Week 3 - 2023
Intro
Planning for my maternity ramped up this week with the signing of 2 new wonderful team members who I can announce soon. Bringing in additional support whilst I try and take some time out was definitely required to ease my anxiety. I’m so excited for the expertise that they will bring to the team and our clients.
Gutted to not be up the mountain at Sundance this year, but I’m hoping to be back for 2024, perhaps with a snowboarding baby also in attendance… For those at the festival, I’m hearing great things about Fairyland (EP’d by our friend Nicole Shipley at Safespace Pictures), and Victim/Suspect from one of our previous clients Nancy Schwartzman. If you are at the festival, let me know what you are watching and what you recommend!
✅ British Fashion Council preview of Fashion Reimagined
On Tuesday the British Fashion Council hosted a special preview of Fashion Reimagined for leaders in the industry. Director Becky Hutner introduced the film and discussed the transformations she has witnessed in the industry, and how much is still left to do. The Q&A was moderated by Miquita Oliver, following an introduction from BFC patron June Sarpong, featuring the film’s subject Amy Powney (Mother of Pearl).
Big thanks to Liana Weatherhead on Amy’s team for pulling together such a great event!
Fashion Reimagined will be released in UK cinemas via Met Film Distribution on 3rd March. Preview events will start in February.
You can see a full list of screenings here.
✅ Attended Doc Society networking drinks
It’s always great to meet new talent, and it was wonderful to see old friends and new ones at the Doc Society networking drinks on Monday. They had invited a range of short filmmakers supported through their ‘BFI Made of Truth’ funding scheme to meet with industry execs. Thanks as ever to the host Fiona Fletcher the room was full of interesting people sharing advice, tips, and contact details.
I’m excited to see where some of these short films land in terms of film festival debuts and wider distribution. Having worked on a range of high-profile shorts this awards season, it’s clear to see that the opportunities for short documentaries are rising. Monetization of shorts is still a harder process than features, however, there are now a range of great case studies where filmmakers have been able to balance some form of revenue with enhanced exposure/reach with the right platform approach.
Check out the list of films funded here, and reach out to these film teams if you are able to support their work any further:
✅ In person (late) Xmas Party!
Due to some additional COVID positive tests pre-Xmas we had to postpone the Together Films Xmas Party until the new year. It was so great to get the team together in person for some food and drink, and a little Karaoke. With our team spread across London & NYC it’s hard to have everyone in the same place, but hoping we can make some magic happen later in the year to have us all in the same space.
Feedback this week
“We are so thankful for this opportunity for our interns to learn from your team” - celebrating a new intern mentoring programme that is starting next week.