An exclusive insight into the world of film

A series of exclusive lectures by award-winning directors are being held this spring.

The University of Sunderland and Northern Film + Media, with support from Pinewood Group, will presentsixsessionswithsomeof the biggest names in the film industry, including Academy Award winning filmmaker Lord David Puttnam and multi-award winning director Sir Ridley Scott.

Each of the 90-minute conversations will look at a different side of the film industry.

Others lined up include Rocketman and Billy Elliot writerLeeHall,MadMax:FuryRoadproducerIainSmith, Sunderland-bornOscarwinning film producer David Parfitt, British Director Sarah Gavron, and the multiOscarwinningdocumentary maker John Battsek.

Lord Puttnam said: “At a time of extraordinary challenge and uncertainty, the creative industries – including film and television – represent a unique and growing opportunity for satisfying and well-paid employment.

“The purpose of these seminarsistoopenawindow to these careers, and all their possibilities.”

Graeme Thompson,Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Relations at the University, said: “We want to use this series of conversations to give insight and confidence to students and early career professionals so they can navigate their way through the opportunities that exist here in the North East and beyond.”

The first seminar takes place on Friday, March 12, from 10am to 11.30am featuring Lee Hall and Lord Puttnam.Visithttps://northernmedia.org/in-conversation-with-lord-puttnam/