The University of Exeter is teaming with Oscar-winning UK producer David Puttnam’s Atticus Education and Screen International to launch a series of online professional courses focusing on the realities of the contemporary film industry.
The international initiative, which is launching in autumn this year, aims to support the next generation of screen professionals and filmmakers by focusing on underserved areas in the broader screen education landscape.
Targeted at early-career filmmakers, producers and executives, the industry-led programme will initially offer four highly specific professional education courses: structuring low- budget UK film finance; commercial pathways for first-time filmmakers; how to co-produce internationally; and festival strategies for shorts and debut features — with more planned in the next 12 months.
“These courses are highly specialised, offering essential industry knowledge and teaching core skillsets through expert practitioners, case studies and guest speakers,” explains Jezz Vernon, senior lecturer in film at Exeter, who will oversee the courses.
Each programme will be led by an expert in the field, including Alan Martin, Janne Barklis and Katie Bignell (see box, below). The content will be relevant globally, offering participants from the US and Pacific Asia, in addition to those from Europe, an invaluable opportunity to expand their international networks. The courses will deliver real-world insights, crucial industry knowledge and insider case studies.
Puttnam, who is spearheading the initiative through his online learning provider Atticus Education, will introduce each course through a welcome call. The teams from Atticus and Exeter will offer expertise and resources throughout the period.
“We will offer emerging filmmakers a unique and challenging set of online courses. It is sometimes forgotten this is a business, which involves raising finance and distributing films — not just, ‘Have you got a dream and do you want to deliver it,’ but how do you deliver it,” says Puttnam, chair and CEO of Atticus Education.
Courses are open to all, with no prior industry experience required. Find the registration details by searching ‘professional education’ at ScreenDaily.com.
The online courses
Structuring Low-Budget UK Film Finance
Delivered by: executive producer Alan Martin (COO, Good Gate Media).
Content: Students will learn how to finance and structure a micro- through to mid-budget UK production using an SPV (special purpose vehicle). The course includes an overview of UK financial compliance frameworks, legal information, public-funding pathways, international treaty co-productions and the mechanics of how to work with the new UK Independent Film Tax Credit.
Commercial Pathways for First-Time Filmmakers
Delivered by: Janne Barklis (former film packaging and sales executive, Gersh).
Content: This course maps the most effective commercial and creative journey for international filmmakers, from the spark of a short-film idea to the first funded feature. The focus is market-driven in its approach, providing the tools and knowledge to propel filmmakers into sustainable careers. Explore development strategies, funding routes, agency representation, market positioning and first-look opportunities, with practical advice on the project types, genres and approaches that will move a filmmaker from early concepts to commercially viable, production-ready films that can connect with audiences.
How to Co-Produce Internationally
Delivered by: an international co-production expert.
Content: This course provides a practical roadmap to structuring official and informal co-productions. Participants will gain a clear understanding of viable cross-border finance plans, leveraging tax credits and public subsidies, accessing co-production funds and managing rights across multiple jurisdictions. Key topics include navigating the European Convention and bilateral treaties, building productive international partnerships, and addressing the legal and logistical complexities of working across a range of territories. This is an internationally facing course that focuses on global co-productions aimed at international audiences and is designed for filmmakers looking to collaborate internationally.
Festival Strategy for Shorts and Debut Features
Delivered by: Katie Bignell (founder, Festival Formula).
Content: Crafting an informed festival strategy is critical to building your film’s visibility and breaking through into the industry. This course provides an expert guide to help filmmakers navigate the international festival circuit, offering practical guidance on selecting and prioritising the right festivals, national and international strategy, networking, leveraging no-budget marketing to build industry momentum and utilising festival runs to access the international industry and audiences.
Contact: Jezz Vernon
Find out more: exeter.ac.uk
