** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TILL EARLY 2026, PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE FOR UPDATES**
Join us downstairs at Fort Rd Hotel for a day of back-to-back industry events aimed at young & emerging filmmakers. A host of local professionals from across the TV and Film industry and get an insight into their every day, how they got the gigs and what they love about their jobs. Through a series of ‘In Conversation with’ you will hear straight from the horse’s mouth about the reality of how people got into their roles and have an opportunity to ask them questions about what interests you most.
Programme Line-Up:
9.45 – 10.45am: Networking Breakfast
Free entry by RSVP
Spotlight Talks: It’s All In Style (11-12pm)
11–11.30am: Face to Face with Ziggy Gaji Hair and makeup can turn actors into heroes, villains, or creatures from other worlds. Film makeup artist Ziggy Gaji shows you how characters come to life and what this career really looks like.
11.30am–12pm: Food on Film with Annie Nichols Ever wondered why that pizza in your favourite film looks so perfect? Food stylist Annie Nichols reveals the secrets behind making food camera-ready, from insider tricks to on-set disasters.
12.15–1.15pm: Panel Talk: Music on Film
Panellists: Tom Dream, Cynthia Lawrerence-John and Denai Moore
Host: Yvette Farmer
Get insight into the collaborative process of making music videos. From initial concept to the final cut, hear from an expert panel – Musician Denai Moore, Stylist, Costume Designer and Consultant Cynthia Lawrence-John and Director Tom Dream. Together, they’ll explore how sound, style, and storytelling converge on set. What are the challenges of translating music into moving image, and the magic that happens when distinct disciplines align to create something unforgettable.
The panel will be hosted by screenwriter Yvette Farmer with opportunities for audience questions at the end.
LUNCH BREAK
Spotlight Talks: Script & Vision (2pm-3pm)
2–2.30pm: Breaking Into the Industry with Olivia Maiden What’s it like to step behind the camera? Actor-turned-film producer Olivia Maiden shares her journey from performing in 20+ films to writing and directing her own work. Discover how she founded Dream Hive Films at fourteen and why she’s passionate about amplifying unheard voices on screen.
2.30–3pm: Writing For TV with Karen Cogan BAFTA-winning writer Karen Cogan (Bad Sisters, Holding) shares her journey from stage to some of TV’s biggest shows. Discover what it’s like in the writers’ room, how to break into TV writing, and the craft behind adapting novels and creating original dramas for Apple TV+, BBC, and ITV.
3.15–4.15pm: Panel Talk: Making Art in the AI Era
Panellists: Alexander Brown (Director) & Tom Furse (Artist/Musician)
For filmmakers and artists who value craft and experimentation, where does AI fit? Director Alexander Brown and multi-disciplinary artist Tom Furse discuss whether AI is a tool that enhances creativity or threatens the handmade approach. Explore the practical, ethical, and artistic questions facing creatives in the age of AI. Hosted by Prudence Beecroft, MD/ EP at Not Just Any & MFF Trustee
4.25–5pm: Spotlight Talks: Costume as Character with Matthew Price
BAFTA and Emmy-nominated costume designer Matthew Price has dressed everything from Black Mirror’s dystopian futures to period dramas. In this extended talk, discover how costumes shape storytelling across genres, what it’s like working on major Netflix productions, and the creative process behind designing for screen. A deep dive into one of film and TV’s most essential crafts.
6pm: Filmmaker social @ HOFFS
Join Industry Day attendees, festival filmmakers and the wider creative community after the Industry Day for drinks and socialising.
PLUS Head along to the Move Ya Body Afterparty from 10pm.
