09:00 — Registration (Tea, coffee & pastries)
09:30 — Official Welcome
10:00 — Lessons from the Feature Frontline (Panel Discussion)
11:00 — Navigating Funding & Development (Panel Discussion – presented by Sgil Cymru)
12:00 — Building a Winning Feature: Craft, Choices & Collaboration (20-minute panel + 25-minute breakout roundtables)
12:45 — Industry Lunch
13:45 — Beyond the Final Cut: Marketing & Distribution (30-minute panel + 15-minute breakout roundtables)
15:00 — In Conversation: Konrad Kay & Mickey Down (Interview + Q&A)
16:15 — Move to Cineworld Cardiff
16:30 — Keynote Speech + Q&A
17:00 — Iris Prize Student Awards
17:15 — Closing Remarks
17:30 — Networking Drinks Reception
A panel of feature filmmakers share the hard-won lessons from making their films — what they’d do differently, what surprised them, and the moments that nearly broke the project (and how they pushed through). An honest, practical look at the realities behind the credits.
With writer Lisa Baker (Madfabulous), producer Stefan D’Bart (Boiling Point) and directors Gabriel Ordonez (Sunday Boyfriends) and Daniel Ribeiro (I Am Going to Miss You).
Representatives from some of the UK’s biggest players in funding and development break down the process: what organisations look for, common pitfalls in applications, and how to get your project noticed and supported from page to production.
With Alice Cabañas (BFI Network), Celi Fowler (BBC Writers), Emma Obank (Bad Wolf) and Alice Whittemore (Film4).
A focused conversation on what separates a feature that gets made — and seen — from one that doesn’t: the creative choices, the collaborations, and the decisions that shape a project long before it reaches an audience. Followed by a breakout roundtables where attendees can dig deeper with the panellists.
With Alice Cabañas (BFI Network), Stefan D’Bart (Boiling Point), Daniel Ribeiro (The Way He Looks) and Alice Whittemore (Film4).
An inside look at how films find their audience — from festival strategy and sales agents to release patterns and marketing on a limited budget. The roundtable format gives attendees the chance to ask specific questions about positioning their own projects for distribution.
With Tom Abell (Peccadillo Pictures), Roberto Proia (Eagle Pictures), Joe Ursell (BFI Player) and Alice Werdine (Picturehouse).
Konrad Kay and Mickey Down take a break from production on the fifth and final season of their hit HBO/BBC series Industry for this special conversation. They trace their journey from their Kickstarter-funded, BIFA-nominated debut feature Gregor to building one of television’s most acclaimed dramas. A rare chance to hear directly from two creators who broke through together.
Close the day with drinks and informal conversation. A chance to connect with panellists, fellow attendees, and industry contacts made throughout the day.
Thursday 15 October at Majestic Hotel Cardiff
The Industry Day Pass includes:
