Screen Training Ireland and UK based We are the Tonic have announced the speaker line up and participating creative teams for Find Your Audience, a cutting edge Marketing and Distribution Mentorship Programme focused on building audiences for Irish Films.
Find Your Audience kicks off this Thursday the 14th of April with a three day launch module which aims to be scene-setting, visionary, inspiring and debate-provoking, featuring industry leaders and prominent players in distribution and reaching audiences.
Top international speakers include Academy Award Winning Producer, Gareth Ellis-Unwin, (The King’s Speech, Kajaki); Andy Mayson, Co-CEO Altitude Film Entertainment; Chris Bird, Director of Content Strategy, Amazon Prime; Pete Buckingham, Co-founder of SampoMedia; Dave Shear, CEO of Shear Entertainment; Simon Osborn, Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Protagonist Pictures; Lucy Savage, Content Distribution and Digital Consultant; Adam Rubins, CEO of Way To Blue; Jonathan Rutter, Director of Film at Premier PR; Oli Harbottle, Head of Distribution at Dogwoof Pictures; Jon Rushton, Head of Theatrical Distribution, Curzon Artificial Eye.
Irish speakers include Patrick O’Neil, Managing Director, Wildcard Distribution and Audrey Sheils, Head of Distribution, Element Pictures.
The programme aims to provide as realistic and practical an environment as possible for participants to learn and practise the key principles and processes of film distribution and apply directly to their own projects. The programme aims to empower participants with knowledge of the distribution options available to them, the latest developments in the landscape, and key contacts within the industry.
The participating companies include:
• Underground Films
• Venom
• Blue Ink Productions
• Fantastic Films
• SP Films
• Dot TV
Over the next three months mentors will guide the filmmakers through realising the distribution of their projects.
I’m delighted to be creating this programme with STI focussed on bringing distribution and audience building to the forefront of Irish filmmaking and giving films the very best chance of success in today’s market. During 3 months of workshops, events and mentoring, Irish producers will have unique opportunities to meet and work with some of the most experienced figures in the industry, and apply their learnings directly to their film projects. It’s a really exciting programme to be a part of. – Deborah Rowlands, CEO, WE Are The Tonic
Following the recent success of Irish Film it is imperative for us to focus on distribution strategies and building audiences for Irish Film. The programme is a fantastic opportunity for the participating teams to explore the new distribution environment. – Helen McMahon, Training Executive, Screen Training Ireland
A full breakdown of the Find Your Audience programme can be found here.