As a seasoned cinematic voyager who has traversed through countless realms of celluloid dreams, I eagerly anticipate the 10th edition of Focus, the international production community’s annual gathering. The prospect of immersing myself in three targeted stages – Business & Leadership, Craft & Creativity, and Tech & Innovation – is akin to embarking on an epic journey across Middle-earth, each stage representing a distinct realm waiting to be explored.

The annual gathering for the global production community, known as Focus, is set to take place on December 10-11 in London this year. This will be its tenth edition, and it continues to be free for industry professionals to attend. A diverse crowd of thousands, spanning film, television, advertising, animation, gaming, and XR industries, are expected to join the event.

Jean-Frederic Garcia, director of Focus, stated last year’s event was our largest by a significant distance. Not only did we boost the attendance, but as revealed in a post-conference survey, we also significantly improved satisfaction levels. I am thrilled to announce that the upcoming 10th edition will surpass all previous events in scale.

This year’s event features modifications in structure, such as dispersing talks and workshops onto tailored platforms to foster more focused dialogues and assist participants in identifying sessions relevant to their interests. The stages are labeled Business & Leadership, Craft & Creativity, and Tech & Innovation. Additionally, a fresh format called “In Brief” is being introduced, which includes concise 10-minute presentations on topics such as emerging technologies and traditional artistry.

Garcia emphasizes that maintaining high-quality attendance is crucial for us. We’ve allocated our resources towards achieving this goal. Furthermore, we will ensure strict monitoring of accreditation to uphold our standards. Our aim is to guarantee a comfortable and well-managed experience for all attendees at the show.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some standout events from this year’s lineup. For instance, the British Film Commission’s immersive masterclass on the breathtaking locations featured in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” is not to be missed. Also, I can’t wait for my chat with Sam Breckman, the brilliant producer behind “True Detective.” Lastly, there’s an enlightening lecture titled “Generation AI Is ‘Here’: The Science and Art Behind Robert Zemeckis’ Groundbreaking Feature,” delving into the fascinating world of AI through a closer look at Robert Zemeckis’ innovative film “Here.

This year’s conference will place a particular emphasis on the topics of adaptability and flexibility, as Garcia explains. He points out that our conference sessions are designed to focus on adapting to a changing world, whether that means exploring new funding sources or ensuring audience longevity. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of flexibility, given the need for adaptability in today’s dynamic environment.

Still, AI continues to be the topic of great discussion, with Garcia stating Focus wants to think about “harnessing AI to create a balance with traditional craft.” He adds: “It’s been a very difficult year and a half but it made us realize how resilient the industry is. Our industry is adaptable and can reinvent itself. We need to look at the future and think of where things might go.”

Additionally, Garcia takes pride in the increased involvement of British studios, noticeably amplifying their representation at the conference this time around. Furthermore, it’s exciting to see new participants such as Japan, Hungary, and Tunisia joining Focus this year. Garcia remarks, “The addition of these countries broadens the pool significantly.

He expresses his excitement for this year’s conference, as a result of all the improvements they’ve implemented. Specifically, they’ve fine-tuned the conference, exhibition, and networking aspects, aiming to maximize opportunities for meaningful connections.

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2024-11-30 20:46