The Independent Cinema Office presents
In association with the BFI

Programming Cultural Cinema

A distance learning course
Dates: 4 February – 2 June 2008

"This course is an essential tool in the highly competitive programming industry. It equipped me with the knowledge, skills and contacts necessary to break into film programming."
Dan Borgonon, Programme Executive, Feature Films - Channel 4, More4 and E4

This course offers an opportunity for people interested in cultural cinema exhibition and those working in this field who want to enhance their skills, develop their knowledge and increase their understanding.

This is a distance learning course involving online group discussions and assignments with tutor feedback by email, making it ideal for people from across the UK with work or other commitments. There will be a two-day seminar at BFI Southbank in London comprising lectures, group discussions and screenings, as well as an optional second meeting further into the course. Students will be provided with a package of print and audio material and will have access to a password-controlled virtual learning environment.

Past participants have included recent graduates, aspiring programmers, cinema marketing officers, gallery curators and film society founders.

The course has been developed by the BFI and the Independent Cinema Office. Tutors, seminar speakers and course contributors include a wide range of professionals working in film exhibition, distribution and related areas.

The course covers:

  • UK distribution and exhibition
  • Technical knowledge
  • Programming features, shorts, archive and artists' moving image
  • Marketing and PR
  • Audience development, including disability, diversity and education

Cost:

£650 (£553.19 + VAT). A small number of bursaries towards the fees are available for people whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from participating in this course. See the FAQs for further details.

To apply:

Please read the FAQs, then complete the application form and write a one-page outline for a programme of films that you might screen at a particular venue, stating what type of venue it is for. If you are accepted onto the course, you will be asked to send a cheque for your fees in order to confirm your place. We are unable to accept credit or debit card payments, but can raise an invoice upon request.

Application deadline:

4 January 2008. We will begin allocating places before the deadline, so early booking is recommended. If you have any questions about the course or want to check that it is suited to your needs, please contact Tilly Walnes, Training & Development Officer, on 020 7079 0477 or at tilly@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk.

"After several failed attempts to secure work in the cinema exhibition / distribution industry, I managed to scrape together the tuition fee and enrolled on the course. It was probably the best £600 I had ever spent! Within a year of completing the Programming Cultural Cinema Course my film programming career has moved from enthusiastic volunteer to salaried film programmer for the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, and paid freelance work through my consultancy CarrotCakeCinema. This work would simply have not been offered to me without the course being on my CV. The course provided valuable information on audience development, marketing, distribution and educational aspects of cinema, all of which I am putting into practice in my current programming work."
Patrick Bliss, Film Programmer, Roses Theatre Tewkesbury, Salisbury Festival, Salisbury Arts Centre
www.carrotcakecinema.co.uk

If you wish to receive updates about any new training schemes as soon as they are advertised, please email us at tilly@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk


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