Sponsors
BBC Film
Firmly established at the forefront of UK film, BBC Film supports invigorating and imaginative filmmaking and has an ambitious slate featuring many of the most exciting filmmakers working today.
Upcoming BBC Film backed titles include: THE IRON CLAW from Sean Durkin starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Maura Tierney; Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s FEMME, starring George MacKay and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett; Mahalia Belo’s THE END WE START FROM, written by Alice Birch and based on the novel by Megan Hunter, starring Jodie Comer, Katherine Waterston, Joel Fry, Gina McKee, Nina Sosanya, Mark Strong, and Benedict Cumberbatch; Adura Onashile’sGIRL starring Déborah Lukumuena, Danny Sapani, and Le’Shantey Bonsu; Joanna Hogg’s THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER starring Tilda Swinton; ONE LIFE from James Hawes starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Romola Garai and Helena Bonham-Carter; and SWEET SUE from Leo Leigh with Maggie O'Neill, Tony Pitts and Harry Trevaldwyn.
Further BBC Film backed titles that have world premiered at international festivals in 2023, include: HOARD from Luna Carmoon, starring Saura Lightfoot Leon, Joseph Quinn and Hayley Squires which took three prizes at Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week including the Audience Award; TUESDAY from Daina O. Pusić, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lola Petticrew and Arinzé Kene; Annie Baker’s JANET PLANET starring Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler and Sophie Okonedo; Daniel Kokotajlo’s STARVE ACRE starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark; Naqqash Khalid’s IN CAMERA, starring Nabhaan Rizwan, Amir El-Masry, and Rory Fleck Byrne; Jessica Hausner’s CLUB ZERO starring Mia Wasikowska, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Amir El-Masry; Janis Pugh’s CHUCK CHUCK BABY starring Annabel Scholey and Louise Brealey; Johnny Barrington’s SILENT ROAR; and Sacha Polak’s SILVER HAZE.
Recent BBC Film releases include: Charlotte Regan’s SCRAPPER which won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival; Ken Loach’s THE OLD OAK; Oliver Parker’s THE GREAT ESCAPER starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson; Raine Allen-Miller’s London-set debut RYE LANE; Fyzal Boulifa’s second feature THE DAMNED DON’T CRY; Dionne Edwards’ PRETTY RED DRESS; Thomas Hardiman’s MEDUSA DELUXE; Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winning and multi Oscar-nominated TRIANGLE OF SADNESS; Charlotte Wells’s BAFTA-winning, and Oscar-nominated AFTERSUN; Georgia Oakley’s BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning BLUE JEAN; Aleem Khan’s four-time BAFTA-nominated and six-time BIFA-winning AFTER LOVE; and, Jane Campion’s Oscar and BAFTA award-winning THE POWER OF THE DOG.
@BBCFilm
BFI NETWORK
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
Casting Society of America
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
Champagne Taittinger
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.
DCM
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
Dirty Looks
Dirty Looks is an independently owned post production house in London’s West End, central Brussels and the Internet. Launched by Tom Balkwill in 2010 to offer artisinal Colour Grading and Mastering of independent Feature Films and Broadcast Drama, along with short form Promos and Commercials. In addition to picture finishing we also run VFX and DCP reviews, service sale’s agents’ film libraries, create dailies , VFX pulls and other LAB services.
Over the last decade we have provided picture post to a plethora of BIFA celebrated projects, including Disobedience, Lady Macbeth, Ray & Liz, Calibre, Almost Heaven, Adult Life Skills, 20,000 Days on Earth and Under the Skin.
Visit dirtylooks.co.uk to see our projects past and present, and do get in touch to discuss your projects for 2021.
Film4
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.
Halo Post
Halo is an award-winning full-service post-production facility in the heart of London’s Soho district. We are still independently owned and have always undertaken a very diverse portfolio of work, ranging from feature films, feature documentaries, high-end drama and specialist-factual. Halo’s USP lies in the size of our operation and the quality of service we provide. Large enough to manage the big, complex projects but small enough to still feel friendly and personal. The company offers a variety of services targeted at independent filmmakers. These include Baselight film & HDR grading, 4K Flame online, online VFX, and offline cutting rooms. On the audio side we offer sound design, foley, ADR and mixing (including theatrical and home Dolby Atmos)..
Some of our recent film credits include Polite Society (full post-production, Focus Features/NBCU, directed by Nida Manzoor), Flux Gourmet (full post-production, IFC, directed by Peter Strickland), Rogue Agent (full post-production, Netflix, directed by Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson), A Christmas Number One (full post-production, Sky Cinema, directed by Chris Cottam), Boxing Day (full post-production, Warner Brothers, directed by Aml Ameen), The Wonder (sound mix, Element Pictures), The Swimmers (sound mix, Netflix, directed by Sally El Hosaini), and Asteroid City (sound mix, directed by Wes Anderson), Kensuke's Kingdon (full post-production, Lupus Films), Man & Witch (DI only, Paper Canoe), The Problem With People (DI post, Salon Pictures) as well as a large number of TV drama series and feature docs.
Intermission Film
Kodak
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
Netflix
Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services with over 238 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching, as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.
Pinewood Studios Group
As the leading provider of studio and related services to the global film and television industry, Pinewood Studios Group has enabled storytellers to bring their creations to life on the big and small screen for over 85 years. The Pinewood Studios Group encompasses world-class stages and facilities at our sites in Pinewood, Shepperton, Toronto and the Dominican Republic. UK-based Pinewood and Shepperton Studios comprise 40 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 division and lighting, as well as the expertise of hundreds of complementary media companies based at the Studios.
pinewoodgroup.com
Raindance
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
Spotlight
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
Studio Juice
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
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
RSM
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.
Soho House
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.comWiggin
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.