There will be an organised market in London in October in the week before Mifed. While the London Film Festival, under Adrian Wootton and the rival London International Film Festival, under former LFF director Sheila Whitaker, slug it out, J&M's Mike Ryan confirmed to Moving Pictures that the UK producers' organisation PACT will be running the day-to-day running of the London screenings, scheduled for 13-17 October.

Last year saw a huge increase in the number of companies attending London's pre-Mifed screenings, which neverthless remained an informal event, with no central organising body. PACT will provide that, under the guidance of a board of senior industry executives such as Ryan, Mayfair's Ian Scorer, Rank's Nicole Mackey and Film Four's Bill Stephens.

The organisers will offer the services required by internatinal buyers, such as a brochure, transport, deals on accommodation and transport, a screening schedule and screening facilities. Wherever possible, services will be provided free of charge or for nominal cost "We don't want to rip people off," said Ryan.

One clear rule is that sellers must screen only new product. A link with either of the rival festivals may be made, although the new enterprise is not dependent on it.

Ryan confirmed that the new event would complement, rather than threaten Mifed. As Bill Stephens put it, "This way buyers can see your film in London, and you can actually talk to them in Milan."
Nick Thomas