Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London

Film London, the capital’s film and media agency, in conjunction with the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency, is providing almost £100,000 of support for The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival.

The funding and support goes to activities during the festival that not only strengthen connections with the capital’s film and media industry, but also broaden the festival’s reach to the widest possible London audience.

• Film in the City, funded by Film London, takes the festival beyond central London to local cinemas across the capital including venues in some of the city’s most outer boroughs: David Lean, Croydon; The Genesis, Mile End; Greenwich Picturehouse; Phoenix, East Finchley; Rich Mix, Shoreditch; Rio, Dalston; Tricycle, Kilburn; and Watermans, Brentford
• London Moves Me (22 October) sees the big screen returning to Trafalgar Square for a night of free outdoor screenings of rare archive film including enchanting footage from London’s Screen Archives. The programme is a celebration of transport in the capital with everything from buses to a canoe in footage from 1896 to 2009 with live piano accompaniment by Neil Brand
• The Centrepiece Gala presented by the Mayor of London (19 October): Bright Star depicts the doomed romance between the poet John Keats and his neighbour Fanny Brawne while they lived near Hampstead Heath between 1819 and 1820. An exquisite piece of film-making from Oscar®-winning director Jane Campion, this London set love story also boasts superb performances from Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish
• London Film Festival Trailer: Film London assisted the filming of the new official festival trailer by financing the services of an experienced London location manager, sourcing key additional crew, plus offering bespoke locations advice. With Film London’s support the intensive shoot in iconic areas of the capital went well and the results can be seen ahead of every screening and event throughout the festival. The trailer was produced by award-winning commercials production company, Knucklehead
• Film London Production Finance Market (21-22 October) is the only event of its kind in the UK connecting producers and financiers from the international marketplace to establish new financing relationships. Building on its previous success, the PFM will provide top level producers with potential avenues of film finance, offering vital support of independent film production amid the difficult economic downturn. Full details to be announced later this month
• London Calling (27 October): a programme of short films showcasing some of the best of new London talent supported by Film London production schemes
• Think-Shoot-Distribute (19-23 October): funded by Skillset, Film London and the LFF this five day professional development programme provides 25 talented and experienced film-makers with creative and business training in key areas from development to exhibition. Selected participants to be announced later this month
• Power to the Pixel (14-15 October): a two day forum connecting the UK film industry with key digital innovators
• Industry Office, supported by Film London, caters for the needs of UK and international film professionals at the festival, offering them a wide range of services and activities including screenings, seminars and networking events. A full line-up of Festival Industry events will be announced soon

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London, said:
“Film London, supported by the Mayor of London and the LDA, is delighted to again be a major funder and supporter of the London Film Festival. The festival is a fantastic celebration of film in the capital and we are proud that our support can bring the festival to the outer areas of London – reaching a wider and more diverse audience.

It is also fantastic to see such a strong selection of London shot films in this year’s programme, many of which were supported by Film London. Both the opening and closing night gala films – Fantastic Mr. Fox and Nowhere Boy – filmed in the capital plus a host of other titles including An Education and Bright Star. This is a great example of how filming in the capital, be it on location or in our world-class studios, is still going strong despite the difficult economic climate.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
“I want to congratulate the London Film Festival for bringing the industry and public together and an outstanding range of films from across the globe – including some great ones that have been made right here. Let’s not be shy – the capital’s film industry is a real success story and even in these economically challenging times it’s one of the busiest production cities in the world.”