On 3 April students and colleagues at the University of Westminster had the opportunity to attend the Business of Film MA Masterclass Q&A Session, where a range of industry professionals shared their experiences and gave advice about the world of film.
The masterclass saw over 50 students take part and ask questions on how to further their careers in film. They were joined at the Regent Street Cinema by Daniel Battsek, Director of Film4, and Tom Toumazis MBE, Portfolio Director, who gave an in-depth session on understanding the Film and TV industry. They spoke about a variety of aspects including the greenlight process of a film and the routes of distribution. Moderated by Senior Lecturer and Course Leader of the Business of Film MA Reshel Shah, they also offered tips and advice on how to pitch a film idea to executives and companies and delved into the evolution of the film industry.
Daniel Battsek was appointed Director of Film4 in 2016, bringing 30 years’ production, development and distribution experience at the cutting edge of the independent sector from three continents to the organisation. Battsek was promoted to Chairman of Film4 in 2022, taking on a wider briefing within Channel 4. Since joining the organisation, Battsek has greenlit projects including The Zone of Interest, Poor Things, All of Us Strangers, How to have Sex, The Banshees of Inisherin and Living.
Tom Toumazis MBE has a portfolio of directorships focused in technology, media and the arts. He has accumulated over 50 years of board experience, serving on thirteen boards, six as Chair, within the non-for-profit, charity and commercial sector.
Toumazis currently holds a portfolio of six companies. He is a Senior Non-Executive Director of the Performing Rights Society for Music, Directors UK, Global Senior Adviser at Management consultancy company AlixPartners and Chair of Product Earth. In addition to these roles, he sits on the board of the NSPCC.
Reshel Shah said: "The event provided students with an in-depth insight into the film industry, on ways to pitch and the changes the industry has gone through. Daniel and Tom were fantastic and provided their first hand knowledge and experience to our students."
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster.
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