Talent Lab returns to EIFF as delegates discover the traverse

Edinburgh – 28 March 2012 – Edinburgh International Film Festival today announced the second year of their Talent Lab. Supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund and by Creative Scotland, the Lab offers up-and-coming filmmakers a fantastic opportunity to learn from the world’s key film industry players.

Drawing on the Festival’s successful track record in talent development, the four day programme will lead emerging Scottish and UK filmmakers in group discussions and networking events as well as hosting an invaluable afternoon of one-on-one advice and information sessions with experienced industry insiders, all with the aim of honing skills and building confidence within the next generation of filmmakers.

A select group of Scottish producer participants from the EIFF Talent Lab will also be offered the opportunity to attend the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2012 as delegates of the Canadian festival.

The Talent Lab is open to screenwriters, directors and producers with a short film or feature credit to their name, and application details can be found at www.edfilmfest.org.uk/talentdevelopment.

Chris Fujiwara, EIFF Artistic Director said: “The Edinburgh International Film Festival is strongly committed to discovering and supporting emerging talent. We’re proud to announce the second year of our Talent Lab, which is our major vehicle for fulfilling this vital mission. We’re grateful to the Scottish Government for their continued support of our Expo-funded programmes, and we look forward to showcasing this year’s new talent in our new Delegate Centre at the Traverse.”

All Talent Lab events will take place at the EIFF’s new Delegate Centre venue, the Traverse Theatre, located at the heart of the Edinburgh Cultural Quarter and just steps from Filmhouse, the home of EIFF. In addition to the Talent Lab, the Traverse will play host to a full programme of Industry events, information services and networking opportunities for all filmmakers, delegates and press.

Linda Crooks, Executive Producer/Joint CEO, Traverse Theatre commented: “The Traverse is thrilled to be in a position to host the EIFF 2012 Delegate Centre.  It has been a long held ambition to work more closely with our Cultural Quarter neighbours. EIFF is a perfect and timely fit.   Both the Traverse and EIFF have a lot more than geography in common, not least as internationally renowned Festival organisations dedicated to the support of emergent talent.  We look forward to collaborating on exciting opportunities that may present themselves now that Chris Fujiwara has taken up the artistic helm, and to working year-round with the Centre for the Moving Image team.”

Additional talent development programmes at EIFF 2012 include residential labs for emerging composers and sound designers who are looking to work in the moving image industry, and will offer them the chance to meet and talk with successful professionals from their chosen field. Further industry elements at the Festival will be announced at a later date.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 June - 1 July 2012