Business Live: for curious entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs

How to break into the film industry with no money and celebrating independent film: Ben Wilkinson and Joe Palmer

September 24, 2021 Jamie Veitch Season 9 Episode 25
Business Live: for curious entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs
How to break into the film industry with no money and celebrating independent film: Ben Wilkinson and Joe Palmer
Show Notes

What is a "micro-budget" film? Ben Wilkinson is the founder and director of the Spirit of Independence Film Festival, taking place on 2 October.

Now in its third year the festival celebrates films across genres from all over the world. It showcases talent, demonstrates excellence in film-making, entertains viewers, and is a brilliant industry get-together for grassroutes film making.

And Ben gives his definition of a micro-budget film: a maximum of £150,000 for a feature film, and £1,000 for a short. The festival will inspire others too: some incredible films are being screened this year as Ben describes.

Joe Palmer, who runs video production firm Open House Pictures, is helping to grow and publicise the festival. He tells us what he's most excited by and gives an update on how his business has developed since his last appearance on this programme.

The festival includes a talk: No Money? No Problem! How To Break Into The Industry When You Have No Money, and in this episode Ben and Joe both give their top tips and advice based on their experiences.

Also in the show: events, funding and more.

Timings:

  • 0 - 28:35 Interview with Ben and Joe. Check out the Spirit of Independence Film Festival programme and book tickets. Take a look at Open House Pictures too.
  • 28:35 Sheffield Business Awards are back! Entry deadline 29 October. Details here.
  • 29:54 Update from the Business & IP Centre Sheffield.
  • 31:18 Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards – £50,000 of funding. Details.
  • 32:29 October is anti-slavery month and businesses are being asked to support the survivors of modern slavery in Sheffield. You can donate new items for care packages and purchase items from the online wish list, here .
  • 34:00 Social Enterprises Futures, a month-long digital festival.
  • 34:52 So called "environmental" companies outperform others – but I have a problem with a definition.
  • 35:55 Business Sheffield's programme of free workshops, webinars and virtual one-to-one sessions.
  • 37:05 Wrapping up.

Thanks for listening to the show – and thanks Ben and Joe for coming on air.