Sales companies to get UK Film Council support at international film markets

The UK Film Council has introduced a £70,000 International Festival Sales Support (IFSS) scheme, to run until 31 March 2005, to help boost the promotional opportunities for UK films at important international festivals and markets.
By supporting films at international markets and festivals, the new funding will help to raise the profile of UK talent, services and crews internationally and secure distribution of UK films abroad. Overall, the scheme supports the UK Film Council’s aims to boost the earnings of British films.
The funding can support: The production of subtitled prints; Travel and accommodation costs for the director and key stars; Press campaign (including appointment of an international public relations agency); and Marketing (e.g. advertising and print items).
IFFS will be managed and run by the UK Film Council’s International Department. (Decisions on applications relating to the Sundance Film Festival will however be made in liaison with UK Film Council US in Los Angeles.)
All applications for International Festival Sales Support, which meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, will be granted a minimum of £1,500 (until the budget for the scheme has been spent). Further support can be applied for and may be available to applicants with high quality promotional campaigns for which additional support will enhance opportunities to exploit the film internationally.
Completed application forms and accompanying information should be submitted to International Festival Sales Support, UK Film Council International, 10 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JG, UK.
(GB)