The first of a series of discussions designed to create and respond to the need for exchange amongst film exhibitors across the UK
Bringing together a panel of representatives from independent cinemas from across the UK, this webinar session will be an opportunity to hear about their approaches to, and experience of, reopening, brand and community building, their business and fundraising strategies in response to the current operating context, the in-venue (and hybrid) programming models they’ve developed and how they are welcoming marginalised audiences back to their cinemas through community outreach and audience development.
FAN Conversations delivers online discussions with FAN members and industry experts, on a range of topics that are relevant to the cinema exhibition sector in a challenging and changeable climate. The conversations will be open to FAN members and the wider film and creative industries sector.
The session will be chaired by Film Journalist Wendy Ide and include guests Oliver Meek, Executive Director of Rio Cinema, Claire Horrocks, Film Programmer at Exeter Phoenix, Neil Hepburn, Cinema Marketing Manager at Eden Court and Claire Vaughan, Cinema Programme Manager at Chapter Cardiff.
Speakers
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Neil Hepburn is the Marketing Manager for Film & Visual Culture at Eden Court Highlands, Scotland’s largest multi-arts venue. As Scotland’s coordinator for the BFI FAN New Release support scheme, he also helps exhibitors to engage with more diverse audiences.
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Oliver Meek is the Executive Director of the Rio cinema in Dalston and acting Executive Director for the Phoenix in East Finchley. Having started out as an usher at Screen on the Hill, he worked for Riverside Studios and Everyman before Joining the Rio in 2015.
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Wendy Ide is a film critic and commentator who writes for The Observer, Screen International, The Financial Times and Prospect, among others.
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Claire Horrocks is the Film Programmer at Exeter Phoenix, one of the south west’s leading multi-arts venues. She has been programming independent cinema for 9 years and has run a number of specialised film seasons, touring programmes and annual outdoor screening events.
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Claire Vaughan is the Programme Manager at Chapter Cinema, Director at Shift Cardiff R&D artspace, founder of Reframed Film online screenings. She is interested in opening up the world of film to audiences and facilitating cultural conversations.