Angus Finney appointed as Course Leader for MA in Independent Film Business

Angus Finney former director of Renaissance Films, project manager of the Film London Production Finance Market, and author of The International Film Business: A Market Guide Beyond Hollywood, and a further four books on production, distribution and financing, has been appointed lead tutor on the programme alongside course co-ordinator Will Higbee of the University of Exeter.

The one-year Masters programme in International Film Business is awarded by the University of Exeter and delivered in conjunction with the London Film School (LFS), with students taught in both London and Exeter. The Programme is open for applications and the first cohort of students will enrol in September 2013.

The MA degree aims to equip students with a complete grounding in distribution history and structures, the entertainment value chain and international film markets. In addition, business tools for a career in international film will be delivered by the Exeter Business School, incorporating visits to a major film festival, personal mentors and a final project in production or distribution built around LFS graduation work and independent film companies in London.

The producer Scott Meek will chair an Advisory Panel for Production studies at the London Film School, which will support teaching and mentorship on the MA Independent Film Business.

"This is a new kind of producers degree which also works for distributors, programmers, sales agents and business affairs executives" said LFS Director Ben Gibson, "It starts from the realisation that the producer's job is as much about markets and business as it is about material and shooting."

"The LFS and Exeter are offering a compelling, focussed and highly relevant course for future practitioners dedicated to a career in the independent film business," said Angus Finney. "Our ambition is to consistently populate the sector with some of the brightest and most informed players who grasp both current market demands and capture future value."

"The Masters programme aims to combine teaching expertise from world-class researchers in film and business studies at the University of Exeter, with the LFS's detailed knowledge of, and direct relationship to, the industry,” said Will Higbee. “Our students will benefit from a series of historical, theoretical and practical perspectives that will equip them with the right skills to succeed as the next generation of independent producers. We are proud and excited to be collaborating with the LFS on such a genuinely innovative Masters programme."

More information on the programme at MA Independent Film Business (MAIFB).