Michelle Eastwood, Producer, Escape Films
Alumni of 2012

“Inside Pictures enabled me to think of my own work within a wider business context and encouraged me to approach new ventures with a greater degree of commercial awareness. The best part of the course for me was mixing with my fantastic peers in all different areas of the film business and the fact that that doesn't end when the course does. It's amazing to be able to pick the brains of so many successful people across the industry and get specialised opinions and information whenever you need it. Inside Pictures is a great film-making and film-financing community. “

Alexander Glehr, MD and Producer, Novotny and Novotny
Alumni of 2012

Getting to know the skills and techniques of the European and US film industry was my main goal when I applied for Inside Pictures. But what I have gained was even more: a perspective on the opportunities and difficulties of the audio-visional entertainment industry worldwide. During this training program I felt I was part of a conversation between 16 professionals, rather than being ‘in class’ attending lessons. As a participant of Inside Pictures you will never learn how to do it the right way. If you are chosen to be part of this program, you already did it right. So Inside Pictures is kind of a platform on which you are able to share your aims, thoughts and doubts with people, who already found a way of dealing with this business. Inside Pictures gives you the chance to compare and to reflect the way you do it, to adjust your own way of thinking and to take inspiration from people who made it in this industry.

Stewart le Maréchal, Producer, Met Films
Alumni of 2012

Inside Pictures was a great experience that has helped me on a number of fronts. I wanted to increase my knowledge about the business particularly on the sales and marketing side, to expand my US contacts, to explore other business models for our company and to have the opportunity to share experiences and gain knowledge from my colleagues on Inside Pictures. The programme didn't disappoint and provided me with everything I went looking for.

Module 1 provided us with an industry overview from a variety of perspectives including development, finance, sales and exhibition and it was delivered to us from people at the top of the industry. Module 2 was the trip to LA which helped contrast the differences between the UK and US systems. Module 3 focussed on company business models and your own personal skills which was a great way to finish the programme as it meant I left with ideas on how to change and improve how our company works.

Most valuable of all for me was the opportunity for the group to share our thoughts in an open and safe environment where we could learn from each other. The programme gave us the space and time to establish strong relationships within the group that I hope will continue to grow and lead to collaborations in the future.

Natasha Pilbrow, Solicitor, Lee & Thompson LLP
Alumni of 2012

“Being a London participant on the Inside Pictures programme 2012 gave me a 360 degree understanding of the film industry and importantly how all the different pieces of the puzzle fit together - essential for any producer and/or executive aiming to create and exploit films that are both critically and commercially successful. Participants on the programme included established producers, distributors, sales agents, packaging agent, finance directors, financiers and a lawyer. The knowledge gained from this group of individuals alone was invaluable, understanding each person’s perspective and finding a common language. I think everyone on the programme recognised that there is no part of the puzzle that can be overlooked – the numbers are as important as the creative elements which are as important as the marketing and vice versa.

An exceptional group of industry leaders presented on their career paths and gave us an oversight into the key steps involved in building their respective companies, they were candid about both their failures and accomplishments – extraordinarily informative and very inspiring.

We learnt fundamental practical and transferrable skills, including core leadership and management planning skills, business planning and corporate strategy, personal presentation and negotiation skills.

The icing on the cake is that the Inside Pictures alumni includes an outstanding body of major players across the film industry – it is a fantastic network to be a part of. I feel confident that the 2012 group will keep in touch and be a source of support and feedback as we go forward in our respective careers.”

John Ramchandani, Managing Director, Hollywood Classics
Alumni of 2012

The Inside Pictures modules are arranged in three very detailed modules which focus on different aspects of the film industry. Participants attend a detailed and well-organised programme of seminars and networking events, all of which are designed to broaden your understanding of the business. Personally, I really enjoyed Module 2 in LA which gave an invaluable insight into the US Studio approach to Home Entertainment & Digital sales.

My background is in film distribution, however IP is designed to throw each participant into the ring, each with individual strengths and backgrounds within the industry. I now have strong contacts in production, finance, international sales and acquisitions, all of whom can be called on if needed – and vice versa. Inside Pictures manages to condense decades of professional experience into just 3 weeks!

Laure Vaysse, Chief Operating Officer, Motion Picture Capital
Alumni of 2012

Inside Pictures is one of the best training programmes that can be offered to executives of the film industry. It provides a better understanding of the current issues facing our industry as well as a distinct and rare opportunity to meet well-respected specialists. The quality of the sessions, the expertise of the speakers and diversity of the fellow participants create a great environment to reflect on our personal role within the industry and to try and maximise what we can bring to it now, and in the near future. Opportunities such as this are few and far between; building a network of contacts; getting upfront advice from senior executives; and, just as importantly finding answers to professional challenges faced or being faced on an individual level.

As an Alumni, I have already benefited significantly from the embedded structure and organisation at Inside Pictures, and furthermore I am sure I will for many years to come.

Thomas Benski, MD and Producer, Pulse
Alumni of 2011

I must say I was sceptical when I applied as I think it is very hard to find a program once you have reached a certain stage of the industry that will be genuinely helpful, well I was very wrong. IP was a real revelation: the standard of the lecturers and participants has made this experience unique. The most unique aspect for me is the blend of disciplines. Despite all participants being from the same industry, if it was not for IP I would have never engaged with certain disciplines unless we were in a business transaction, by which time it’s too late. Thanks to IP, we’ve learnt about the different priorities and agendas across the business, which effectively helps each of us become better professionals both on and off the programme. More importantly, now we can reach out to anyone of our fellow alumni and ask a question, which is amazing. On top of that, for me the course helped generate business: I have created 2 joint ventures on the back of the course so it was definitely money and time well spent.

Caroline Cooper Charles, Producer, Universal Spirits
Alumni of 2011

Inside Pictures is brilliant at taking you outside your comfort zone and making you look at the business from a different perspective - whether that's questioning a business model, assessing a deal from another side of the table or simply listening to how other people do things differently. The important thing is that you feel able to do that in a trusted environment where everybody feels in the same boat, in spite of all the different specialisms.

Bert Hamelinck, Producer & Managing Director, Caviar Content
Alumni of 2011

I was an experienced producer when I applied to Inside Pictures in 2011 but the programme was a big part of my reaching the next level in my career as it really gives access to areas of the film industry, both in Europe and the US. The quality and breadth of speakers was excellent and I am happy to say that I feel I learned just as much from my fellow participants on the programme. I am now working on a number of European co-productions where the experiences on the programme were very helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Inside Pictures to experienced European film industry professionals looking to take that next step.

Sofie Wanting Hassing, CEO, Producer, Consultant, Wanting Film & Media
Alumni of 2011

Inside Pictures is a brilliant gate opener for contacts, new set-ups and international production - not to forget the new friendships in the industry that will follow you for many years.

It was very inspiring meeting and learning from the Top Executives and at the same time it works perfectly as inspiration for new ideas and new co-operations. Inside Pictures will help you reach your goals and set new ambitions.

This course is without a doubt one of the best film business courses in the industry.

Charlotte van Weede, Head of Sales, eOne Films International
Alumni of 2011

I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to take part in the Inside Pictures program. Over a period of three modules, I had the chance to interact with leading filmmakers and executives, covering every aspect of the film financing, production and distribution process. The level of speakers was very impressive allowing a clear insight in the mechanics of making films in Europe and the US. Equally, the diversity of the group of participants allowed for in-depth and lively discussions. This bird’s eye view of the film industry has particularly broadened my understanding of the financing side of filmmaking and has allowed me to further my career and to build my network, particularly across the UK and Europe.

Anna Higgs, Commissioning Editor, Film 4
Alumni of 2010

"Inside Pictures really is a game-changer of a programme. It gives you unparalleled access to executives at the top of the industry, unique insight right across the film value chain and, most centrally for me, a brilliant peer network in all areas of the business. It certainly helped equip me for my move from independent producing to leading on creative innovation for Film4."

Benjamina Mirnik, Head of Acquisitions and co-productions, Universum GmbH
Alumni of 2010

I enjoyed the INSIDE PICTURES course very much. My colleagues are very talented and interesting, the projects were inspiring and promising and my understanding of how the independent film market works was greatly improved. The lecturers were very experienced people who gave us the inside view on how to put a film together and make sure that one looks out for the business opportunity as well. I benefitted greatly from the course by making interesting contacts and learning about the film business from different points of view.

Jezz Vernon, Head of Distribution, Metrodome Distribution
Alumni of 2010

I could write a long thoughtful paragraph but actually I think it’s easier to simply state that I am Managing Director of my company now, and I wouldn’t be without Inside Pictures. We are going into production on 2 features in the next 6 months and in post on my first feature as EP, as well as running a distribution company (that’s surviving – one of the very few). None of this would have happened without Inside Pictures.