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London’s first ever Production Finance Market, launched by Film London in association with The Times BFI 51st London Film Festival, will take place 22-23 October, focusing on new private forms of investment, film finance and new distribution avenues; one of the many events in the Festival’s expanded industry calendar. 120 international and UK financiers and established producers will participate in more than 400 face-to-face matched meetings, including 11 emerging producers who have been selected to pitch their projects and attend training seminars at the market. The Production Finance Market is also supported by the UK Film Council, UK Trade and Investment, Skillset, the London Development Agency and peacefulfish.

In collaboration with ACE (Ateliers du Cinéma Européen) and the French Institute, with support from Skillset, the UK Film Council and the MEDIA Plus Programme of the European Community, the seminar CREATIVE PRODUCER – A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS? will take place on October 24 at the French Institute.

POWER TO THE PIXEL is a one-day forum hosted by the Festival on Friday 26 October that will explore pioneering new ways of distributing, marketing and financing independent films. Leading industry experts will explore overviews of cutting-edge digital distribution business models and services, as well as discussing how to build new audiences, maximise revenues and reach core, global audiences.

The UK Film Council will co-host a series of events with the Festival. Together with the German Federal Film Board, a co-production event on October 25 will explore German rebates working with UK tax relief, as well as other sources of production finance. The second event, IN FOCUS – WORKING WITH DISABILITY IN THE FILM INDUSTRY will allow panellists to discuss whether disability could be a barrier to working in the film industry, while the UK Film Council will be launching a DVD of the same name.

Building on the success of last year’s industry screenings and the inaugural MEET THE BUYER session (titles picked up for UK distribution included HALF NELSON, ANGOSTO, STOLEN HOLIDAYS and THE SINGER), both will return, thanks to the continued funding from the London Development Agency and the Mayor of London through Film London. Industry screenings will be at the Curzon Soho from Monday 22 – Thursday 25 October and MEET THE BUYER is on Tuesday 23 October.

The Festival continues its commitment to training and presents, in conjunction with Skillset and Film London, a five-day programme at The Hospital for 25 filmmakers who are seeking to develop their careers at THINK–SHOOT–DISTRIBUTE from October 22 - 26. A lively series of talks, workshops and master-classes by top industry speakers will look at the business, creative and technical aspects of the film industry.

Further enhancing its role in nurturing the film talent of tomorrow, the Festival continues to work with key film schools to present the fourth edition of WORKING YOUR FUTURE - aimed specifically at undergraduates to give them post-graduation career guidance via panel presentations and screenings, as well as a keynote address by Julie Baines of Dan Films.

Also working with a wide range of established partners such as The Script Factory, the Directors Guild of Great Britain, the New Producers Alliance, Film London, B3 Media and the National Film and Television School, the Festival will also host a series of panel discussions and filmmaking events.