Film London Labs: The Production Finance Sessions

Film London Labs: The Production Finance Sessions is for all the producers in our network. If you’re working on or towards financing a first or second feature, this Lab is for you. Writers and directors interested in learning about the business side of the industry are also very welcome!

This intensive, week-long online lab is geared towards arming you and your team with everything you need to know about pitching a finance-ready project, enabling you to make and defend smart, creative choices and ground your plans in reality.

This Lab is inspired by our years of experience preparing producers for the Production Finance Market’s New Talent strand, and filmmakers selected for this year’s market will also be in attendance. But you don’t have to be coming to market to benefit from the training. The sessions will be just as useful for those who intend to seek finance through other means, who intend to apply to the market next year, or who’d just like to deepen their understanding of film finance.

Over six online sessions across the week, we will cover:

• the state of the independent market
• how to put together a realistic finance plan
• understanding recoupment
• commissioners illuminating their process
• the importance of clarity around how you describe your project and how visual materials can support your pitch

Confirmed speakers so far include

• Vicki Brown, Senior Exec, Sales & Distribution, BFI
• Gabrielle Stewart, HanWay Films
• Akua Gyamfi, The British Blacklist
• Georgia Goggin, Producer, Pretty Red Dress
• Virginia Gilbert, Director & Writer, Reawakening
• Barry Castagnola, Producer, Reawakening
• Delphine Lievens, Distribution Consultant & Box Office Analyst
• Natasha Dack, Tigerlily Productions

More speakers to be announced in the coming weeks. Last year’s Production Finance Lab included sessions with Geraldine Atlee, Head of Legal & Business Affairs, BBC Films, Ameenah Ayub Allen, Producer (Rocks, Ali & Ava); Amy Lotherington, Development Executive, Original Film, Sky; and many more.

FORMAT

Monday 18 September – Friday 22 September.

The week will comprise of approx. two hours of talks and other sessions each day. Session times will vary due to the international bases of our guest speakers but are likely to be in the early afternoon. We aim to publish the full timetable at least a week before the event starts.

HOW TO TAKE PART

Please note that no scripts are to be submitted.

Space is operated on a first come first served basis. We will record each session and make the videos available to attendees for six months after the end of the Lab so all can catch up on any missed sessions, or re-watch.

Fee: £70 +VAT

NOTE: We recognise that this is a challenging time for many in our industry, and we have ventured to keep costs as low as possible.

We’re keen to make this series accessible so if the cost is a barrier for you, do get in touch at production@filmlondon.org.uk

Refund policy: Refunds can only be issued BEFORE the lab starts, Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.