13/12/2011

BAFTA, Film London and associate partners Northern Film & Media have teamed for events designed to guide emerging British producers through the often confusing morass of sales and distribution.

Breakthrough: A Guide to International Film Sales & Distribution will offer pointers on both domestic distribution and international export of British independent films. The events are an offshoot of the annual market platform London UK Film Focus’ popular Breakthrough strand.

Speakers will include Stephen Kelliher, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bankside Films and Chair of Film Export UK, Carey Fitzgerald, Managing Director of High Point Media Group, Natalie Brenner, EVP, International Sales at Ealing Metro International, Julia Short, Head of Acquisitions at the Works Film Group, Rebecca Hawkes, Managing Director of Schedule 2, Nicola Kettlewood, Edinburgh Film Festival, and Mia Bays, producer and Sales/Distribution Consultant.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission said, “Supporting grass roots talent is central to Film London’s objectives and in order for the UK to sustain a healthy domestic industry and capitalise on the strength of our talent, we – together with our partners – believe it is important to support film-makers through the complexities of exhibition and distribution.”

Helena Mackenzie, Head of Inward Investment & Business Development at Film London said, “These events are a natural progression in our aim to support even more film-makers as well as increase the number of British films which reach an international audience.”

Breakthrough will take place at the BAFTA, London on January 24 and at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead January 31, 2012.