Industry Day: Careers in Film

Join filmmakers, industry professionals, exhibitors, programmers, marketers and creatives from across the South West for a day of talks, discussions, networking and practical insight into the realities of working in film today. 

From creative careers and freelance life to funding, festivals, distribution and industry trends, Industry Day offers opportunities to learn from those working across the sector, make new connections and explore the many pathways into the screen industries. 

Programme 

10-11am

All Set West: Getting into Film & HETV

Jane Coulter is joined by Ryan Francis, Matt Gras and All Set West graduates for a practical look at breaking into film and High-End TV, from finding your first opportunities to building the skills, contacts and experience that can turn them into a career.

BFI Film Hub Meet-Up

Film Hub South West members come together for an in-person catch-up exploring the latest developments across independent film exhibition, sharing knowledge, challenges and opportunities from across the region.

11.30am - 12.30pm

South West on Screen: Local Stories and Filmmaking Journeys

Filmmakers Aggie Nyagari, Ric Rawlins and Cinematographer Sarah Smither explore making work in and about the South West, sharing their different routes into the industry and the opportunities and challenges of bringing locally rooted stories to the screen.

BFI Film Academy: Youth and New Entrants

Claire Simmons from BFI Film Academy South West shares practical routes into film and television for young people and new entrants, from training and hands-on experience to making industry connections and finding that all-important first opportunity.

1.30 - 2.30pm

From Script to Screen: Text Me When You're Home by Sarah Dawes

Last year, Sarah Dawes brought Text Me When You're Home to the IMDb Script to Screen Award as a screenplay. Now she returns with the finished film, sharing the practical realities of taking a low-budget short from page to screen and what she learnt moving from writer to director.

Animation Stories: Careers, Creativity and Real Talk 

Join our panel of creators, as they share their unique experiences across the animation industry. Sam Hines (stopmotion animator, Aardman), Hannah Staff (multi-disciplinary creator, Nocturne Oasis) and Jemina Legaspi (animation producer & filmmaker) will explore both the hurdles and highlights of their careers through an honest discussion about the industry and their own creative practice, followed by a Q&A session. 

3-4pm 

Becoming an Art Director with Grace Mahony

Art director Grace Mahony, whose credits span Rivals, The Road Trip and Aardman productions including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, shares how she built a career in the art department and what the job actually involves from production to production.

Making a Micro-Budget Short Film with writer/director Holly Holdsworth and SWIF 

SWIF founder Holly Holdsworth introduces the growing South West independent film community and shares practical ways filmmakers can find collaborators, opportunities, funding, screenings and support beyond their own productions.

This is part of Behind the Lens: Bath Film Festival's dedicated strand for filmmakers, emerging talent and screen industry professionals. 

Thank you to our education partner Bath Spa University 

And our sponsor CINERPG