iFeatures was launched in 2009 and is Bristol-based digital film initiative that has supported and bankrolled the creation of three films set in the city. The scheme attracted over 550 applications from writer/director/producer teams, which spanned the UK. These were then whittled down to twelve projects by an experienced panel of producers, directors, distributors, and acquisition executives including Julian Temple, Sarah Gavron and Rebecca O’Brien.

After an intensive period of script development, early casting and locations work, and distribution and marketing advice, six projects were selected for full development, with further support, training, and mentoring from industry professionals such as Simon Beaufoy, Jesse Armstrong, Justin Chadwick, and Paul Andrew Williams. The final three films were granted budgets of £300,000 each, to be shot on location in Bristol in late 2010/early 2011. The BBC has acquired the UK free TV rights to all three features; The Dark Half, Eight Minutes Idle, and Flying Blind respectively.

In this discussion, panel members talk about the iFeatures scheme, and provide invaluable advice on how to make the transition from producing short films to securing funding for feature-length films. This is essential viewing for budding filmmakers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of the film industry. 

Chris Moll, Executive Producer for South West Screen chaired this panel discussion, in which Eight Minutes Idle filmmakers Mark Simon Hewis and Matt Thorne were joined by Alison Sterling and Caroline Harrington of Flying Blind, and head of films for the BBC, Steve Jenkins.

Related Links:
ifeatures.swscreen.co.uk
www.encounters-festival.org.uk

Posted on Wed 17 Nov 2010.

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