Alien. Blade Runner. Gladiator. Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) was founded by Ridley and Tony Scott in 1968, and is the creative force behind some of the most beloved and iconic films ever made. For over 50 years, through its associated brands RSA Films, RSA Unscripted, Black Dog Films and Scott Free Productions, it has created numerous award-winning commercial campaigns, documentaries, features, music videos and TV shows. From 4-8 November, Aesthetica Film Festival welcomes back representatives from RSA to deliver inspiring talks about the past, present and future of the industry. In this round-up, discover when and where to hear from them:

RSA’s first Aesthetica Film Festival masterclass, A Legacy on Film: The Story of Ridley Scott Associates, takes place on Wednesday 4 November at York Theatre Royal. Audiences will meet Luke Scott, a multi-award-winning director and the CEO of the Ridley Scott Creative Group. Scott’s feature film debut Morgan starred Anya Taylor-Joy and Kate Mara, and, in 2019, he helmed several episodes of the HBO sci-fi series Raised by Wolves. Most recently, he was second unit director for Gladiator II. He will explore how RSA has navigated five decades of change across film, television and advertising, and how its legacy is shaping the next generation of filmmakers.

Then, on Friday 6 November, we’re joined by Heather Salter, Head of Development at Scott Free, for another industry session: Making UK Television. Since its establishment in 1995, Scott Free’s TV projects have earned over 100 Emmy nominations with 22 wins and 28 Golden Globe nominations. Current and upcoming projects include the Ridley Scott pilot-directed crime drama, Dope Thief (Apple); Prime Target (Apple); Alien: Earth (FX); and Blade Runner 2099 (Amazon). In this talk, Salter discusses the process and practicalities of making TV in the UK, what the role of a Head of Development involves, with time for the audience to bring questions.

There are further opportunities to engage with RSA throughout the festival, including as part of Aesthetica’s Pitching Sessions. From 4-7 November, filmmakers are invited to put their ideas to major production organisations, including not only RSA but BBC, Film4, ITV and The Guardian Documentaries, too. These meetings, organised by application only, are designed to provide feedback, expert guidance and industry insight to help directors and screenwriters refine their work and move it forward.

RSA will also appear at the UK Production Summit: Trends in Storytelling, one of the most significant screen industry gatherings of the year. Taking place on Thursday 5 November, the invite-only event brings together more than 150 of the UK’s leading production companies, development executives and commissioners under one roof. The scale is unprecedented, as Aesthetica becomes the beating heart of British film and television, with the country’s most influential decisionmakers – from Audible to Element Pictures, Studio Lambert and Working Title – converging to define and debate the future of screen content. One of the day’s major panels, in which Sky and Warner Bros will examine audience behaviours, commissioning priorities and franchises, will be chaired by Jim Campbell, RSA’s Head of PR and Communications.

From its beginnings in the 1960s to its contemporary work across film, television and advertising, Ridley Scott Associates has played a significant role in shaping the screen industries. Aesthetica Film Festival is excited to offer audiences the chance to hear directly from the people behind this legacy at the 2026 edition, revealing everything from the creative decisions that sustain a production company across generations, to the practicalities of developing new projects for TV. Perhaps most significant of all is RSA’s support for new talent, opening up new possibilities for the filmmakers who will build its future. This is a must-attend programme.

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Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 runs 4-8 November in York, UK.

Click here to book your festival pass.

Click here to download the Official Programme.

Words: Eleanor Sutherland

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