Industry Events
Breaking into the industry
Wednesday 4th October at 11:00am
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
We are joined by four filmmakers who have blazed their own trail into the Film/TV industry, sharing how they got started, built their names and grew their companies. Our guests are Natasha Hawthornthwaite (Northern Heart Films), a filmmaker specialising in non-fiction content for online, TV and cinema. Jack Hartley a freelance producer and location manager (Zomdic Films), he works across drama, non fiction and music videos, Lucy Campbell a UK writer/director, her award winning short films, funded by BFI, Film4, Film London, Creative England, Fox Digital have been programmed in multiple UK and international festivals. James Joel Dann (New Take Films), a documentary production company often filming across the world in hostile situations
Script to Screen
Wednesday 4th October at 12:20pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Archie Sinclair and Chuckie McEwan join us from Grey Moth to share case studies on their short films that have gone from “Script to Screen”. Since 2013 Grey Moth have delivered meaningful content to clients from a diverse range of industries including the educational sector, media, esports, luxury retail, and the arts. They’ve made work for the BBC, Chanel, Universal Music, Asics, University of the Arts London and the Royal Horticultural Society. In 2020 they launched Grey Moth Originals, an initiative where their profits are invested directly into emerging talent, original ideas and the film community.
DOP Masterclass – James Oldham
Wednesday 4th October at 1:10pm
Light Cinema Screen 2
Light Cinema Screen 2
Recipient of the British Society of Cinematographers Emerging Cinematographer award, winner of Best Cinematography at MANIFF and Rhodes Island, James Oldham has worked with both the smallest and the biggest studios, brands and production companies in the world. Shooting beautiful work consistently, he always manages to capture the essence of a story, whether it be intimate drama, grotesque horror, action packed thriller or well loved family classic. In this session we hear how James approaches a shoot.
BBC Writers Room
Wednesday 4th October at 1:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
BBC Writers Room champions new writing talent in film, television, radio, and theatre. In this session, Development Executive Simon Nelson shares advice on writing for film and television by offering pragmatic tips and advice on structuring your plot, defining your genre and authoring compelling characters and realistic dialogue.
The Perfect Pitch
Wednesday 4th October at 3:00pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Luke Walton, director of The Pitch, shows us in this session how to get the core of your story across with genre and character, how to practise pitching in everyday life, how to avoid pitfalls and how to respond to feedback. There will also be the opportunity to pitch live and receive feedback.
Red carpet reception
Wednesday 4th October at 6:00pm
Network
Network
Bolton Film Festival launches its seventh edition with a special screening of masterful, energising and thought-provoking films. Curated by Festival Director Adrian Barber, our Opening Night takes a cross section of the festival programming, bringing you a unique and diverse selection of stories from the 300 films that make up the festival. Join us beforehand on the red carpet for drinks and snacks, networking and conversation.
After Party
Wednesday 4th October at 9:30pm
Network
Network
Join us in Bar 4 in The Vaults of The Market Place for some drinks and movie themed tunes. Connect with other industry guests and prepare for the week ahead. Start a conversation, discuss your work and meet contacts who could transform your career.
SPOTLIGHT: Duncan Cowles
Thursday 5th October at 11:00am
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Duncan Cowles is a BAFTA Scotland Award winning documentary filmmaker whose short films have been selected for some of the most renowned film festivals in the world, winning a selection of awards, and gaining significant online exposure through platforms such as Short of the Week, Vimeo Staff Picks, BFI Player and TED and others. In recent years Duncan has also been commissioned to make work for Channel 4, STV, BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 4, Adobe and more. After 10 years making shorts he’s on the cusp of completing his first feature. Duncan shares his journey making films and what we feel is a creative approach so distinct from others.
Shorts to Features
Thursday 5th October at 12:20pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Michelle Stein is co-founder of North-West based film & TV production company The Fold. Her most recent feature film, sci-fi Sky Peals, made with writer/director Moin Hussain, premiered in Critic’s Week at Venice Film Festival. Rebecca Mark Lawson, has worked on titles including Dead Man’s Shoes, This Is England, Cock and Bull Story. She also delivered new talent schemes for the UK Film Council. Hannah Stevenson has industry experience spanning over 20 years starting in TV. Hannah recently produced feature film ‘Eaten by Lions’, released theatrically in cinemas nationwide, winning ‘Best Film’ at London Indian Film Festival.
Creating authentic characters on screen
Thursday 5th October at 1:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Join afshan d’souza-lodhi (Writer), Shakyra Dowling (Casting Agent) and Natalie Amber (Actor) as they unravel the art of crafting authentic characters. It all begins with lived experience, thorough research, exceptional writing, and spot-on casting. Shakyra is a fierce advocate for emerging and diverse talent, with past projects that have included nominations at the BAFTAs, BIFAs, Sundance & TIFF. afshan has been writer-in-residence for Sky Studios, New Writing North, Royal Exchange Theatre, Warner Media and is this year’s writer-in-residence for Bluebird Pictures. Natalie is a disabled actress, dancer, and theatre maker. She’s also the access lead for BAFTA-winning TripleC/DANC, championing disabled access to arts and media.
Blink Ink – Bart Yates
Thursday 5th October at 1:40pm
KUDOS Cinema
KUDOS Cinema
Over the years Bart has helped develop Blink into the multi-faceted entertainment studio that they are today. In 2005 he founded Blinkink, their dedicated animation division. Personal highlights along the way include the BBC Christmas film “The Supporting Act”, the embroidered BBC World Cup trailer, Harvey Nichols’ Grand Prix winning “Shoplifters”, John Lewis’ animated Christmas classic “The Bear & The Hare”, and the cult web-series “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared” which they are currently developing for TV. For the last couple of years he’s produced all of the Gorillaz’ music videos with their co-creator Jamie Hewlett. Today he joins us to discuss the routes into the industry for emerging animators.
Developing Documentary Features
Thursday 5th October at 3:00pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Paul Sng is a 2022/23 BAFTA Breakthrough Artist, his work focuses on people who challenge the status quo. His credits include “Dispossession” & “Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché” (BIFA Best Documentary, BIFA Raindance Discovery Award) and Tish (Sheffield DocFest Opening Gala film). He has directed two short drama films, Folding and Aska. Kim Hopkins spent a decade making television before co-founding Labor of Love Films Ltd, a UK based independent production company specialising in feature documentaries. Her most recent film “A bunch of amateurs” won the audience award at Sheffield Doc Fest. Kim’s broadcast credits include: PBS, BBC1,2,4, World, C4, A+E, WDR, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, NRK1.
Lizzy Hobbs
Thursday 5th October at 3:00pm
KUDOS Cinema
KUDOS Cinema
Elizabeth Hobbs is a London based artist working with animation. Her films are experimental in form and often centred upon real life people or events. They always explore and stretch the material possibilities of the medium, and often employ methods from her printmaking background. Her films have travelled widely on the international festival circuit, winning many awards along the way. In 2019, she received a BAFTA British Short Animation nomination for I’m OK, and in 2020, she was invited to become a member of the Short Films and Feature Animation branch of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Elizabeth joins us today to share her practice.
BFI FilmHub North – Showcase
Thursday 5th October at 3:00pm
Light Cinema Screen 2
Light Cinema Screen 2
Film Hub North present some of the most recent films they’ve supported through the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund. Expect exciting new work from Northern filmmaking talent – the film line-up will be announced soon. This screening is open to anyone with a pass but please register your attendance here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e…
Filmmaker Roundtable
Thursday 5th October at 4:50pm
HIVE Gallery
HIVE Gallery
Join the Film Hub North team and Doc Society for an informal Filmmaker Roundtable. This event is an opportunity to meet the FHN team, find out more about the funding and career development support they provide, and connect with fellow filmmakers. Hosted by Ben Taylor (Talent Executive, Film Hub North) and Fiona Fletcher (Support Programme Manager, Doc Society), strictly limited to 20 places.
Sign up: https://t.ly/ZkJxU
Sign up: https://t.ly/ZkJxU
Networking at KUDOS
Thursday 5th October at 6:00pm
Network
Network
Join us in the KUDOS gallery for a complimentary drink and snacks, to network with industry delegates and filmmakers and to see all the posters from the films.
After Party
Thursday 5th October at 9:30pm
Network
Network
After a day of watching films and industry talks what better way to unwind than a pint or two with fellow filmmakers at The Hen & Chicken, 143 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1EX. Open until Midnight.
Sales & Distribution
Friday 6th October at 11:00am
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
We are joined by Sadhbh Murphy a Sales and Acquisitions Director from Network Ireland Television, a company with a catalogue of over 1,500 hours of quality English language programming and short films. Celebrating 29 years of connecting films & people SND Films is an international sales agent founded by Sydney Neter in 1994, selling award winning live action and animated short films, tv-movies and wonderful documentaries. Our host is Beatrice Neumann of Screen Yorkshire.
Location, Location, Location
Friday 6th October at 12:20pm
Light Cinema Screen 2
Light Cinema Screen 2
Ian Findlay is an established Location Manager, ALM and Location Scout, he has been working in the Film and TV Industry for more than 10 years. His credits include The Batman, Devs and All Creatures Great & Small. Anthea Nelson is a production designer who has worked in film, TV, opera & commercial productions, working alongside directors such Marek Losey, Julian Farino, Chris Morris and many more. Steering the conversation is Richard Knight, who has worked in the film industry for over 20 years, primarily as a location manager – scouting and organising location filming on projects such as the BAFTA award winning “This is England”, “Four Lions”, “Ghost Stories” and the feature film of the musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”.
Framestore – Tim Webber
Friday 6th October at 1:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 2
Light Cinema Screen 2
Tim Webber has supervised some of the most technically and artistically challenging of VFX projects. These include Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are, and work on James Cameron’s incredible Avatar. He also supervised the VFX on Cuarón’s space thriller, Gravity, for which he won a BAFTA and an Oscar. Having operated at the point where cutting-edge technology, beautiful imagery and first-class storytelling meet for his entire career, Flite, Tim’s debut as a writer director, brings these worlds effortlessly together: a thrilling slice of near-future sci-fi, driven by technical innovation and an exciting new production methodology.
Festival Formula
Friday 6th October at 1:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Festival Formula will guide you through how best to prepare for the festival circuit talking about different levels of festivals, budget, niches to pick out, submission materials, and how to navigate through festivals.
Brands and the power of storytelling
Friday 6th October at 3:00pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
In a world where every brand is producing lots of content, is narrative storytelling a way you can cut through to reach new audiences? Nimi Raja (Rankin) has almost 20 years of experience in helping brands grow commercially and drive impact culturally. She has worked with some of the world’s most powerful and progressive brands across a range of sectors from The Guardian and Google to Augustinus Bader, Depop and Balmain. Our host is MarBelle, the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of independent film curation and interview platform Directors Notes. Since its formation in 2006, DN has been regarded as one of the web’s leading curatorial platforms for independent film, working with filmmakers to create in-depth feature articles which reveal the pain
Networking at KUDOS
Friday 6th October at 6:00pm
Network
Network
Join us in the KUDOS gallery for a complimentary drink and snacks, to network with industry delegates and filmmakers and to see all the posters from the films.
Ye Olde Worlde After Partie
Friday 6th October at 9:30pm
Network
Network
Join us for a pint of scrumpy and other great ales at one of the oldest pubs in the country, Ye Olde Man & Scythe on Churchgate. Watch out for the ghost!
Festival Programmers
Saturday 7th October at 12:20pm
Light Cinema Screen 3
Light Cinema Screen 3
Festival programmers Danny Moltrasi (Raindance), Isabelle Croissant (Manchester Animation Festival) and Jamie Allan (Sheffield Doc Fest) join our host Mark Brennan (Festival Formula) to reveal insights into the programming process. What makes a film stand out to them? Why can good films often still find rejection? What do festival programmers mean by “a good fit for the programme”. This session aims to answer these questions and many more.
Screenwriting – Danny Brocklehurst
Saturday 7th October at 1:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 3
Light Cinema Screen 3
Danny is a BAFTA and International Emmy winning screenwriter who has written on some of the biggest UK dramas of recent years including “Shameless”, “Clocking Off”, “Talk to Me” and recently “Ten Pound Poms”. He joins us to share insights into his creative writing process.
Our host is Anita Pandolfo a BAFTA award winning writer herself, co-creating the award-winning police drama, The Cops (BBC), which received two BAFTAS and two RTS awards and the paramedic drama Picking Up the Pieces (ITV).
Our host is Anita Pandolfo a BAFTA award winning writer herself, co-creating the award-winning police drama, The Cops (BBC), which received two BAFTAS and two RTS awards and the paramedic drama Picking Up the Pieces (ITV).
Networking at KUDOS
Saturday 7th October at 6:00pm
Network
Network
It’s the final night at Bolton Film Festival and the last chance to catch up with fellow creators. Join us in the KUDOS gallery for a complimentary drink and snacks, to network with industry delegates and filmmakers and to see all the posters from the films.
DRINK US DRY – After Party
Saturday 7th October at 9:40pm
Network
Network
Join us at the KUDOS gallery for some kick ass tunes from our guest DJ, the London Short Film Festival director Philip Illson, who will be hitting the decks with over 2 hours of Lo-Fi Electronica. Come and help us to ‘drink the place dry’, maybe have a boogie, enjoy conversations with fellow filmmakers and festival goers before heading to The Swan on Bradshawgate until the early hours. Our filmmakers have been known to roll out of this place and head straight to the breakfast buffet.
Award Ceremony
Sunday 8th October at 4:40pm
Light Cinema Screen 1
Light Cinema Screen 1
Every film at Bolton Film Festival in our official selection is in competition for one of our illustrious awards, chosen by our expert jury panel from the Film & TV industry. The KUDOS awards have a history of spotlight exciting filmmakers, spring boarding many of them into a career in film. Join us at The Light Cinema for the LIVE award ceremony – announcing this years nominees and award winners.