FOCUS is the only UK trade event where attendees can meet with content makers and facilitators from over 100 countries, attracting thousands of professionals from across the creative screen industries, and we were happy to see so many of our members and partners there across two very busy days.
The event kicked off New Kids on the Block, a panel featuring PGGB Chair Bianca Gavin, alongside Claire Tavernier (FTVC), Clare Welch (Screenskills HETV Council) and Sara Putt (BAFTA), who have all taken on new, high profile non-executive roles either as Chairs or as Board Members in the past year. “I’ve been a member of the guild for 20 years - there’s a feeling of community and belonging that’s really meaningful for freelancers” said Bianca.
“There were many reasons I wanted to join as chair, and I’m already finding many many more as I grow into my role!”
The panel covered strikes, support for the industry, and the sustainability of our skilled workforce, among many other topics. “I’d love to just maximise our potential, creating a sustainable workforce to service local and international productions. Whatever we can contribute towards building an inclusive and stable industry, I’d be happy with that!” said Bianca on her hopes for PGGB and the future of her role.
Next up, we were delighted to host a Producers’ Lunch for members and the wider production community, closely followed by a live recording of our Meet the Producer Podcast, hosted by Jason Solomons, and introduced by PGGB CEO Lyndsay Duthie.
For this special edition of the podcast, Jason talked to Alex Boden, award-winning UK film and TV producer and former Chair of PGGB, who most recently produced two seasons of the Max crime drama series Tokyo Vice in Japan. The podcast will available on our site soon.
On Tuesday afternoon, British Film Commission Head of Production UK and PGGB Board Member Samantha Perahia hosted a panel on cross-border collaboration featuring Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. The panel covered filmmakers’ experiences while shooting major productions in international locations, and also featured representatives from film commissions in Iceland and Malta.
Finally, we were delighted to sponsor a drinks reception on Tuesday evening, wrapping up an extremely busy day.
