FOCUS 2024 Celebrates Biggest Edition to Date

A record number of professionals from across the creative screen industries, including film, TV, advertising, games and immersive, participated in the tenth edition of FOCUS. Over 3900 delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and international delegations, from 72 countries, enjoyed two packed days of conference sessions, meetings and networking events at the Business Design Centre London (December 10-11).

70 conference sessions and exhibitor presentations featured over 200 expert speakers. Across three standing-room only Conference stages (Business & Leadership, Tech & Innovation, Craft & Creativity), keynotes, panels, and interviews addressed the key talking points of 2024, from the challenges of financing and structuring projects in uncertain times, navigating AI and new technology, creating content sustainably and telling authentic stories.  High profile case studies included Gladiator 2, Conclave, Nosferatu, Here, The Substance and Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power. The programme included a brand-new format: 10-minute  'In Brief' presentations. From Groundbreakers to Craft Masters,  Just One Change to What's Next? these TED-style sessions offered deep dives into a range of subjects.

The conference programme was presented in association with media partner Variety and new sponsor Shinfield Studios and was delivered in conjunction with an expanded range of partners including: Pact, PGGB, BFI, British Film Commission, ScreenSkills, Advertising Producers Association, UK Screen Alliance, Directors UK, LMGI, Stage 32, BFDG, Doc Society, BAFTA albert, Producers Without Borders, Shiny, UK Global Screen Fund, Olsberg SPI, The Film & TV Charity. The emPOWER Breakfast, Metaphysic, Future of Film, Framestore, Bectu, Film London, Mark Milsome Foundation, Wonder Women and Reclaim the Frame.

On the Show Floor, attendees were able to meet with 283 exhibiting companies, another record breaking number. These included international film commissions, agencies, film-friendly locations and production service companies from every continent. New territories for 2024 included Nepal, Montenegro, Tunisia, South Korea, Hungary, Serbia, Barbados, Kurdistan, India and Japan.

After a successful launch last year, FOCUS offered expanded Producer Surgeries, covering finance, accountancy, tax and business strategy. Delegates were able to access bespoke 1-2-1 meetings with leading industry advisers Triple Exposure, Saffery, Moore Kingston Smith, and SRLV.

BooksOffice presented  AMPlify – Author Meets Producer Presentation and Pitch Sessions – a brand new initiative at FOCUS, bringing talented writers with great storytelling ability directly to the attention of producers.

FOCUS offered a plethora of festive networking events, including the FOCUS Exhibitor & Sponsor Welcome Drinks sponsored by AFCI, Apply4 and Reel-Scout; Producers Brunch with Variety & PACT sponsored by Alessi Hartigan Casting; PGGB Lunch, sponsored by United Airlines and The Polish Film Institute; Meet the Makers Lunch sponsored by Boomerang Carnets Media, Hero Productions Iceland and Angel Films Hungary; Location Managers’ Xmas Drinks with LMGI, sponsored by Supply 2 Location, Illumin8 Lights, Get Set Hire, Above the Line Security, Qdos Location Facilities, Fews Film Structures and Autotrak Portable Roadways.

There were also numerous receptions hosted by international partners and the 2 in Tents Bar was a busy meeting hub.

FOCUS managing director Jean-Frederic Garcia said, “Heartfelt thanks to the Content Advisory Board and all our speakers, exhibitors, partners and sponsors for contributing to such a successful edition of FOCUS.  We look forward to seeing everyone again for an even more ambitious FOCUS 2025”.

FOCUS returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on 8-9 December 2025.