BFI London Film Festival 2019

An enjoyable and informative fortnight of panels, screenings, premieres and networking right here on our own doorstep. This year I decided to take full advantage and I'm so glad I did. So pleased to see our client The Bureau Films with a whopping THREE premieres at the festival this year. Here's a snapshot of what Paper & Chain attended from the Industry Events Programme:

Day 2 LFF Glen Basner CEO of FilmNation talking about his career, the importance of storytelling and the opportunities being created by expansion into other mediums. Inspiring to hear about his journey and how every project needs to spark creative interest first and foremost

Day 3 LFF X FB: You knew it wasn't going to be your typical film conference when sitting in a neon room at Facebook, music blaring, waiting for it to begin. A dynamic day of industry keynotes, talks, panels and practical sessions looking at evolving audience habits in the digital space and exploring best practice when it comes to finding and reaching those audiences. Interesting collaboration.

Day 7 LFF: High End TV and the future of distribution

Lively discussion about the high end TV revolution moderated by Stewart Clarke (Variety). Enjoyed hearing Jane Featherstone (Founder, Sister Pictures) on the opportunities being created by the tech evolution, Andy Harries OBE - (CEO, Left Bank Pictures) on casting Olivia Coleman for The Crown over a cuppa, Hakan Kousetta (COO Television, See Saw Films) on shooting in the Arctic and Lars Blomgren (Head of Scripted, EMEA EndemolShine) talk about the increasing success in the international arena.

Also listened to Louisa Dent (MD Curzon Artficial Eye), Hamish Moseley (MD, Altitude), Pam Hermeling (CEO, September Pictures) and Jon Barrenechea (VP Marketing, MUBI) discussing the future of independent distribution. Hosted by Hollywood Reporter. I liked their overall positive response to streaming platforms - it's not disruption; it's evolution; the more ways we can get films to audiences the better. We survived video, we survived DVD, and we'll survive whatever new mediums are ahead.

Day 8 LFF: New Kids on the Block and Getting your second feature made Inspiring to hear how producers, writers and directors have made their projects a reality. Humbling and importamt to hear the journey on the creative side that us lawyers tend to miss.

Until next year LFF!