Sponsors

Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK exists to discover and support talented writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers. We collaborate with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide funding for short films, support for the development of first features, as well as a range of professional and creative development programmes. Find out more and watch supported work: https://network.bfi.org.uk/ @bfinetwork

Blackmagic has grown rapidly to become one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of creative video technology.

Blackmagic Design's founders have had a long history in post-production editing and engineering. With extensive experiences in high-end telecine, film and post, harnessed with a real passion for perfection, Blackmagic set out to change the industry forever.

A company dedicated to quality and stability and focusing on where it's needed most; Blackmagic has created some of the most talked about products in the industry. World famous for their unbeatable codecs, Blackmagic envisioned truly affordable high-end quality editing workstations built upon Blackmagic software and hardware.

blackmagicdesign.com

Award-winning and offering innovative design, precise planning and expert delivery, Broadsword builds exciting and responsive live event experiences that drive action and create impact. A lot of our event planning goes unnoticed, and that’s just the way it should be. One team. One experience. Think of us as a team of technical translators and a safe pair of hands, that you can trust to deliver all aspects of your live event from beginning to end. Operating as a total event production house, we become an integral partner for communications teams and take ownership of a wide array of events on a global scale.

With our passion for storytelling, we bring concepts and ideas to life in fresh and engaging ways with the advantage of knowing how display technologies work and how to integrate with them. Our in-house Scenic Department can design, build and install backdrops and bespoke structures which are both practical and visually stunning. With the best in camera equipment, all filming and post production, is serviced from our in-house London graphics house and editing studio, for use pre-event as part of a campaign, during an event or post event.

Our vision drives our business: To bring to life thoughts, ideas and dreams, so that they can be shared with others. We produce brilliant shows.

broadswordgroup.uk

Casting Society of America (CSA) was founded in 1982 with the intention of establishing a recognised standard of professionalism in the casting field and providing its members with a support organisation to further their goals and protect their common interests. Currently boasting over 950 members, our Casting Director and Associate Casting Director members work around the world, based in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Africa. CSA is a global resource for producers, directors and creative teams seeking casting professionals, while promoting the image of casting professionals worldwide, engaging in a number of charitable activities, and supporting its members by sharing important and helpful professional information. For more information on the Casting Society of America, please visit CastingSociety.com

As the Champagne for the independently minded, Taittinger is the perfect partner to the British Independent Film Awards. It remains one of the few Champagne house to be owned and actively run by the family named on the label. As President of the House, Vitalie Taittinger, says: ‘every label on a bottle of our Champagne is like a signature from my family – a promise of quality and commitment'. She and the family are fiercely passionate about their independence and are avid supporters of the arts and culture.

Taittinger's Champagnes are matured in their own 4th Century UNESCO status cellars. The hallmark of these wines is the high percentage of Chardonnay used, which ultimately gives them delicacy and finesse that makes them the perfect celebratory toast.

We celebrate the British Independent Film Awards with Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV; with its slightest touch of sweetness, this elegant, soft Champagne is perfect to enjoy late into the evening… the Champagne for after dark.

taittinger.com

Digital Cinema Media (DCM) is the market leader in UK cinema advertising, providing almost 3,500 screens at over 500 sites for advertisers. DCM sells 80% of the cinema advertising market through exhibitors including Cineworld, ODEON, Vue, Picturehouse Cinemas and over 170 leading independent cinemas, representing the largest number of independent cinema screens in the UK.  The power of cinema is its ability to reach and engage audiences with no distractions. The biggest screen, a dark room, the best sound and impactful content means cinemagoers are engaged and ready to be told stories, so brands have an unrivalled opportunity to entertain and connect with them. In the last few years, cinema advertising has also become easier to plan and buy, becoming more flexible and even more affordable, with shorter production lead times and improved sound and picture quality. dcm.co.uk

Creativity Media is a post-production company based in the heart of London with over 85 feature film credits. Our state of the art facility provides picture, visual effects and sound post-production services to deliver outstanding cinematic storytelling. Since the company was founded in 2010, we have helped filmmakers tell unique and wonderful stories, including the BIFA winners Under the Shadow, I Am Not a Witch and God’s Own Country. You can catch our latest work, including McQueen and VS.  in cinemas and on home entertainment this year. For more information, please visit our website creativitymedia.co.uk

Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. Film4 develops and co-finances films and is known for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking, both new and established.

Film4 has developed and co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years, Academy Award®-winners such as Florian Zeller’s The Father, Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite, Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, Asif Kapadia’s box office record breaking documentary Amy, Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave and Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Sarah Gavron’s Rocks, Rose Glass’s Saint Maud, Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War, Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Rungano Nyoni’s I Am Not a Witch, Chris Morris’s Four Lions, Shane Meadows’ This is England, Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years.

Film4's recent releases include Martin McDonagh’s BAFTA winning The Banshees of Inisherin, Oliver Hermanus’ Living, Florian Zeller’s The Son, Mark Jenkin’s Enys Men, Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or-winning Titane, Jonathan Butterell’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Rebecca Hall’s Passing, Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, Will Sharpe’s The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day, Eva Husson’s Mothering Sunday, Prano Bailey-Bond’s Censor, and Jim Archer’s Brian & Charles. Forthcoming titles include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Venice Golden Lion winner Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s Cannes Grand Prix winner The Zone of Interest, Steve McQueen’s Occupied City, Molly Manning Walker’s Un Certain Regard prize-winning How to Have Sex, and Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding.

Kodak offers a wide variety of products, spanning the entire motion picture value chain from image capture to post, on through distribution/exhibition and archival applications. The advanced technology of KODAK VISION3 motion picture film provides the highest degree of image quality and creative flexibility.   Kodak Motion Picture film has proven to be cost effective for a wide variety of productions and budgets because film drives efficiency, reduces your shooting ratios and helps your cast & crew focus. Our Kodak Film Lab based at Pinewood Studios can also offer comprehensive processing services. The dedicated team have extensive experience working on major feature films, commercials, promos and archive projects so you can be assured of the very best service and support for your project. For further information please visit kodak.com/go/motion

M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), a leading brand of professional cosmetics is part of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Since its creation in Toronto, Canada over 30 years ago, the brand’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in over 100 countries/territories worldwide. Follow M·A·C on Twitter, Snapchat and Pinterest @MACcosmetics, become a M·A·C fan on Facebook (facebook.com/maccosmetics), follow M·A·C on Instagram (instagram.com/maccosmetics), watch M·A·C videos on YouTube (youtube.com/maccosmetics). For a M·A·C location visit maccosmetics.com.

The Pinewood Studios Group is a leading provider of studio and related services to the global film and television industry. UK based Pinewood, Shepperton and Pinewood Studio Wales comprise 44 Stages, including the 59,000 sq ft 007 Stage, the globally unique underwater filming stage and one of the largest exterior tanks in Europe, 3 dedicated state of the art TV studios and associated production accommodation, a comprehensive post production and creative services division and lighting. From a one day shoot to a TV drama or indie film, Pinewood has the flexibility and agility to be the go-to partner who offers iconic facilities, services and expertise for any size of production or event. Visit www.pinewoodgroup.com for more information.

Our award-winning team produces engaging creative content for the film and entertainment industry, from the shortest social assets to full length film trailers. Based in the heart of Soho we have a full 360 post production facility and highly experienced team of producers, editors and designers delivering content across cinema, TV, online & VoD, social, digital outdoor, radio and podcast. Our passion is entertainment marketing and bringing it to people around the world is the most exciting way possible.

Check us out at www.thesilkfactory.co

Founded in 1927, Spotlight connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions. Everything we do at Spotlight helps casting directors find talented performers. Whether we're developing new tools for each stage of the casting process or running events to connect professionals working in all areas of the industry, at Spotlight we are constantly developing new ways to support performers at every stage of their career. With studios in London’s famous West End and a team of people across America and Europe, Spotlight is at the heart of the performing arts industry.  We truly believe in global casting and finding the right performer for the job, wherever they are. Find out more at www.spotlight.com  

Swarovski collaborated with acclaimed British designers Fredrikson Stallard to create the stunning crystal trophy, which will be presented to award winners in 2019 for the seventh year running. The company’s longstanding partnership with the British Independent Film Awards is part of its mission to support and promote culture and creativity. Swarovski’s heritage on the silver screen goes back more than 85 years to the early days of Hollywood. Its signature sparkle has illuminated the set and costume design of many of cinema’s most memorable moments, including Marlene Dietrich in Blonde Venus, Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. More recently, Swarovski crystals have brought light, glamour and magic to a host of award-winning films, including Rocketman, The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge! and Disney’s adaptations of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. In addition, Atelier Swarovski brings glamour to red carpet events around the globe, adorning the film industry’s most notable talents with luxurious jewellery and accessories.

Raindance is unique. Founded in 1992, it has become Britain's leading independent film organisation, hosting training courses on all aspects of film production, and organising the Raindance Film Festival each October. By combining both training and exhibition directly, Raindance sets out to promote both independent films and filmmaking to a wider public. We are proud to be the founding sponsors of the British Independent Film Awards. raindance.co.uk

Variety has been the seminal voice of the entertainment industry for 113 years and counting. Featuring award-winning breaking news reporting, insightful award-season coverage, must-read feature spotlights and intelligent analysis of the industry’s most prominent players, Variety is the trusted source for the business of global entertainment. Read by a highly engaged audience of industry insiders, Variety’s multi-platform content coverage expands across digital, mobile, social, print and branded content, events and summits. In 2015  and 2016 Variety’s Actors on Actors on PBS was awarded the Emmy for best entertainment programming at the Television Academy’s 67th and 68th Los Angeles area Emmy Awards. Actors on Actors, an interview special that features pairings of prominent actors discussing their craft, was produced by PBS SoCal in partnership with Variety Media, LLC. Follow Variety on Facebook facebook.com/variety; Twitter, @variety; Instagram, @Variety The Variety Group – Variety, Variety.com, Variety Insight, Indiewire, LA 411, NY 411 – is owned by Variety Media, LLC, a division of Penske Media Corporation. variety.com

Studio Juice are proud to be the official design partner to the awards. An independent design studio founded in 2006 by three friends who have spent the last decade building purpose-driven lifestyle brands. The studio is home to a multidisciplinary team that understands the way brands need to work today: collaboratively and with cultural relevance. This approach fosters meaningful partnerships with like-minded clients and consistently delivers authentic experiences people love. Our work encompasses strategy and branding, comms and campaign planning, art direction and visual design, products and packaging, websites and digital experiences, live events and product launches, environments and interiors, creative direction and content creation. Recent clients and collaborators include; adidas, Camden Town Brewery, Reebok, ASOS, Major League Baseball, Lacoste, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Island Records, Communion Music, Glassnote Records, Gentlemen of the Road and BBC Introducing. Our work has been recognised by GRAMMY®. studiojuice.com

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is a leading global music publisher with 43 offices in 36 countries. We represent music in every genre from some of the world’s most important songwriters & catalogues, and across the decades. We administer score music for many of the biggest film/TV companies in the world including Disney, Warner Brothers, BBC, Studio Canal, HBO, NBC and many more. Phil Canning is the Creative Manager for film at Universal Music Publishing in the UK and additionally an independent music supervisor. Nearly all the music you hear across the BIFA awards, online and at the ceremony, is written and performed by Universal Music Publishing artists. phil.canning@umusic.com Our incredible roster includes: ABBA, Adele, Alabama Shakes, Axwell & Ingrosso, Bastille, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Jeff Bhasker, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, The Clash, Coldplay, J.Cole, Elvis Costello, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Neil Diamond, Disclosure, Danny Elfman, Eminem, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Florence + the Machine, Future, Martin Garrix, Ariana Grande, Al Green, Haim, Halsey, Emile Haynie, Jimi Hendrix, Kacy Hill, Sam Hunt, Imagine Dragons, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Billy Joel, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Tobias Jesso Jr., Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, The Mamas and Papas, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Maroon 5, Shawn Mendes, Miguel, Nicki Minaj, Mumford & Sons, Jimmy Napes, R. City,Randy Newman, New Order/Joy Division, Ne-Yo, Steve Perry, Otis Redding, R.E.M., Carole Bayer Sager, Gustavo Santaolalla, Sex Pistols, Paul Simon, Britney Spears, Stax (East Memphis Music), Swedish House Mafia, Justin Timberlake, U2, Keith Urban, Diane Warren, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jack White and many more. umusicpub.com

A web development and visual design company based in Leeds, Hypergram are a tight knit, hard working and experienced team of designers, developers and strategists. Providing a wide range of both digital and print services for clients in a wide range of industries, Hypergram pride themselves on their stop-at-nothing approach to any client relationship. hypergram.co

Next Generation of Luxury Lifestyle

The London EDITION blends groundbreaking innovation, great design, outstanding dining and entertainment with personal, friendly, modern service. Located in Fitzrovia on the edge of London’s Soho neighborhood, this luxury boutique hotel preserves the finest aspects of an iconic landmark building, but reinvents the spaces within to create a dynamic fusion of old and new, past and present.

EDITION Hotels is Ian Schrager's refreshing collection of one-of-a-kind modern luxury hotels, created in collaboration with Marriott International as an evolutionary response to the desire for a sophisticated experience from the guest with a contemporary lifestyle.

editionhotels.com/london

RSM is a leading mid-tier provider of accountancy and business services. Our clients include growing entrepreneurial companies, owner-managed businesses, listed companies and high net-worth individuals across TV, film and cinema. A wide range of experience means that we are able to stay abreast of the issues and opportunities that arise in the creative sector, applying best practice whilst finding innovative solutions for our clients. We have a strong regional office network, with major offices in most key cities throughout the UK, which enables us to provide a consistent national service in all our local markets. We are represented internationally through our independent membership of RSM International - the 7th largest worldwide network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms.

Founded in 1995 by Nick Jones, Soho House is a place for our diverse membership to connect, grow, have fun, and make an impact. Today, there are members and Houses around the world, as well as restaurants, spas, workspaces, and cinemas.

Electric Cinema has locations in Notting Hill and White City, offering unique film experiences in one of the UK’s oldest cinema theatres and the former BBC Television Centre. The Cinemas, designed by Soho House, have comfortable armchairs with footstools and blankets as well as bars serving food, drinks and pin’n’mix.

sohohouse.com

Wiggin is recognised as one of the leading practices for film worldwide. The firm has the largest team of dedicated film lawyers in the UK and our unrivalled commercial and legal expertise enables us to help from the moment a project is conceived, right through to its development, financing, production and ultimate distribution.

In addition to advising the leading independent production companies, we represent many new independent producers, using our knowledge and relationships to help grow them into sustainable, successful businesses. We also advise the world’s biggest film studios, banks, financiers, funds and distributors.

Our traditional entertainment practice is complemented by our lawyers’ all-round media expertise, which means we can give our clients specialist guild, clearance, music, employment, property, tax and corporate advice relating directly to their film projects and other ventures. We have great strength in depth, helping our clients to source finance and distribution for their projects as well as connecting them with the industry’s key players and decision makers.

wiggin.co.uk