Aesthetica’s Industry Programme brings together an inspiring line-up of masterclasses designed to give filmmakers practical insight, creative inspiration and valuable advice for developing their careers. Taking place throughout this year’s festival, the sessions offer an opportunity to hear directly from leading industry professionals, established creatives and experienced programmers about the realities of working in film. From exploring the craft behind Ridley Scott’s iconic productions to discovering how to market your work, build a collaborative creative team and navigate the festival circuit with these masterclasses covering key stages of a film’s journey

How to Market Your Film: Publicity for Film and TV

There’s more than one way to market a film. From Smile’s unsettling real-world stunts, to Barbie’s high-end brand partnerships and the viral campaign that launched The Blair Witch Project, smart publicity can go a long way in shaping a release’s reputation. Julie La’Bassiere of DDA Global focuses on what happens after a film is finished. How do you get people to watch? Julie offers practical advice from crafting high-quality trailers, press kits to securing reviews and using social media for audiences.

 A Shared Vision: The Craft of Collaborative Filmmaking

We’ve all heard the phrase “no man is an island”, and it’s as true of film as it is any other creative discipline. Every shot is the product of collaboration, exchange and compromise. This panel brings together talent from the Aesthetica Official Selection to discuss experiences making films as part of a team. They will speak about how to balance your creative vision with the practicalities of getting the job done: when to say yes, when to say no, and how to meet in the middle.

 In Other Worlds: Film and Future World Building

Join Luke Kemp for a masterclass exploring In Other Worlds, Liam Young’s ambitious immersive exhibition that brings together film, speculative design, climate science and future-thinking. The session unpacks how world-building can become a powerful storytelling tool, shaping perspectives on technology, society and environment. Discover how bringing together cinematic narratives, soundscapes and imagined futures inspire creatives to move past dystopian thinking and imagine bold possibilities.

Secrets from Programmers: How to Get Your Film into Festivals

Thinking about launching your film on the festival circuit? This is your go-to guide. Learn what festival programmers are looking for when selecting films to screen at some of the UK’s biggest events. This panel features programmers from Aesthetica Film Festival (Tosin Alapafuja), Glasgow Film Festival (Paul Gallagher) and London Short Film Festival (Philip Ilson). They provide an insider’s look at how to get your film noticed, how selections are made and how to create a standout festival line-up.

 What It Takes to Make a Ridley Scott Film

Alien. Blade Runner. Gladiator. Ridley Scott has created some of the most beloved and iconic films ever made. Hear directly from members of Scott’s production team as they dive into what really makes a Ridley Scott film, offering insight into how some of the biggest scenes in cinematic history were created. Meet award-winners involved in different parts of the process, as they reveal the works behind the scenes on some of the biggest productions, charting the challenges and the successes.