Introduction to the Screen Summit 2025
The British film industry is gearing up for the second annual Screen Summit, scheduled to take place on September 30th at BFI Southbank. This event promises to bring together producers, financiers, and distributors for a day of open discussion about how the British Indie film sector can strengthen its success on the global market.
The Disrupters: A Conversation with Leading Producers
The latest speakers to join the event are renowned British producers Sarah Brocklehurst from Brock Media, Andy Paterson from Virtual Circle, and Helen Simmons from Erebus Pictures. They will participate in a conversation titled "The Disrupters," which will explore radical ideas and ambitious interventions that could help change the financial reality of independent producers in the UK. The panel will emphasize the crucial importance of the producer’s role and the need for an industry-wide understanding of what it means to be a producer for the health and future well-being of the British film sector.
Sarah Brocklehurst: A Versatile Producer
Sarah Brocklehurst has worked in film, television, theater, and audio, with feature credits like Nora Fingscheidt’s "The Agreement" starring Saoirse Ronan and Paapa Essiedu, which grossed over £2 million at the British box office. Brock Media recently signed a development deal with StudioCanal, which distributed "The Agreement." The company has also produced an audio version of "Pride and Prejudice" with Marisa Abela, Harris Dickinson, and Glenn Close, published by Audible.
Helen Simmons: A Producer with a Global Reach
Helen Simmons’ Erebus Pictures recently traveled to the Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of "100 Nights of the Hero" in the Critics’ Week section. The film, directed by Julia Jackman, stars Emma Corrin, Charli XCX, Nicholas Galitzine, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. "100 Nights" is also set to close the BFI London Film Festival.
Andy Paterson: A Seasoned Film Producer
Andy Paterson is an experienced film producer with credits including "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Railway Man." He has now teamed up with Vue Cinemas and Dimension Studios, along with producer Annalize Davis, to create a company called Virtual Circle, which aims to produce a number of theater films using virtual production.
The Screen Summit 2025: A Day of Discussion and Networking
The second annual Screen Summit, entitled "Structure for Great Britain’s Global Success," will feature a range of speakers, including John Friedberg, President, International at Black Bear, Kezia Williams, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Universal Pictures International (UPI), Zygi Kamasa, Founder and CEO of True Brit Entertainment, and Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of Hanway Films. Ben Roberts, Managing Director of the British Film Institute, will deliver a keynote speech.
Event Partners and Sponsors
The Screen Summit 2025 event partners include CentTrip, Elevate Finance, Film Soho, Garden Studios, Great Point Studios, and the British Global Screen Fund. For sponsoring options, please contact Scott Benfold. To learn more about the event, visit the official website.
