02/12/2009

The UK Film Council (UKFC) has joined hands with partnership agency Film Tree, to develop advertiser-funded film production in the UK.

Film Tree will be a bridge between film producers and distributors who want to look at new funding routes, and brands searching for quality entertainment content for their marketing campaigns. The partnership will provide film companies with better access to brand financing, offer new ways of engaging with audiences, and promote closer working relationships between the creative industries.

UKFC CEO John Woodward said, “At a time when traditional sources of finance and revenues are diminishing, part of the UK Film Council’s job is to help the film sector with practical solutions. Essentially, we are establishing a partnership that will enable brands to speak more directly to filmmakers about financing new films, creating a genuine fit between the brand and the film project looking for production finance.”

Ed Sharp, partner at Film Tree, said, “Branded entertainment can create even more engaging marketing campaigns and deliver tangible returns on investment – for all involved. This exciting partnership comes as we are working with a number of UK film producers and distributors on commercial projects, each with a clearly defined audience in mind, and each searching for additional financing.”