London, UK – Leading figures from the United Kingdom’s film sector are set to gather on September 30, 2025, at BFI Southbank in London for the second annual Screen Summit, an event specifically designed to strategize on enhancing the international performance and global standing of UK cinema.
Organised by Screen International, the summit, titled ‘Building On The UK’s Global Success’, aims to provide a critical platform for executives and filmmakers to dissect the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Discussions will focus on leveraging recent policy changes, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for UK film production on the world stage.
Addressing Key Industry Drivers and Challenges
A central theme for the 2025 summit is the impact of the recently introduced Independent Film Tax Credit. Industry stakeholders will examine how this new financial incentive is expected to stimulate production, attract investment, and bolster the independent sector, which has faced significant pressures in recent years.
Beyond financial mechanisms, the summit will delve into the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) within the film industry. Experts will explore its potential applications, ethical considerations, and implications for production workflows, distribution, and audience engagement.
The UK’s remarkable success in attracting inward investment for large-scale international productions will also be a significant discussion point. While celebrating this growth, the summit will seek to understand how this success can better benefit the wider UK production ecosystem and contribute to developing domestic talent and infrastructure.
Crucially, the event is committed to addressing critical social and environmental responsibilities. Efforts towards fostering a more inclusive, representative, and sustainable industry will be a prominent focus, with sessions dedicated to exploring tangible strategies for achieving these goals across the entire production pipeline.
Expert Panels and Practical Insights
The summit agenda is structured to provide practical, actionable insights for attendees. Key panel sessions include exploring strategies for attracting international financing and partners, highlighting the pivotal role of UK talent in the global market, and presenting detailed case studies from experienced UK producers who have navigated the complexities of international co-production and distribution.
Further sessions will investigate innovative approaches for connecting UK films with audiences both domestically and internationally, examining marketing strategies, distribution channels, and the evolving landscape of film consumption.
The agenda also features an ‘Ask the Experts’ session, offering attendees a direct opportunity to pose questions and seek guidance from industry veterans on a range of pressing issues.
Perspectives from Screen International
Matt Mueller, Screen International’s editor-in-chief, underscored the importance of the upcoming summit. “This event is designed to delve deeply into the dynamics shaping the UK industry’s international success, particularly the impressive inward investment sector,” Mueller stated. “However, it is equally vital that we confront the challenges currently faced by the independent production sector and fully explore the significant opportunities presented by the new Independent Film Tax Credit.”
The summit serves as a vital forum for charting the future course of the UK film industry. By bringing together key decision-makers, creative talent, and policymakers, the event aims to forge collaborative strategies that will not only build upon the sector’s existing global achievements but also address its systemic challenges and ensure its continued growth and relevance in an increasingly competitive international market.
Attendance at the Screen Summit on September 30, 2025, at BFI Southbank is anticipated to draw a diverse array of industry professionals eager to contribute to and benefit from these crucial discussions.
