'Build Your Audience' With Film London

Film London has launched a new training programme entitled 'Build Your Audience' (formerly known as Audience on Demand) to provide up to 10 film-making teams with the skills needed to sell their film in the commercial marketplace.
Funded by Creative Skillset, Build Your Audience focuses on "how to find and maximise audiences, while negotiating the impact of new digital technologies on the traditional routes of distribution, sales and marketing".
The scheme is aimed at first and second time feature film-makers with a film that has secured at least 50% production funding or is near completion. Successful applicants will create a tailored distribution and marketing plan for their specific projects through the four month programme (April-August 2014).
New for this year's programme is a supplementary training day that will concentrate exclusively on European Distribution. In addition, a partnership with We Are Colony, a new global online platform for independent film which launches in spring, will provide a space to profile the films selected for Build Your Audience.
Adrian Wootton (pictured), Chief Executive of Film London & the British Film Commission said: "Developing on the success of last year, Build Your Audience continues to address the rapidly changing nature of feature film distribution, taking on board all the innovative ways film-makers across the globe are using to reach audiences.
"The training addresses a very real skills gap which exists within our industry, especially for the UK's emerging talent, while partnerships with platforms such as We Are Colony give film-makers access to very real and tangible opportunities to connect with an audience.
"I am proud that with our partners we are delivering this training to support the next generation of UK film-makers in navigating the complexities of film distribution."
Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset said: "It is crucial for film-makers to understand the increased complexity of distribution opportunities, and how to reach their audiences via alternative platforms.
"This training gives producers, with live projects, the upfront know-how and skills by exposing them to the latest data and market trends from a range of experts in this field."
Sarah Tierney, Founder of We Are Colony, said: "We Are Colony is a platform for film-makers to launch films earlier and build a following. The platform allows film-makers to engage directly with audiences and grow market demand for their film through early release of additional or behind-the-scenes content.
"The platform will attract, retain and grow audiences, delivering direct revenue and creating uplift in traditional windows of release. Film London has a history of championing emerging film-makers to critical and commercial success, in the UK and internationally, which directly reflects the ambitions of We Are Colony. We are delighted to partner with Film London on this latest innovative initiative."
The deadline for applications is 5pm, 17 March 2014.
www.filmlondon.org.uk/buildyouraudience
(IT/JP)