Industry Events

We will be updating our Industry Events programme from May but to give you an idea of what may be instore, check out these highlights from the 2011 programme:

BAFTA presents: Meet the Agents?
Getting industry recognition can often feel like an insurmountable task but with this event we gave emerging writing talent a clearer picture of what it takes to progress their career to the next level.
Our panel of literary agents included Charlotte Knight from the Rod Hall Agency and Katharine Vile from United Agents who both will be shed light on the finer points of getting agency representation. From the acceptable etiquette when approaching an agency to what you should expect from an agent if they end up representing you. Angeli Macfarlane Head of Development at the Borough Picture Company chaired this panel discussion.

Directors Forum?
Scottish film talent is thriving both on the local and international arena, but what is distinctive about making films in Scotland? This select panel of top profile Scottish directors discussed the current issues and challenges in directing feature films both at home and away.
Directors included: Paul McGuigan (Sherlock (TV), Lucky Number Slevin, The Acid House), Morag McKinnon (Donkeys, Buried (TV)), and Gillies MacKinnon (Above Suspicion (TV), Hideous Kinky). Moderated by Mia Bays (Film London).

What is the state of Film Financing in the UK today??
How is the current economic climate, the pound to the euro scenario, and the closure of the UK Film Council affecting productions? Is private finance the most likely way to get films funded in the current day??Drawing on the industries film financiers and producers, the panel discussed changes in film financing and its possible outcomes.
Panelists include Rebecca Mark Lawson (Tyke Films), Paul Welsh (Digicult), Claire Mundell (The Mackendrick Fund) and Adam Betteridge (Authentic Productions)

Starting out as a Screenwriter?
As a budding screenwriter, there are often a lot of questions and anxieties on your mind. What makes a good screenplay? How can I get ahead in the industry? Acclaimed Edinburgh-based writer Annie Griffin (Festival, The Book Group (TV)) and Sergio Casci (The Caller, Sea of Souls (TV)) offered their advice and expertise.

Out with the old, in with the new? New models in distribution?
Methods of distributing film are in a constant state of flux as technological developments and innovations make new avenues and markets available to filmmakers. This session wass essential for anyone wishing to know the current state and emerging trends in distribution.
Panelists: Christian Gaines (Festival Strategy and Business Development, IMDb), Danny Meaney (Managing Director, New Media Partners), Fabien Westerhoff (Director of Sales & Distribution, HanWay Films) and Nic Wistreich (Netribution).

Jon Reiss Marketing and Distribution Workshop?
The independent producer’s role in marketing and distributing his or her film using digital tools is widely recognised and much discussed. Jon Reiss, author of Think Outside the Box Office and developer of the Producer of Marketing and Distribution concept, brings this role to life from a practical, how-to perspective. This workshop was an intense, nuts and bolts guide to the work necessary across a film’s life cycle for the successful exploitation of content.

Crowdfunding: EIFF and 500,127,564 people like this?
Who needs one or two funders when you can have thousands? Crowd funding has provided new ways to get your film made but is it for everyone? Filmmakers Jeanie Finlay and Terry McMahon discussed the challenges and opportunities of making your film with the help of others.