As I delve into these captivating conversations at this year’s London Film Festival, my admiration for the rich tapestry of talent within the UK film industry continues to unravel.
This year’s BFI London Film Festival will host special focus discussions with executives from Working Title Films, Searchlight Pictures’ international division, and the BFI chairman, along with panels exploring topics such as the creation of the critically acclaimed film Last Swim, rising talent in screenwriting and documentaries, adaptation and remake techniques, the intricacies of sound design, and marketing strategies.
Organizers unveiled the discussions on a broad range of topics on Monday.
During Spotlight sessions, the British Film Institute’s CEO, Ben Roberts, will talk about U.K. film production and industry changes, along with the cultivation of emerging filmmakers, in collaboration with Working Title co-chairs Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Meanwhile, BFI chair Jay Hunt, who is also creative director, Europe, for worldwide video at Apple, will delve into her professional journey and the industry. Additionally, Katie Goodson-Thomas, head of international production and development for Searchlight’s U.K operations (The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Poor Things, All of Us Strangers), will provide her perspectives.
Take a look at the complete schedule and details for each event, as provided below.
The Art of Sound: A Conversation with Johnnie Burn
Thursday, October 10, 11:45am, Picturehouse Central
As a gamer, I’m super stoked to share that I’ve got an incredible chance to learn about the craft of sound design from the legendary Johnnie Burn! Known for his Oscar and BAFTA awards, he’s worked on some amazing films like Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” and “Under the Skin,” Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” and many projects with Yorgos Lanthimos, including “The Lobster” and “Poor Things.
ANATOMY OF A DEBUT: LAST SWIM
Thursday, October 10 at 3:30pm, Picturehouse Central
Following our triumph at the Berlinale, my team and I are thrilled to delve deeper into the intriguing process behind creating “Last Swim.” We’ll be discussing its creative conception, business evolution, from gathering our talented crew, selecting our actors, to securing funding, landing distribution deals, all leading up to that exhilarating moment when our film finally reaches its audience. I, Sasha Nathwani, will be joined by my esteemed collaborators: co-writer and executive producer Helen Simmons (co-producer of “Hoard”), cinematographer Olan Collardy (“Rye Lane”), and producers Campbell Beaton (of “Hot Property,” “Bonus Track” and numerous commercials and music videos) and Nisha Mullea (videos – “The Heist Not One is Talking About,” “Save the Children: Still the Most Shocking Second a Day”) in an engaging conversation with Mariayah Kaderbhai, head of programs at BAFTA.
NEW VOICES IN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
Friday, October 11 at 11:45 am, Picturehouse Central
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that this year at the London Film Festival (LFF), three talented filmmakers with roots in documentary filmmaking, photography, and fine arts will be shedding light on their creative paths and film production journeys. This enlightening session is brought to us by the LFF in partnership with Sheffield DocFest. Joining us for this discussion will be Cécile Embleton, who brings her captivating documentary Mother Vera, Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter, creators of the intriguing non-fiction film Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other. Rounding out our panel will be Raul Niño Zambrano, the Creative Director of Sheffield DocFest.
FADE IN. EMERGING WRITERS IN CONVERSATION supported by WGGB – The Writers’ Union
Friday, October 11 at 3:30pm, Picturehouse Central
Meet six budding screenwriters from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland as they share their unique journeys into the world of filmmaking. These passionate individuals have honed their craft in writers’ rooms, talent labs, and screenwriting competitions, and have garnered credits in short films, children’s shows, theatre, and TV drama. Now, they are ready to venture into feature films. They will discuss their sources of inspiration, writing process, and personal themes, referencing works such as ‘Amadeus’ and ‘Ghost in the Shell’. Join us for an insightful discussion with producer Anna Higgs, and celebrate the art of storytelling with Alys Metcalf, Andrew Wong, Angela Franklyn, Carley Magee, Celia Morgan, and Shannon Welby.
“Guide to the Cosmos: Marketing and Promotion Analysis of Independent Movies”
“October 14th at 3:30pm, Picturehouse Central”
Discussing a remarkable turn of events: How did Paola Cortellesi’s black-and-white drama, “There Is Still Tomorrow,” filmed in Rome post-WWII and directed by an actress for the first time, surpass giants like Barbie and Oppenheimer to top the Italian box office in 2023? Similarly, how did Colm Bairéad’s independent Irish language film “The Quiet Girl” become a contender for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards? Film and industry expert Nadia M Oliva will join marketing professionals Mathias Noschis (Alphapanda, Berlin) and Laura Mirabella (Vision Distribution, Rome), to explore how these films created history in European cinema.
Highlighted Chat with Katie Goodson-Thomas from Searchlight Pictures
Tuesday, October 15th at 11:45 am, Picturehouse Central
“For over a decade, Katie Goodson-Thomas has overseen a prestigious slate of U.K. and international features at Searchlight Pictures, including The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Poor Things and All of Us Strangers. As head of international production and development for Searchlight’s U.K. operation, she has been supporting both established and new filmmakers, as well as nurturing multiple relationships in the U.K. film industry. Prior to her role at Searchlight, Goodson-Thomas was head of film at Chris Coen’s Unanimous Pictures, having previously worked at companies, including Origin Pictures and Working Title Films, and with some of the U.K.’s best producing and directing talent, including Graham Broadbent, Lynne Ramsay, James Marsh and Danny Boyle.” The conversation will be moderated by journalist and film festival consultant Wendy Mitchell.
Highlighted Interview Featuring Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner
Tuesday, October 15th at 3:30pm, Picturehouse Central
The London Film Festival underscores the exceptional impact Working Title has made on both the U.K. and global film industry. Led by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, this British production company is renowned as a world leader, having produced beloved and highly-regarded films and TV content for over four decades. They are committed to nurturing talent, recently launching their Global Writers Program in partnership with Universal – their first international talent development initiative. Additionally, they co-founded the London Screen Academy, a state-funded institution offering opportunities for young people of various backgrounds.
On Wednesday, October 16th at 11:45 am, the topic will be “Quality Tales: Originals, Adaptations, and Redos” at Picturehouse Central.
As a gamer, I’m always on the quest for the perfect storyline that could make my next project a hit. Whether it’s on the big screen or smaller devices, the tale is crucial to the success of the final product. A group of industry experts in film finance, remake rights, production, and writing will share their wisdom about finding great stories, handling original, adapted, and remade content, and gauging risk with new or existing intellectual properties. They’ll also talk about the role of data and intuition in decision-making, evaluating potential across various platforms and markets. Joining this discussion will be Kevin Loader (producer and Co-Founder of Free Range Film), Tolu Stedford (executive producer and CEO of Story Compound), Meg Thomson (EVP Worldwide Content at Globalgate Entertainment), Alex Walton (Co-Head of WME Independent), and Rowan Woods, Creative Director of the Edinburgh TV Festival, who will serve as the moderator.
SPOTLIGHT CONVERSATION WITH JAY HUNT
Wednesday, October 16 at 3:30pm, Picturehouse Central
Over a remarkable 30-year career, Jay Hunt has consistently advocated for British talent. She is a unique figure, having served as the creative lead at BBC1, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Notably, she has greenlit modern masterpieces such as “Slow Horses”, “Luther”, “Sherlock”, “Black Mirror”, “Derry Girls”, and “Gogglebox”. In an exclusive interview with BAFTA-winning television host, radio personality, and journalist Claudia Winkleman, Jay will discuss her career highlights, touching on her experiences in both public and private sectors, and the synergy between the two.
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2024-09-16 13:25