Film London Launches Audience On Demand

Film London, in partnership with Creative England, has launched Audience on Demand and they are calling for applications.
Addressing the rapidly changing face of feature film distribution across the globe, Audience on Demand provides film-makers with the skills, knowledge and networks to face the challenge of selling their film in the marketplace, sourcing and maximising audiences while at the same time negotiating the impact of new digital technologies on the traditional routes of distribution and marketing. The deadline for applications is 5pm, 20th February 2013.
The three month programme (April to June 2013) is aimed at first and second time feature film-makers from across the UK with either a feature that has secured at least 50% production funding or is near completion (picture lock). Consisting of three intensive two day workshops and a final pitch day to industry professionals, the scheme will aid the teams in creating a tailored distribution and marketing plan for their specific projects. The participants will also be supported through a dedicated mentor support programme in between the workshops.
Proactive in its approach, Audience on Demand offers practical and real solutions for emerging talent. Funded by Creative Skillset, it focuses on business and entrepreneurial skills as well as providing a broad picture of the current distribution landscape, ranging from the traditional through to more “disruptive” avenues of distribution. The course will examine individual projects to drill down to discover the optimum way of reaching an audience – be it through theatrical distribution, the international film festival circuit, or digital distribution.
Targeting low to micro-budget films, teams will uncover where their project fits within the marketplace. The course will explore how to utilise social networking and digital technologies to profile projects and build audiences, as well as providing participants with a strong awareness of the business side of the film value chain.
Audience on Demand gives film-makers the tools and knowledge to assess their projects in order to ensure they find the largest audience possible. In turn this keeps film-maker’s businesses competitive, ultimately developing sustainable careers for emerging talent.
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London & the British Film Commission said: "We believe Audience on Demand is filling a very real skills gap which exists within our industry, especially for the UK’s emerging talent. It addresses the changing nature of feature film distribution, taking on board all the exciting and innovative ways film-makers across the globe are using to reach audiences. We hope Audience on Demand not only educates participants with what the options are, but also assists them in developing a bespoke distribution and marketing plan for their projects which they can then implement."
Chris Moll, Head of Talent at Creative England said: "Both Creative England and Film London have been in the vanguard of support for upcoming film-makers through ground-breaking initiatives such as iFeatures and Microwave. Audience on Demand gives us the opportunity to pool our experiences, knowledge and contacts around audiences and distribution, and to deliver an England-wide offer that helps our most entrepreneurial producers thrive in rapidly evolving marketplace."
Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset said: "Creative Skillset is funding this project to drive up producers’ skills in distributing their films, helping them to learn innovative ways to take a film to market and reach a wider audience. It will connect producers with distribution networks and give them the skills on how to market their films. This is one of a number of distribution-related training schemes we have recently funded with the aim of developing market-savvy and well-connected producers."
The programme will be divided across both the Film London and Creative England regions and successful applicants will be able to access bursary support.
www.filmlondon.org.uk/aod