Focus, the year-end meeting place for the international production community, returns to London from December 10 to 11. The 10th edition remains free to access for industry professionals and attracts thousands of visitors from film, TV, advertising, animation, games and XR.
“Last year was by far our biggest event,” says Jean-Frederic Garcia, Managing Director of Focus. “What we’ve been able to do is not only increase numbers, but, according to a post-conference survey, also increase satisfaction. I am happy to say that the 10th edition will be the biggest we have ever done.”
This year’s edition features some changes to the format, including the distribution of talks and sessions across specific stages to further sharpen discussions and help participants find the sessions that best suit their needs. The three phases are called Business & Leadership, Craft & Creativity and Tech & Innovation. Focus also introduces ‘In Brief’, a new format consisting of 10-minute presentations on topics such as new technologies and traditional crafts.
“For us, the quality of attendance is a priority. We have committed resources to it,” Garcia said, adding that the accreditation will be closely monitored to maintain standards. “We want to make sure that people who come to the show feel cared for.”
Highlights include the British Film Commission masterclass on “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Jason Solomons’ conversation with “True Detective” producer Sam Breckman, and an in-depth talk on AI through a research by Robert Zemeckis. ”Here’, titled ‘Generation AI Is ‘Here’: The Science and Art Behind Robert Zemeckis’ Groundbreaking Feature.’
While last year’s conference focused on the overarching theme of AI, Garcia says that this year special attention will be paid to adaptability and flexibility. “If you look at the way our sessions are structured, they are either about adaptability to a new world – whether it’s new funding opportunities or audience sustainability – and flexibility, because there is a great need for malleability today.”
Still, AI remains the subject of great debate, with Garcia saying Focus wants to think about “leveraging AI to create a balance with traditional crafts.” He adds: “It has been a very difficult year and a half, but it has made us realize how resilient the sector is. Our industry is flexible and can reinvent itself. We have to look to the future and think about where things could go.”
Elsewhere, Garcia is proud to have made progress with the participation of UK studios, significantly increasing their presence at the conference, and with new countries participating in Focus this year. “Japan is coming, and so are Hungary and Tunisia. The expansion of the pool is great.”
“I’m looking forward to this year’s conference because of all the changes we’ve made,” he concluded. “We have sharpened our focus on the three pillars of conferences, exhibitions and networking and really nurtured the possibilities of connection.”
