French producer and co-founder of EuropaCorp Pierre-Ange Le Pogam will make a key note speech at the 3rd Production Finance Market (PFM), which takes place in London on October 21 - 22.

The producer’s presence at the PFM, which was established in 2007 to help create new relationships between producers and financiers, is part of a drive to create a stronger European focus at this year’s event. The PFM is run by Film London, in association with The Times BFI London Film Festival.

European financiers attending the event include Wild Bunch (France), RAI Cinema (Italy), Haut et Court (France), Filmax (Spain) and MK2 (France).

They will be joined by representatives from Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures International, Miramax, Focus Features Int., Pathé Productions Ltd Optimum/Studio Canal and Lionsgate.

Amongst the 50 production companies presenting projects will be Razor Film Produktion GmbH, Qwerty Films, Tornasol Films, Recorded Picture Company, Origin Pictures, R&C Produzioni and Number 9 Films.

This year’s PFM will see fewer slates being offered up, with more of a focus on single projects at later stages. The total value of the projects on offer is down on last year, from $1.16bn to $569m, in the wake of the economic downturn and, according to a Film London spokesperson, “as a direct response to what our attendees have told us they want.”

Daniel Battsek, President of Miramax Films and keynote speaker at PFM 2008 said: “After just a few years of existence, the London’s PFM has become an important engagement for members of the independent and specialty film community. The market provides a wide range of access to top financiers, producers, and film-makers. Events of this kind have proved very beneficial to the development and success of our business.”