FAN support for new film releases
The BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) has relaunched its support for new film releases and is excited to announce the next four films to receive FAN support.
Since summer 2018, BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) has supported four new release films each year, selected by representatives from BFI FAN, BFI, Into Film and the Independent Cinema Office. Anyone can submit a film for consideration and we particularly welcome submissions from film distributors and exhibitors.
Discover the latest titles to receive FAN support, which include amazing films from across the globe that deserve to be seen on the big screen below and get in touch at fannewreleases@watershed.co.uk to take up what’s on offer.
Upcoming 2019 Release…
The Peanut Butter Falcon
Dir. Tyler Nilson and Michael Shwartz | Cert. TBC | 1hr 33 min | U.S.
Release date: 18 October from Signature Entertainment
Booking: sales@signature-entertainment.co.uk
The Peanut Butter Falcon is a modern Mark Twain-esque adventure starring Shia LaBeouf (American Honey, Fury) as a small-time outlaw turned unlikely coach who joins forces with Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome on the run from the nursing home with the dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Dakota Johnson (Suspiria, Fifty Shades of Grey) stars as Zak’s loving, but stubborn, carer.
From writer/director duo Tyler Nilson and Michael Shwartz the film also stars
Jon Bernthal (Baby Driver, Fury), Thomas Hayden Church (Sideways), Bruce Dern (Nebraksa), John Hawkes (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and introducing Zack Gottsagen as Zack.
- Marketing pack and assets
- Freelance marketing support in every Film Hub area
- Support from Inclusive Cinema for exhibitors putting on accessible screenings
- Budget for Facebook/social media ads
For information on how FAN can support your screening, please contact Timon Singh, Campaigns Manager, Film Hub South West at ti.s@watershed.co.uk
Previous 2019 Releases…
Hail Satan?
Dir. Penny Lane | Cert. 15 | 1hr 35 min | U.S.
Release date: 23 August from Dogwoof
Booking: marcel@dogwoof.com
Chronicling the extraordinary rise of one of the most colourful and controversial religious movements in American history, Hail Satan? is an inspiring and entertaining new feature documentary from acclaimed director Penny Lane (Nuts!, Our Nixon). When media-savvy members of the Satanic Temple organise a series of public actions designed to advocate for religious freedom and challenge corrupt authority, they prove that with little more than a clever idea, a mischievous sense of humor, and a few rebellious friends, you can speak truth to power in some truly profound ways. As charming and funny as it is thought-provoking, Hail Satan? offers a timely look at a group of often misunderstood outsiders whose unwavering commitment to social and political justice has empowered thousands of people around the world.
- Marketing pack and assets
- Freelance marketing support in every Film Hub area
- Budget for Facebook/social media ads
We The Animals
Dir. Jeremiah Zagar | Cert TBC | 1hr 33 min | U.S.
Released 14 June 2019 by Eureka Entertainment
Booking: steve@eurekavideo.co.uk
We are proud to announce the first title to receive BFI FAN support for the 2019/2020 season – director Jeremiah Zagar’s We The Animals.
Three boys tear through their rural New York hometown, in the midst of their young parents’ volatile love that makes and unmakes the family many times over. While Manny and Joel grow into versions of their loving and unpredictable father, Ma seeks to keep her youngest, Jonah, in the cocoon of home. More sensitive and conscious than his older siblings, Jonah increasingly embraces an imagined world all his own.
With a screenplay by Dan Kitrosser and Jeremiah Zagar, We the Animals is a visceral coming-of-age story propelled by layered performances from its astounding cast – including three talented, young first-time actors – and stunning animated sequences which bring Jonah’s torn inner world to life.
- Marketing pack and assets
- Freelance marketing support in every Film Hub area
- Budget for Facebook/social media ads
Happy as Lazzaro
Dir. Alice Rohrwacher | 12A | 2hr 5min | Italy
Released 15 March 2019 by Modern Films
Booking: franksmith@munrofilmservices.co.uk
- Campaign plans coming soon
Sweet-natured Lazzaro lives in a village in the beautiful Italian countryside, set apart from the world by a bridge that no one can be bothered to fix. Life unfolds much like it did a century ago, save for the odd Walkman and 1990s-era dance music, until things take a strange and supernatural turn as Lazzaro strikes up a friendship with a rebellious young nobleman.
- Marketing pack and assets
- T-Shirts from Girls On Tops
- Freelance marketing support in every Film Hub area
- Budget for Facebook/social media ads
- Help producing panel/Q&A events
FAN support for new releases aims to better connect the worlds of exhibition and distribution, and ensure that the best new independent releases find a place in cinemas and connect with audiences across the UK.
What to expect from FAN support:
- Regional film marketers will be working on film campaigns in every Film Hub region. You can expect increased profile and visibility in your area as well as more in-venue marketing and event opportunities.
- All venues and festivals can pitch for additional budget for grassroots marketing or event activity. Get in touch at fannewreleases@watershed.co.uk with your idea.
- A BFI FAN Marketing Pack will be available for all films. Designed especially for exhibitors the pack contains event and marketing ideas, copy, images, assets, press and e-mail outreach templates to help effectively promote the film.
- FAN support is going to really focus on how developing younger audiences, aged 16-30, for independent films. You can expect ideas and assets, as well as case studies on what’s worked (and what hasn’t!) to help with your own audience development plans.
- Booking Now – a new, monthly newsletter delivered to all FAN members. It includes booking opportunities for new releases as well as nationwide seasons (e.g. the BFI Blockbuster) and touring programmes. Registered Film Hub members will automatically receive this newsletter – if you’re not a member yet, find out more about joining Film Hub South West.
- Long-term audience development support is available each year for a limited number of venues. Venues have already been selected for this round and we will be opening this support again from April 2019.
- An open submission process for the new release film titles FAN are supporting each year. Exhibitors and distributors can submit a title to be considered for FAN support at any time. The next selection is for films released from April 2019 onwards and will take place in early February – go to fannewreleases.co.uk and get submitting before then!
If you have a question or would like to find out more, please get in touch at fannewreleases@watershed.co.uk.
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BFI NETWORK South West are pleased to present our participants for the New Producers Lab 2020.
Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Watershed is a Registered Charity No. 284188 and a Social Enterprise
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Film Hub South West &
BFI NETWORK South West
are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
