24/12/2014 - Creative England launches second round of business development programme

Creative England has launched the second round of Compass, a business development programme for executives, producers and entrepreneurs to help them build, manage and lead successful film companies. Run in collaboration with DV Talent, the programme will focus on the development of a business proposal under the guidance of Professor John Bates, Fellow in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Participants will be shown how to leverage funding streams; navigate the changing legal and regulatory environment; and produce and package content in an evolving industry landscape.

Chris Moll, Head of Film at Creative England, said, “The first Compass programme was a great success. It helped a diverse group of producers to navigate the challenges involved in an ever-changing film industry. For 2015 it’s exciting that we’re able to open the programme up to entrepreneurs across the film value chain, throughout development, production, sales, distribution, exhibition, emerging content markets and beyond.”

Lunar Lander Films’ Jude Goldrei who was a participant on the first Compass programme said, “Compass was a really challenging course with a high standard of teaching and speakers. It pushed me to work hard on my business plan, think differently about my company and goals, and forced me out of my comfort zone in terms of pitching, presenting and negotiating. It also gave me a new network of supportive producer and industry contacts, and a new perspective on the realities of running a successful film company.”

Compass will run from February to April 2015.