A large number of films made in the UK are set and produced in London, and as a result we tend to think of Britain’s film industry as operating primarily from the capital. However, both the internet and the digitisation of film have stimulated a cultural shift in the way film is being produced, funded, distributed, and exhibited. As a result, filmmakers are no longer beholden to the capital, and work can now be made and distributed from where they are based – wherever that may be.
It was with this in mind , that Watershed and partners ShowroomWorkstation in Sheffield and Broadway in Nottingham launched FilmWorks, a practice oriented professional development scheme for filmmakers to develop a network of regional film talent. The scheme offered a rare opportunity for emerging filmmaking talent from the English regions – both Producers and Directors – to expand their creative, and commercial potential through an intensive three month programme of masterclasses, workshops and mentoring.
“For me Filmworks, especially the meet up, was an intense experience, which was extremely enjoyable. The scheme has been fruitful for my production slate, along with my existing projects, I’m now attached to further two projects as producer, and I also have a new business partner.” Sophia Ramcharan , Nottingham