Film London Launches Production Finance Market

Film London launched today the capital's first ever Production Finance Market, which will run from 22-23 October 2007, in association with The Times BFI 51st London Film Festival. Held at a central London venue, the two-day event will bring together producers, financiers and new forms of investment and funds.

More than 100 film producers and leading financiers from the UK, Europe and international territories will be invited to attend, selected through a call for entries this spring. Financiers will be drawn from across the sector, from private equity and hedge fund managers to banks, tax funds and financiers specialising in the industry.

Set up in response to industry demand, the market will hold seminars, networking events, matched tabled meetings between producers and financiers and a dedicated session for producers to pitch to private equity investors.

New and emerging UK producers will also have the opportunity to attend the Market. In collaboration with each Regional Screen Agency and the Film Agency for Wales, producers from across England and Wales will be selected to participate in a training session in September, designed to improve both their creative and financial pitching capabilities. Following the training, a Dragon's Den-style panel will then select around 15 projects to participate in the Production Finance Market.

Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London said: "As the global powerhouse for international finance and business and as one of the world's major centres for film-making, it's extremely fitting that London should host a Production Finance Market.

"At a time when new forms of financing and significant structural and technological changes are taking place in the UK film industry, the need for such a market is particularly evident. I'm especially pleased that both top flight and new producers from throughout the UK are set to benefit from this unique international event. Running in association with The Times BFI London Film Festival provides a perfectly complimentary framework to the Market and adds a further incentive for participants to attend."

Sandra Hebron, Artistic Director of The Times BFI London Film Festival said: "This exciting and timely initiative from Film London promises to provide significant new opportunities for producers from across the UK. As a Festival committed to nurturing and showcasing UK talent, we are proud to be associated with the Market.'

Andrew Eaton, Producer at Revolution Films and Vice Chair of the UK Film Council said: "There's never been a better moment to secure the financial future of the British film industry and this market should become one of the pillars of that process." -- www.filmlondon.org.uk