Editor's blog

 International film and TV delegates to discuss funding and distribution at Cardiff’s Producers Forum.

• Expanded industry event to co-inside with Iris Prize film festival
• 12 industry speakers from the UK and US to address the forum

• Highlights includes Distrify co-founder Andrew Green discussing distribution and a presentation by S4C on co-production

Cardiff will host a newly expanded Producers Forum in October to co-inside with the popular Iris Prize Film Festival. The film and TV industry event will focus on the latest issues affecting low budget film making addressing issues of funding and distribution.

“The Producers Forum offers filmmakers from the UK a chance to interact with professionals from all four corners of the globe in a friendly but business like manner. We start with a strong international base with many delegates converging in Cardiff for the Iris Prize Festival. Expanding the Producers Forum beyond gay and lesbian production has been a natural and easy process. 99% of business issues affecting LGBT film content is relevant to anybody working in film and TV today,” said Berwyn Rowlands from the Festivals Company.

“As the MD of a production company located in the UK working on international co-productions, I’m aware of the similarities there are between all of us working in this sector, whether you’re producing documentaries, horror or children’s programmes. The Producers Forum is the ideal place to share, learn and make new contacts for future projects,” he added.

The one day event will focus on two main areas covering funding and distribution. Kevin Dolan, Talent Development Manager at Film London will start the day with an overview of funding opportunities in the UK. Other speakers will include Distrify co-founder Andrew Green who will look at distributing content, Elin Morris from S4C will lead on a presentation about the channel’s co-production activity, and the Bafta in Wales closing comments will be given by the BFI’s Deputy Chief Executive Tim Cagney.

“I’m delighted that the Producers Forum is expanding to be relevant to a wider media community this year. The opportunity for the sector in Wales and beyond to meet and share ideas and discuss challenges that affect day to day business life with other international partners will be very useful,” said Judy Wasdell, Manager, Media Antenna.

The full programme is available here: http://www.irisprize.org/producers-forum/