors Commissioning Workshop
when: Wed 17 – Fri 19 June

A unique opportunity for industry professionals and newcomers to listen to 12 selected filmmakers pitching their documentaries to an international panel of commissioning editors, sales agents and experts. Listen to the feedback, learn about the international documentary market and network with your peers and the decision-makers.  

Already confirmed for the 2009 panel is: Wim Van Rompaey, (Lichtpunt, Belgium); Doris Hepp, (ZDF/ARTE, Germany); Leslie Finlay (Scottish Screen, Scotland), Tabitha Jackson (Channel4/More4, UK), Outi Saarikoski (YLE, Finland), Beadie Finzi (Britdoc, UK), Line Sandsmark (EDN, Denmark), Ewan Angus (BBC Scotland); Yance Ford (PBS/POV, USA)

This session concludes the SDI's Bridging the Gap 6 season of masterclasses and workshops. New Bridging the Gap: Future films will have their industry premiere during EIFF, Fri 19 Jun 2:30pm, Filmhouse 3