Producer and former agent Cassian Elwes turned to one of his favourite topics in his keynote address at the IFTA Production Conference (25), laying into what he called a “rubbish” tentpole model that jeopardised the prospects of intelligent filmmakers.

The Elevated Film Sales CEO struck a more hopeful note when he told attendees in Century City that as the studios continued to produce fewer films and make more tentpoles, opportunities will arise.

“Actors want to do these [non-studio] films and that’s where we come in,” said Elwes. “There’s an audience for alternative fare.”

Elwes’ credits as producer, executive producer or packaging agent include The Butler, Dallas Buyers Club, Hateship Loveship, Paul Bettany’s feature directorial debut Shelter and Werner Herzog’s upcoming Queen Of The Desert.

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