Production Companies Get Opportunity To Be Mentored By Distribution Executives

Production companies with a feature film focus have the unique opportunity to be mentored by established distribution executives, thanks to the latest iteration of the Film Agency for Wales' 'Film Junction' programme.
Film Junction: Market Mentors will offer 12 film producers/company managers the opportunity to participate in a six-month mentored programme, led by international film industry executive, consultant and author, Angus Finney. The focus will be on developing film content with a view to its UK and international market and exploitation across various digital platforms, including soundtrack, broadcasting, games and web content.
Programme leader, Angus Finney, who has been involved in raising more than $120m towards independent film production in addition to managing the annual London Production Finance Market, commented: "All too often distribution is an after-thought rather than essential element for emerging producers. We hope that by bringing market practice into the training and packaging process, producers will benefit both creatively and commercially."
Pauline Burt, Chief Executive of the Film Agency for Wales explains: "Building the capacity and profitability of film businesses is a priority for us as we work to further embed digital economy opportunities. There is far greater scope to connect with audiences, understand consumer behaviour and develop the intellectual property more widely. Producers and distributors are entrepreneurs at heart and this is a time for innovation and where closer and earlier collaboration could reap real rewards."
The Film Junction Market Mentor programme is funded by the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund as part of 'A Bigger Future 2', the UK film skills strategy. Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset commented: "This is the first programme we have supported that provides mentoring for emerging Producers by leading Distributors. With the film industry urging Producers and Distributors to work ever more closely together, this scheme will permit mutual understanding of need between two related but different film sectors, which we hope will enable better deal-making skills for Producers as well as enable professional relationships that could extend beyond the structured training. We look forward to observing the outcomes for both Producers and Distributors alike."
A previous Film Junction participant John Giwa-Amu of Red and Black Films, commented that ‘The previous programme was a turning point that allowed me to see the film business in far greater clarity. Further courses like this are very welcome indeed.’ John has recently wrapped on his feature The Machine, directed by Caradog James and represented internationally by Content.
The programme is also sponsored by Wiggin Media Law Firm, Swansea Metropolitan University’s Creative Industries Research and Innovation Centre and Skillset Media Academy Wales.
Further information and application forms can be found at www.film-junction.co.uk