NETWORK@LFF applications open for 2015 BFI London Film Festival

As part of the continued commitment by the BFI London Film Festival to discover and support new UK filmmakers, applications opened on Wednesday 1 July for 15 emerging filmmakers from across the UK to take part in NETWORK@LFF.

An internationally focused development programme, NETWORK@LFF is managed and delivered by Creative England on behalf of the BFI, the BFI London Film Festival and other BFI NETWORK partners. The BFI NETWORK sees the BFI working with Creative England, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Film London, Northern Ireland Screen, Scottish Film Talent and Creative Skillset in a joined-up network of experienced development teams supporting New and Emerging Talent – the NET in NETWORK.

Taking place from 9-12 October 2015, NETWORK@LFF will include masterclasses, private screenings, facilitated networking and one-to-one sessions with international filmmakers and industry executives during the course of the three and a half day development programme which sits at the heart of the BFI London Film Festival.

The programme is aimed at upcoming writers, directors, writer/directors and producers from the nations and regions of the UK and who are on the cusp of making their first feature film and/or have already made a micro or low budget feature, and who demonstrate the potential to break through internationally.

Last year’s NETWORK@LFF group included Rachel Dargavel, who produced the iFeatures-supported Norfolk by Martin Radich which premiered at Rotterdam and was nominated for the Michael Powell award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. NETWORK@LFF 2014 participant Cassandra Sigsgaard has produced the Blaine Brothers’ debut feature Nina Forever which premiered at this year’s SXSW festival.

Norfolk (2015)

Selected participants will get the chance to meet and network with international filmmaking talent and industry executives drawn from the Festival’s programme in an intimate setting. In 2014, guest speakers included writer-directors Susanne Bier (A Second Chance, Serena), David Mitchell (It Follows, The Myth of the American Sleepover); Peter Strickland (The Duke of Burgundy, Berberian Sound Studio) and David Robert Mitchell (It Follows, The Myth of the American Sleepover); writers Nick Hornby (Wild, An Education) and Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Ida); producers Helen Estabrook (Whiplash, Men, Women and Children), Andrew Macdonald (Far from the Madding Crowd, Trainspotting), Bruna Papandrea (Wild, Gone Girl) and Teddy Schwarzmann (The Imitation Game). Representatives from companies such as E1 Entertainment, Fox Searchlight, Sierra Affinity, Silver Reel, The Match Factory and United Talent Agency were also brought in as contributors.

Celine Haddad, Senior Film Executive at Creative England, said: “Creative England is delighted to continue its partnership with the BFI London Film Festival and Creative Skillset as part of the BFI NETWORK. This is a brilliant opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers throughout the UK to be inspired by the international film community, as well as to develop new relationships with creative and business practitioners from across the world.”

Lizzie Francke, Senior Production Executive for the BFI, says:

“The ambition for the BFI NETWORK is to support most exciting and distinctive filmmakers from across the UK and provide them with specific opportunities that nurture their creativity, knowledge and skills and progress their talent and careers.  NETWORK@LFF has been a fantastic innovation by the BFI NETWORK, the LFF and Creative Skillset offering invaluable experience for emerging talent with leading international filmmakers and executives all of whom have been generous in sharing their time and experiences.” 

Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director, says:

“Every year, BFI London Film Festival brings new and emerging talent and their films to the attention of audiences and the film industry.  Last year we stepped up our leadership role for emerging UK film talent by introducing NETWORK@LFF and creating an environment for them to meet, learn and be inspired by the many international filmmakers and industry professionals who come to London for the Festival.  I am delighted that we are continuing and developing this initiative further this year.”

NETWORK@LFF participants will receive full accreditation for the entire duration of the 59th BFI London Film Festival, which gives free access to press and industry screenings, as well as the programme of industry events. Participating filmmakers are required to pay a nominal fee towards their place on the programme with travel and accommodation bursaries available for applicants outside Greater London.

The BFI NETWORK nurtures writers, directors and producers who have yet to have a feature film produced and/or released, through a hands-on approach that is tailored to the needs of the filmmaker. This includes funding for feature film development, short films and pilots as well as bespoke editorial and professional development support. NETWORK partners also host regular masterclasses, workshops and other talent development programmes across the country.

The BFI NETWORK is central to the BFI’s strategy to discover and support the next generation of feature filmmaking talent, no matter where they live in the UK.

Useful links

• Full guidelines and details of how to apply are available on the Creative England website
• Information on Creative England’s support for new and emerging filmmakers in England is available on the Creative England website
• Visit the BFI NETWORK website