Film London Labs: The Production Finance Sessions
The Production Finance Sessions returns for 2024!
If you're working on or towards financing a first or second feature, this Lab is for you. Geared towards all the producers in our network, and writers and directors interested in learning about the business side of the industry are also very welcome!
This intensive, week-long online lab aims to arm 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.
We’ll be exploring key topics including the current state of the independent film market, understanding recoupment, finance plan strategies, insights into the commissioner’s perspective and clarity around describing your project to pitch effectively. Plus we’ll hear from PFM New Talent Strand alumni on their experience in the market and the financing journey to complete their project.
Confirmed speakers include;
Monday 16 September
- 12.30pm: Panel - Edward Fletcher, CEO, Curzon, Delphine Lievens, Distribution Consultant and Box Office Analyst and Louise Tutt, Deputy Editor, Screen International
- 4pm: Trevor Birney, Producer (Kneecap), Fine Point Films
Tuesday 17 September
- 1pm: Panel - Bennett McGhee, Producer (Mogul Mowgli), Home Team Productions, Mauny Wright, Head of Business Affairs, Reviewed & Cleared and Julia Godzinskaya, Producer (Here Before), Rooks Nest, Meduza
Wednesday 18 September
- 1pm: Sasha Nathwani, Director & Writer, and Campbell Beaton, Producer (Last Swim, PFM New Talent Strand 2020)
Thursday 19 September
- 11.30am: Kristin Irving, Commissioning Executive, BBC Film
- 1pm: Hannah Bush Bailey, Film and Production Executive, Doc Society
Friday 20 September
- 1pm: Angeli Macfarlane, Development Producer
- 2.30pm: Partner Presentation - Triple Exposure
Our past speakers have featured some of the industry's leading voices and execs, including Georgia Goggin (Pretty Red Dress), Akua Gyamfi (The British Blacklist), Ameenah Ayub Allen (Rocks, Ali & Ava), Olivier Kaempfer (Polite Society) and Nana Mensah (Queen of Glory). Plus Vicki Brown (BFI), Gabrielle Stewart (Hanway Films), Amy Lotherington (Sky), Natasha Dack (Tigerlily Productions), and Geraldine Atlee (BBC Film) who have also shared their insights.
FORMAT
Monday 16 September - Friday 20 September.
The week will comprise of approx. 1-2 hours of talks and other sessions each day. Session times will vary to accommodate 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, any additional booking fees are non-refundable.