Other Activities

Surgeries

Delegates were able to sign up for 30min surgery slots on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with representatives from the ICO and BFFS, for help and advice on a range of topics.

Saturday 2nd December 13.15 – 16.45

Advisors:

• Jim Dempster (BFFS)
• Catharine Des Forges (ICO)
• Ian Kerr (BFFS)

Sunday 3rd December 14.00 – 17.00

Advisors:

• Brian Clay (BFFS)
• David Miller (BFFS)
• Simon Ward (ICO)

Please see below a short biography about each of the advisors which should give you an idea of their areas of expertise and what they may be able to help you with.

BFFS advisors:

All have many years of hands-on experience of running film societies and on advising on operational matters.

Brian Clay, BFFS South West Regional Group: film society activist for more years than he cares to remember and widely versed in all aspects of film society and Regional Group operation, Brian will seek to provide answers on all topics you can think of.

Jim Dempster, BFFS Treasurer: after many years of involvement with film societies, Jim had a short break from the national film society movement but is back with a vengeance and is particularly keen to answer your questions on financial matters.

Ian Kerr, Chair of BFFS Scotland: another long-serving film society enthusiast, Ian is our technical whizz-kid, so book a slot with him if you want to discuss projection and kit issues.

David Miller, BFFS Chair: active member of Keswick Film Club, Keswick Film Festival and the BFFS North West Regional Group, David is another all-rounder who welcomes your questions on any topic related to running a film society.

ICO advisors:

Catharine Des Forges, Director

Catharine is the Director of the Independent Cinema Office and the main fundraiser for the organisation. She has worked as an assessor for Arts Council, England and East Midlands Arts and is happy to look at any funding applications you may have or talk through any development proposals. She has also worked as a programmer for over a decade and can discuss any issues regarding programming, distribution, marketing and publicity.

Simon Ward, Head of Programming and Development

Simon has spent the last decade working as a programmer for the London Film Festival, the ICA Cinema and the Tate among others. He has experience in both film distribution and exhibition and currently is a programme advisor for a range of venues across the UK including part-time rural arts centers with occasional screenings and full-time urban screens. He will be happy to discuss audience development, rights clearances, title sources, licensing issues, and technical screening formats.

A note will be made of your question and if for any reason a full answer cannot be provided at the event, a reply will be sent to you after further investigation!

Please note surgeries are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Drinks Reception

There was a drinks reception for all delegates on Saturday evening from 18.00 in Waterside 2 & 3 of the Watershed. Following the success of the drinks reception at the National Theatre in March, this was another great opportunity for delegates to mingle and meet members of other societies. Then if delegates' appetite for films wasn't exhausted they could join in our film quiz.

Film Quiz

The first ever ICO film quiz was held after the drinks reception (approx 19.00pm) in Waterside 3 of the Watershed and was another opportunity to network with colleagues and for some friendly competition!