FOCUS, UK's First International Production Event: 14th & 15th Dec

For the first time Ile De France will present a private screening of Versailles for British Film and TV Producers and British Location Managers. 

Based on King Louis XIV, the series had a budget of $30 million, making it the most expensive TV show France has ever produced. The series explores the life of Louis XIV and how he came about to create the world famous Versailles castle. The series feature George Blagden, from "Vikings", as the womanizing king.

Screening and drinks reception is on Tuesday 15th December at the Regent Street Theatre.

Also, during the FOCUS show, we shall be hosting a variety of exclusive industry parties, giving attendees a chance to kick back, have a few drinks and enjoy the FOCUS experience. These parties will be the best way to round out each conference day, and will ensure that FOCUS is the premium networking event for anyone in the screen industry. 

FOCUS runs from the 14th and 15th of December at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London UK.

Complete list of fringe events and FREE visitor registration for FOCUS is available at www.tlgfocus.com

FOCUS: Presentations Schedule

Monday 14th December 2015

11.00 AM – 11.45 AM:    Incentives for Commercials

An in-depth look at the increasing trend of government incentives to TV commercial productions

Speakers:  Steve Davies, Chief Executive, Advertising Producers Association. Harry Tracosas, Founder, Global Production Network. Ana Ilic, Executive Director of the Serbia Film Commission  

12.00 PM – 12.45 PM:     Virtual Reality: The Who, the How, the Why & the What

The presentation will look at what the major players in the VR industry are doing: Facebook, Google, Sony, HTC, Oculus Rift and Magic Leap. As well as at the new cameras and headsets being released and outline the production, post production and delivery processes in 360 film making. The session will include an interactive workshop where the audience will have the opportunity to try VR experiences created by Happy Finish.

Speaker:           Simon Gosling, Chief Executive Officer, Happy Finish.

1.00 PM – 1.45 PM:         Setkeeper: the best digital tool in pre-production

Featuring the most commonly used digital tools in pre-production, including Shot Designer, Map-a-pic and Setkeeper. The workshop will cover industry tips and techniques for digital location scouting and then applies them to award-winning projects on Setkeeper. 

Speaker:           Octave Bory-Bert, Chief Executive Officer, Melusyn

2.00 PM – 2.45 PM:         Film Friendly Korea

After housing the filming of Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Bourne Legacy, and Oldboy, no one can contest Korea’s reputation as a prime filming location. When coupled with the 30% cash rebate available for productions, this presentation by the Korean Film Commissions and Industry Network absolutely cannot be missed.

Speakers:    Erica Ko, International Affairs Manager, Seoul Film Commission. TJ Park, CEO & Producer, Birdy Film                                                               

3.00 PM – 3.45 PM:         The French Tax Rebate

Discovering the TRIP (Tax Rebate for International Production). Members of the UK production teams of BBC series Death in Paradise and feature film Absolutely Fabulous speak about working with France.

Speakers:          Melanie Chebance Head of Producers Relation, Film France. Alex Jones, Producer, Red Planet. Mark Hubbard, Producer. Tony Coco-Viloin, Manager - Special Adviser, Guadeloupe Film Commission

Tuesday 15th December 2015

11.00 AM – 12.45 PM            More for Less - Production accounting workshop for low-budget productions

A comprehensive production accounting workshop, aimed at low budget producers that will demonstrate the cloud -based production accounting initiative that Money Penny has developed to provide support and expertise to budget-challenged productions. Farah Abushwesa, an experienced line producer, will talk about the low-budget arena and her own experience of developing and funding low budget productions. Following a demonstration of the software, Lucy Drake, Farah and Sam will then illustrate what is possible using a hypothetical case study based upon their own experience. 

Speakers:      Farah Abushwesa , Line Producer. Sam Scowcroft, Money Penny Production Accounting Services. Lucy Drake, Money Penny Production Accounting Services

1.00 PM – 1.45 PM:         Looking for a Location?

The UK has some of the best location libraries in the world, often delivering beyond expectations. This workshop will feature several speakers talking about their own libraries and how they work with productions

Speaker:    Emma Plimmer, Managing Director, Locality Online. Jo Finden, Location Library Manager, Locate Productions

2.00 PM – 2.45 PM:         Explore Panama

Meet Panama, the new location for film, video and photo production. Presentation of Panama’s paradisiac locations, average costs, filming permits and samples of European productions who have already made Panama work for them.

Speaker:              Gabriel Padilla, Relationship Manager, Panama Film Commission

3.00 PM – 3.45 PM:         Droning…ON!

Emma Boswell of The Helicopter Girls will talk about the creative potential of drone technology, what is possible creatively and the advances that have been made over the past year. She will also screen some stunning examples.  Andy Pavord’s organisation, FilmFixer represents almost a third of London’s boroughs across the capital so he is well aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the use of the technology. 

Speakers:          Emma Boswell, The Helicopter Girls. Nicola Daley, Director of Photography. Andy Pavord, Managing Director, FilmFixer.

In addition FOCUS LOUNGE BAR is available on December 14th and 15th to schedule meetings and pre-Christmas drinks with your clients and colleagues. 
Win 2 Air tickets and accommodation: Offered by the Guadeloupe Tourism Board and the Guadeloupe Film Commission. Raffle prize includes 1 London-Guadeloupe return flight via Air France and accommodation for 7 nights at Créole Beach Hotel & Spa (4-star hotel), Le Gosier, Grande-Terre / double room, including breakfast.

FOCUS fringe events: 

Monday 14th December

1pm - 4pm:    Vegefeuer Liqueur tasting 
        On stands 14/15 and 17 (PSN Members) 

2pm - 3pm:    Estonian Film Institute Happy Hour 
        On stand 70

3pm - 4pm:    Location Professionals Group Christmas drinks *
        At the FOCUS Lounge bar
        Sponsored by Translux International.        

5pm - 7pm:    FOCUS Welcome Drinks
        Jack’s Café, Business Design Centre

Tuesday 15th December

1pm - 2pm:    Sweden Happy Hour
        St Lucia Procession on stands 49

1pm - 4pm:     Vegefeuer Liqueur tasting
        On stands 14/15 and 17 (PSN Members) 

3pm – 4pm:     Setkeeper Happy Hour *
        FOCUS Lounge bar

6.30 - 8.30pm:     Private screening of Versailles and Cocktail reception*
        Baker Street Theatre 
        Hosted by Ile de France Film Commission. 

7pm - 1am:     FOCUS APA Christmas Party*
        Sponsored by Goodgate Productions.