About |
BACKGROUND
Since it’s founding in 1992 by filmmaker Elliot Grove, Raindance Films has played a key role in the promotion and development of independent British filmmaking throughout the world. Through its prestigious film festival, training courses, and the hosting of the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), Raindance both showcases UK independent film and fosters the development of over 3000 new and aspiring filmmakers each year, screening such films as Pulp Fiction, The Blair Witch Project and Memento. Simply put, from guerrilla style no budget productions to big budget indie blockbusters, Raindance Films serves as a constant resource for both UK film and filmmakers alike.
THE FESTIVAL
As one of the largest film festivals in the UK, the Raindance Film Festival caters to first time and veteran filmmakers alike, showcasing roughly 90 features and 150 shorts each year. Representing over 40 countries, with 1,931 filmmakers and actors in attendance, the festival’s prestigious history has solidified itself as a premier platform for independent film.
Raindance patrons include Evan McGregor, Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam, directors Mike Figgis and Ken Loach, and filmmaker Nick Broomfield. And with past juries featuring Dame Judi Dench, Lou Reed, and Marky Ramone, the Raindance Festival has cemented itself as a powerful platform for aspiring independent filmmakers.
Live!Ammunition!
Bringing the artist and business together, the legendary Raindance event, Live!Ammunition! brings filmmaker hopefuls gather in front of a panel of five industry insiders and pitch their film. Past panellists include Charles Steel, Ewan McGregor, Matthew Vaughn, Shane Meadows and Matthew Dench.
THE BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS
The British Independent Film Awards allow Raindance to celebrate and honour the films it hopes to help realize, with all efforts focused on promoting well deserving talent and movies to a wider public. BIFA attempts to preserve the nature of independent film by recognizing films that maintain a budget of under £8 million and do not receive funding from any sole studio.
Founded in 1998, BIFA opened as the first to tribute producers with an accolade of their own. Growing from 400 to 550 attendees, with 1000 at the after party, BIFA established the UK Personality of the Year Award in 2001. Recipients include: Richard Curtis, Keira Knightley, and Helen Mirren. 2002 marked the onset of the Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor and the BIFA After Party, noted by Timeout as one of the best. In 2004, Raindance established an award for extraordinary filmmakers, going against all odds, to create visionary works without any industry support.
In the years to follow, BIFA has maintained its integrity, honoring Billy Elliot, Vera Drake, The Constant Gardener, and last year’s winner Control with the Best British Independent Film awards, constantly appreciating film at its finest.
RAINDANCE.TV
As the newest Raindance venture, Raindance.tv capitalizes on a new way to watch movies, using the Internet as its catalyst. It’s goal—to make independent films from around the world, without DVD or cinema release, available from any broadband capable computer.
Maintaining the Raindance credo, viewers can access the best of “off Hollywood” films, a blend of high-quality and independently produced features and shorts, via www.raindance.tv.
TRAINING COURSES
In 1998, Raindance began offering training courses in writing, directing, producing, and editing. Alumni include: writer/directors Christopher Nolan (Memento and The Dark Knight) and Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels), comic Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), and writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park).
Over 3,000 writers, directors, producers, actors, and agents have passed through Raindance, receiving a comprehensive lens of classic conventions and techniques while utilizing new digital technology. Course tutors include industry veterans, who each offer contemporary filmmaking techniques as well as industry insight to students seeking a fresh take. Special sessions often welcome acclaimed professionals, such as, Ed Blurn, a Raindance course alumnus and producer/director of Scenes of a Sexual Nature, and Dov S-S Simens, arguably Hollywood’s best film instructor.
Catering to both the novice and experienced alike, Raindance Training Courses offer lasting insight into an ever-changing medium.