It's an exciting time of year for the film industry.
Firstly, in its recent three-year plan, the UK Film Council set out some encouraging targets to help budding filmmakers take their first steps into the industry. The Council outlined plans for a national web-based talent showcase, to be launched in the autumn this year; which will act as a platform for opportunities and networking for those new to the film-making community. And for those with new ideas, there is to be a £5m Innovation Fund, also launching later this year.
Plus its festival season — and not even the Careers desk can resist the allure of the one of the biggest events in the film industry calendar. So, as the film industry buffs and braces itself for the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, kicking off on 12 May, we'll be bringing together some top industry talent to take your questions on routes into the sector and help you explore career options in film in our live Q&A.
The panel includes:
Brian Rose is a film cameraman and chairman of the Guild of TV Cameramen. Brian has worked on more than 30 films and television dramas, as well as documentaries and commercials.
Royston Mayoh is a producer and director. He has worked all over the world on projects including TV commercials, comedies, and documentaries and directed flagship shows including This Morning, This Is Your Life and TV coverage of the BAFTA Awards.
Amanda Boyle is a TV and film director. After graduating, Amanda worked at Working Title Films where she helped set up their low-budget film label WT² and worked on the Oscar-nominated Billy Elliot. She has been named as one of the UK's most exciting new directors by Screen International. Her recent TV credits include the Channel 4 show Cast Offs and she will be one of the directors on the next series of Skins.
Martin Spence, is the assistant general secretary of BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union) — the independent trade union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas. Martin looks after film/TV freelance members including newcomers to the industry.
Aaron Cazzola is head lecturer for the Digital Filmmaking Diploma programme at SAE Institute, London — SAE is a global network of digital film, animation, multimedia and audio colleges. Aaron has 10 years of experience in the Italian film-making industry working as video editor, motion graphic designer, visual effects supervisor, 3D animator and assistant director.
Nik Powell, director of the National Film and Television School. One of the UK's leading film producers, Nik's credits include Mona Lisa, Ladies in Lavender and the Oscar-winning The Crying Game.
Edi Smockum is a documentary producer, filmmaker and journalist. Edi has worked extensively with new talent coming into the Industry and oversees the Production Management course at the National Film and Television School.
Hilary Thomas is a former TV producer and now head of curriculum at the National Film and Television School.
Robin Schmidt is an independent film-maker and winner of the recent 14 Islands Film Challenge — a contest where budding film-makers spent two weeks filming on an idyllic island in The Bahamas creating work to launch their careers.
