

Summary
Learn from the Oscar-winning producer of THE KING'S SPEECH
Get a 6-page international co-production checklist taking you through development through post-production
Welcome to this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, where we're privileged to present Oscar & BAFTA Award-winning Producer Gareth Ellis Unwin, sharing his esteemed experience in creating successful international co-productions. Drawing upon his vast expertise and the impressive portfolio of Bedlam Film Productions, including acclaimed projects like BIRDCATCHER (UK/Norway), STEEL COUNTRY (UK/USA), and ZAYTOUN (UK/France/Israel), Gareth will guide participants through the labyrinth of international filmmaking, from concept to release. This session is meticulously designed to provide an in-depth look at the structures of co-productions, the benefits and pitfalls to watch for, and the critical aspects of co-production financing, all through the lens of Gareth's real-world experiences.
Throughout this webinar, Gareth will dissect the anatomy of a co-production, beginning with the genesis and decision-making process, highlighting the opportunities and challenges, and moving on to the art of selecting the right partners. He will then delve into the nuts and bolts of project financing and scheduling, sharing example finance plans and schedules from Bedlam's film catalogue. From the crucial stages of pre-production through to the dynamics of production and the nuances of post-production in an international setting,
Gareth will provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the entire filmmaking process. He will also share invaluable insights into the tangible benefits of working within co-productions, culminating in his personal reflections on his journey through the world of co-producing. Join us for a rare opportunity to gain insider knowledge from one of the film industry's most accomplished producers, here at Stage 32.
You will walk away with:
• The opportunity to hear first-hand from an Oscar-winning producer on how he navigated very complex international co-productions.
• The benefits and pitfalls of international co-production from both a financial and production perspective.
• A detailed analysis of what goes into financing an international co-production.
• A guide to practical lessons learned when producing an international co production.
PLUS! You will receive:
- A 6-page downloadable international co-production checklist taking you through development, pre-production, production and post-production
What You'll Learn
Introduction to International Feature Film Co-Productions
- The types of co-productions & their structure
- The difference between service company and co-production
- What to look for in a good co-production and easy mistakes to avoid
- Decision to co-produce
Things to Consider Before Deciding on Your Co-Production
- Opportunities to take advantage of
- The challenges and complexities
How to Choose your Co-Production Partner
- Determining your project structure
- Identifying local work on location with co-producing partners
- Finding your partners across distribution, sales agents and financing
How to Finance Your Film as a Co-Production
- Finance plans, insurances in place and completion bonds
- Process of financial closing
What to Expect During Pre-Production & Production Stages
- Challenges/opportunity in the scripts & what we are looking to achieve through prep
- Crew composition and the shoot
- On the ground shooting in other countries
- Production challenges
Understanding your Post-Production Structure
- Cost management and net benefits of working as an international co production
Overall reflections on co-productions
Q&A with Gareth
Who Should Attend
- Feature Film Producers
- Directors
- Filmmakers
- Financiers
- Line Producers
- Production Office Coordinators
- Unit Production Managers
- Agents
- Managers
Executive

Academy and BAFTA Award-winning Producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin is the CEO of the London-based Bedlam Film Productions.
After over a decade as a 1st AD and Line Producer, racking up dozens of film and TV credits, Gareth decided to move into Producing and formed Bedlam Productions in partner with producer Simon Egan.
Gareth produced the British thriller EXAM, which was nominated for a BAFTA and won Spirit and Dinard awards. International recognition followed soon after with the record-breaking, critically acclaimed film THE KING'S SPEECH. It went on to become the highest grossing British independent film of all time. It debuted at Toronto International Film Festival where it took home the celebrated Audience Award before winning seven BAFTAs (including Best Film and Outstanding British Film) and four Academy awards, including Best Picture, presented to Gareth by Steven Spielberg. The film would eventually win in excess of 80 internationally recognized film awards and gross over $450m worldwide in theatrical receipts alone. He would go on to produce a further 6 feature films.
Gareth has recently stepped down as Head of Film & Animation at Screenskills, the national charity in the UK for workforce development and those wishing to join the screen industries. Gareth led on the delivery of the BFI Future Film Skills 10-point action plan and set the overall strategic direction for the Film Skills Fund. He was closely involved in the development of the COVID-19 Safe Return To Production guidance and has won PGGB awards for his career film, First Day; On Set.
Gareth is a voting member of AMPAS, BAFTA, PGA and PGGB. He is also Honoree Fellow Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication where he occasionally lectures.