Internationalisation has been one of the trends noticeable among UK funders at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
A number of UK funders, including Film4, Film London, Creative England and the BFI have been in Cannes looking to capitalise on stronger ties with the US and international markets as the film world becomes ever more globalized.
Respected UK broadcaster Film4, keen to develop a sharper commercial agenda since the arrival of new head David Kosse, is pushing for greater collaboration with top US producers, financiers and talent.
Announced during Cannes, was Film4’s partnership with Whiplash producers Blumhouse and New York-based Cohen Media Group on book adaptation Stoner, for example, with international partners also keen to build on ties with the respected UK broadcaster.
Film4 has met with Netflix in recent weeks, with both parties mulling collaboration on breakout potentials in the vein of Ex Machina, a sleeper hit in the US. As part of its international push it has also hired a US publicist to further its presence in the world’s premier market.
In a sign of the times it has also been noted this Cannes that all four of the films backed by Film4 playing in competition are directed by non-UK directors.
Also during the festival, Film London announced a new transatlantic partnership with US promotion agency IFP to give UK producers access to the No Borders International Co-Production Market at Independent Film Week in New York.
The BFI continues to tout its fund launched last year to support the export of UK films and promotion of UK talent to US audiences while Creative England discussed international talent event TalentX and upcoming international schemes.
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