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Leading film-makers headline Freelancers' Fair 2009

Franny Armstrong's directing credits include the newly released The Age of Stupid and McLibel. Tony Garnett is the producer behind the much celebrated Cathy Come Home and independent production company, World Productions, whose output includes drama series Between the Lines, This Life, The Cops and Party Animals.

BECTU is delighted that both film-makers have agreed to share their experience of film and television with visitors to this year's event. Book online and download event flyer.

The union's Freelancers' Fair, now in its fourth year, will be staged at BAFTA and takes place on Friday 26 June from 09.30 - 17.00.

Seminar programme

Franny Armstrong and Tony Garnett will be panellists on Breaking Through: Film-making which makes a difference, one of four seminars at the heart of this year's programme.

New entrants and those new to the freelance market, will also get top tips and advice from the experienced panel leading Getting Started, the first seminar of the day, whose chair will be BECTU's president, Tony Lennon.  

Directing the Camera, the second seminar of the day, will provide critical insight into the role of the cinematographer ( otherwise known as the director of photography) a key contributor to the realisation of the director's vision.

Breaking Through, with Armstrong and Garnett, will be followed by the final seminar, Pitching for Success, which will deliver insight into the pitching process helped by feedback from a team of programme commissioners. Participants keen to submit a pitch proposal (maximum 200 words) are invited to do so by email no later than 17.00 on Monday 22 June (deadline extended from Thursday 18 June).

All seminars will provide time for Q&As. 

In addition, the Fair Exhibition is supported by some 25 organisations involved in industry training and the provision of essential services to freelancers. Visitors can find out about available courses, take advice on keeping accounts and speak to the union's lawyers.

BECTU services

BECTU officials will  also be on hand to advise on the union's services. New joiners on the day will receive a discount on their first year's membership and freelancers can take advantage of free public liability insurance until April 2010. 

Admission to the event is free to BECTU members; non-members pay just £10.

BECTU is obliged to BAFTA for their generous support in hosting this event for the fourth year in a row. 

BAFTA is joined this year by several returning sponsors: industry skills and training organisation, Skillset, accountants Hard Dowdy and Thompsons Solicitors.  Production Base is welcomed as a first-time sponsor this year.   

The content of this year's programme has been devised and produced by members of BECTU's Writers, Producers and Directors branch.

"A tremendous amount of work has gone into preparing this year's event and the response from BECTU members and non-members has been enthusiastic.

"The Fair offers practical advice and information as well as much creative food for thought. Once again our WPDs branch is on the way to producing another industry hit," commented Sharon Elliott, BECTU Communications Officer.

Workshops now full

The Fair's two workshops, one on Multi-Platform Awareness, the other on business skills for freelancers are now full. However, BECTU members may be interested in some career development opportunities available through the union later in the year.