Birmingham Film & TV Market counts STUDIOCANAL, Paramount+ among execs lineup

The Birmingham Film & TV Market have confirmed executives for the third edition of the BFTM.

The line up for the third edition of the Market include execs from:

• All3Media International
• Channel 4
• Channel 5
• Curzon
• Fulwell 73
• House Productions
• Independent Entertainment
• Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment
• Lionsgate
• Merman
• Paramount+
• Sky TV
• STUDIOCANAL

The UK’s one day pitch and market event, the BFTM links emerging producers and filmmakers with top executives from some of the biggest production companies in the UK.

Limited to fifty filmmakers, each team receives one-to-one meetings with senior representatives from industry leading Film and TV companies. The event will take place 27 October 2023 in Birmingham’s Grand Hotel.

The BFTM is a marketplace event that provides opportunities for filmmakers and investment and distribution bodies to connect and close production deals. Completed films and television projects, those in development or production stage, as well as film concepts.

Last year the emphasis of the festival was on TV, this year there is a greater film presence than before, with Curzon and Kaleidoscope now in the lineup.

The BFTM was set up to give opportunities to filmmakers and writers to speak directly to commissioners.

BFTM co-founder, Louise Osbourne said: “A lot of new filmmakers and writers find they cannot make progress in the industry without an agent. The Birmingham Film & TV Market is an opportunity for people who aren’t represented to speak directly to commissioners and begin conversations about how to move forward. Conversations started at the BFTM have led to agents being secured for our delegates.

“Being only an hour and half from London, with incredible locations and rich, diverse voices we aren’t surprised that top commissioners and production companies are excited to attend our market and find their next big show or film project.”  

One of the success stories is an integral part of the recently announced deal between UK’s Independent Entertainment and Lowkey Films who have teamed up for three-feature deal one of which Beyond The Deep, will be written and directed by Elliot and Zander Weaver. Elliot and Zander Weaver pitched to Independent Entertainment at the BFTM 2021.

Elliot and Zander Weaver said: “As film director/producers we’ve had the pleasure of attending numerous industry events, but the BFTM stands out as a unique opportunity, not just in the Midlands but the whole of the UK, offering filmmakers a platform to pitch to key industry players in a dynamic networking environment.

“Thanks to the connections and exposure created through pitching at the BFTM, we secured a co-production deal for our second feature film, Beyond The Deep, with a leading UK production and sales company, and we’re extremely grateful to Louise, Melissa and Sophie for their support and belief in us and their vision for the region’s vibrant future in film. 

“We highly recommend the BFTM to anyone looking to break into the film industry or take their career to the next level, and we will definitely be returning to pitch our future projects.“

BFTM co-founder, Mellissa Donello added: “Our ultimate goal for BFTM is to build a world-class Film & TV sales, pitch and trade Expo, here in Birmingham, taking its place alongside Cannes and AFM on the global calendar.”

Submissions are open until 31 July 2023. More information is available here.