New business initiative targets screen industry

A new development initiative, aimed at UK businesses in film, television and interactive media production, has been set up by strategic consultants Olsberg|SPI in association with the Film Council, PACT and the Independent Production Training Fund (IPTF).
'Enterprise|UK: Business Strategies for the Independent Producer', is an advanced workshop for film, television and interactive media producers beginning November 20.
The stated purpose of the programme is to arm participants with a strategic approach to planning and running their businesses in the context of the international marketplace and the digital economy. It also provides students with training in business skills so that they may develop their companies with medium and long-term plans, while also improving growth and stability.
The course is open to owners and managers of film, television and interactive media production businesses who are already successful in creating projects and wish to develop skills in business strategy.
The deadline for applications is Friday October 18 2002, and application forms can be downloaded from www.enterpriseuk.org.
This major training programme is funded by the National Lottery through the Film Council's Training Fund, which invests in training the creative and technical talent base in the UK in order to develop a sustainable UK film industry.
John Woodward, Film Council CEO, said: "Enterprise|UK will provide creatives with the business tools and planning expertise to fast track the growth of their companies. Supporting highly targeted training initiatives like this one is key to helping producers deliver a sustainable UK film industry."
Enterprise|UK is also receiving funding from the IPTF, which raises a voluntary levy on all UK independent television productions. The IPTF invests in initiatives to develop the competitiveness of the independent television production sector.
PACT are also contributing to Enterprise|UK, in line with their aim to build a more dynamic production sector that can grow stronger and deliver quality content to the global market.
(GB)