Film Agency For Wales launches producer development scheme

The Film Agency for Wales has launched a development programme for ten of Wales’ most aspiring production companies .

The scheme – Film Junction - has been developed by the Film Agency For Wales together with industry expert Angus Finney to “improve viability and capacity” for Welsh production companies.

Finney, who is the ex managing director international sales agent Renaissance and the producer of the annual London Film Production Market, is running the four month programme, which is being funded by Skillset.

It will specifically focus on creative management, business planning and reaching the audience, as well as helping companies to improve cash flow and tap into Welsh intellectual property rights.

Slate Films producer Andrea Calderwood, Warp Films managing director Robin Gutch, Ruby Films’ Paul Trijbits and Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures will all act as mentors.

Finney said: “The challenge when addressing Welsh film and programme producers is how to balance local issues and opportunities with national and international factors.  Effective storytelling can sometimes achieve what power-point presentations and hard-nosed analysis cannot. Selecting relevant case study material and drilling into the narrative can serve a wider purpose.”