2-30 November 2021
Developing a feature project? Looking for advice and pointers on developing your big idea? Pitching Sessions are a chance to get your project in front of key decision makers from the UK’s leading production companies. In 2020, we offered filmmakers meet one-to-one with Development Executives from the likes of Film4, Goldfinch First Flights, BBC Films, Lionsgate and Doc Society.
Pitching Sessions are a key opportunity to receive invaluable feedback on your work and learn how to develop your voice. Successful applicants were invited to a 15-minute, 1-on-1, Pitching Session with a representative from one of our guest organisations.
BBC Films is at the forefront of independent filmmaking in the UK, developing feature-length productions. Committed to developing new talent, it collaborates with the foremost writers and directors, with new releases including Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You and Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir. BBC Films was awarded the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
The BFI Doc Society Fund works to support and develop UK storytellers, backing feature and short creative documentaries with bold cultural and social ambitions. Founded in 2005, it is committed to enabling great documentary films and connecting them to audiences globally. Hannah Bush Bailey works across the funds feature slate and Made of Truth Short Scheme.
Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, developing and co-financing projects from distinctive talents in UK and international filmmaking. Academy Award-winners include Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave and Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. Recent releases include Andrea Arnold’s American Honey.
First Flights is an incubator for first time feature film directors and producers, supporting individuals to create financially successful films and launch their international profiles. The First Flights team is adept at spotting emerging creative talent, working with individuals to produce first features. Goldfinch has worked with Gary Oldman, Anjelica Houston, Bill Nighy & Sam Riley.
For over a decade, Hurricane Films has been telling great stories – fact and fiction – for both the big and small screen. The company is owned and run by Solon Papadopoulos and Roy Boulter, with each partner bringing a wealth of experience from their highly successful individual careers. Hurricane Films is a Film and Production Company based in Liverpool, on the lookout for the next great story.
Independent specialises in the development, financing, production and sales of independent feature films. Led by CEO Luc Roeg, COO Cora Palfrey and Managing Director Andrew Orr, it has a team of highly motivated and experienced professionals with expertise in project development, production, structured finance, sales and marketing, making innovative original content.
Lionsgate UK is the British subsidiary of the American film company, Lionsgate. Founded in 1997 by Simon Franks and Zygi Kamasa. The company is one of the UK’s leading producers, distributors and acquirers of acclaimed films, including Rupert Everett’s The Happy Prince, On Chesil Beach, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool and the lauded documentary McQueen.
Scottish Documentary Institute specialises in documentary training, production and distribution, supporting filmmakers through its diverse programme of high quality training. It has produced over 100 films, screening in 60 countries, garnering recognition as being at the cutting edge of the documentary sector. Bridging art and industry, it is committed to film driven by emotion.
