Film London creates Artists unit

Film London has created a dedicated department to focus on artists and has named Maggie Ellis as head of Artists’ Moving Image.

Ellis is currently head of production and talent development at the agency and will oversee all production activity, including Film London Microwave and its shorts and training programmes, until a replacement is appointed.

Funded by Arts Council England, Film London launched its Artists’ Moving Image Network (FLAMIN) in 2005 to provide artists in the capital working in the moving image access to funding, guidance, development opportunities and promotional and exhibition platforms.

It runs the Film London Jarman Award, an annual prize which awards $16,000 (£10,000) and a broadcast commission, recognising the creativity of UK artist film-makers.

Film London also operates FLAMIN Productions, the commissioning fund behind the multi award-winning Two Years At Sea directed by Ben Rivers and West Hinder by Elizabeth Price, who won last year’s Turner Prize.

Ellis said: “When we started this work at Film London we were one of very few voices championing artists’ moving image practice. Artists’ films are now being released theatrically in cinemas as well as being screened in galleries and across other platforms, commanding large audiences.

“This work is gaining in profile and momentum – a fact demonstrated last year when three of the four artists nominated for the Turner Prize were moving image artists.

“I feel proud that through FLAMIN, Film London has been a key part of this movement, yet there is still so much potential – new voices to discover and new audiences to reach and inspire.

“I am excited at the prospect of taking it forward with the FLAMIN team and having the chance to focus on this innovative, and hugely rewarding area of work, which will not only continue to break new ground of its own, but is also vital to challenging the conventions of the cinema and art worlds.”