Bristol and Bath Screen Summit to address the action needed to drive regional growth and support production talent

Leading filmmakers, producers and writers will join production companies, commissioners, and politicians at the second Bristol and Bath Screen Summit, on Wednesday 8 November. The UWE Bristol event at Arnolfini will celebrate the rise of the regional voice but will also explore what is required over the next five years to drive growth and to continue to develop talent in the city region.  

Hosted by TV presenter and writer Sarah Beeny, the Screen Summit will build on last year’s inaugural event, with updates on the work towards a Regional Production Fund and the first regional new writers’ programme led by Channel 4. 

Actor and BBC Radio Bristol’s new breakfast show presenter ‘Mr Bristol’ Joe Sims and ITV West Country’s Seb Choudhury will lead a series of expert panels as they unpick the building blocks for talent development, including what makes a hit returning series and what everyone needs to know about embracing creative technologies - from deepfake to artificial intelligence: the pleasure and the pain. 

Award-winning producers and directors from the region’s production community, including Five Mile Films, BBC Studios Factual Entertainment Productions, Strong Film and TV, Twenty Twenty Television, Sid Wild and Bristol AF, will be among the panellists. 

The afternoon’s final session will bring Nancy Medina (Bristol Old Vic’s artistic director and joint CEO) together with Sir Peter Bazalgette (co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, chair of the Royal College of Art’s Council, and former chair of ITV plc) to discuss the UK Creative Sector Vision. 

The creation of the Screen Summit is a key recommendation from research by academics at UWE Bristol’s Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC).  

Figures released by the Bristol Film Office show that film and TV production was worth an estimated £20.1 million to Bristol’s economy in the 2022-23 financial year. This demonstrates that production levels have been maintained over the last 12 months; however, there continue to be opportunities to enhance the strength and visibility of the area as a regional screen powerhouse.  

Lynn Barlow, UWE Bristol’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement, explains: “With shows such as ITV’s Ruby Speaking and BBC 1’s Rain Dogs shining the light on Bristol, plus a highly anticipated third series of the Outlaws in the cutting room – no doubt bringing more BAFTAs, Emmy nominations and RTS awards to the region – it’s not surprising that UNESCO is using Bristol City of Film as a case study of a thriving, creative, and innovative city.  

“But in the year since the last Summit our freelance community has seen work dry up with productions postponed or cancelled and, although there are positive signs for an upturn in business, it will be a while before it is buoyant again.  

“The Screen Summit will bring together key players in the industry to continue the discussion on how to boost the region as a sustainable production location, build on its strengths and overcome the challenges in its way.” 

The Bristol and Bath Screen Summit takes place on 8 November at Arnolfini, Bristol, from 14:00. Networking and refreshments will follow. 

Tickets cost £25 for an individual and £35 for a company and are available online. 

40 free tickets for freelancers, with at least one year’s industry experience, are available on a first come first served basis. To qualify, freelancers are asked to include a link to a professional profile on Talent Manager or LinkedIn when booking a ticket. This offer is open until 18:00 on Sunday 22 October.