Passing the screen test: UK movie talent on show in London

The UK’s movie-making talent is world-class and in worldwide demand, as a major London-based film industry export event proves year after year.

London UK Film Focus (LUFF) was launched in 2004 to present new British films and talent to the international marketplace. LUFF was formed in partnership with the UK film industry and national and local government agencies, and annually invites 120 top international buyers from around the world to see new British films, meet UK sales agents and negotiate international distribution deals.

Since its first appearance, the three-day LUFF event has become a firm fixture on the international film calendar. As well as demonstrating the excellence of British film-making it also brings business directly into the capital and generates in the region of $3million of sales.

This year’s invitation-only event will be held at the British Film Institute (BFI) on London’s Southbank and includes films from writer-director-actor Julian Fellowes and BAFTA-winners Brian Percival and Julie Rutterford. The titles to be screened feature established British stars such as John Hurt and Tom Wilkinson, and rising talent such as Dominic West and Noel Clarke.

Helena MacKenzie is Head of International at Film London, the capital’s film and media agency, which manages London UK Film Focus. She says: “LUFF is now in its sixth year, and was immediately successful. It gives buyers the chance to see new British films in a relaxed environment and in one place. London UK Film Focus generates $3million in three days; yet there is also a lot of work that takes place after the event, as a direct result of LUFF, which generates even more sales.”

London is an ideal location for an event of this kind because it is the world’s third busiest film production centre after Los Angeles and New York. Independent production company Carnaby International is showing its comedy-horror Doghouse - starring BAFTA winner Noel Clarke and Danny Dyer - at LUFF.

Ian Hall, Head of Sales at Carnaby International, says: “Carnaby International is a firm supporter of LUFF. There isn’t any other event like it and it is a perfect platform for a title like Doghouse. We decided to bring it to LUFF rather than Cannes as I’m confident the right people will actually give the film time and watch it.”

LUFF

The Breakthrough section of LUFF features British films that have been financed, completed and delivered, but do not yet have the backing of a UK sales company. “Our Breakthrough strand gives LUFF the chance to screen movies by emerging talent. The idea of Breakthrough is to encourage and nurture new filmmakers and to show their work on an international platform. It also gives these same filmmakers access to key contacts within the film industry: sales agents, international distributors and buyers and also film festival directors. It’s a very important part of LUFF,” says Helena MacKenzie.

MacKenzie adds that, because of the global economic downturn, LUFF is now more significant than ever. “The downturn hasn’t prevented buyers from coming to LUFF,” she says. “In fact, we have a stampede of people wanting to attend this year. If a high quality product is on offer, people will travel to see it.”

“And buyers know that the UK’s movie-making talent is world-class. There is exceptional British talent in front of the camera – and we all know who those people are; but there is exceptional UK talent behind the camera, too, and across a wide-range of areas,” she continues.

MacKenzie highlights UK post-production and special-effects as areas that are highly regarded by the most respected names in the film industry. For instance, a recent movie by Zhang Yimou – the top Chinese director responsible for the award-winning House of Flying Daggers – featured special-effects by technicians in London. Yet the UK tradition for film-making is well-known. MacKenzie points out that British aptitude for creativity is encouraged from a young age; that UK film colleges are first-class; and that there are now more opportunities in the film industry than there were a generation ago.

The organisers of London UK Film Focus are looking forward to showcasing the filmmakers of the future in 2009 and beyond. “LUFF goes from strength to strength,” says MacKenzie. “From Film London’s point of view, we are proud to manage this crucial event.”