Funding
MEDIA offers funding to European producers, distributors, sales agents, exhibitors, training courses, festivals and more.
Networking
Details of MEDIA-funded markets, festivals, co-production, promotional and online activities for audiovisual professionals.
Training
Details of over 60 MEDIA-funded courses available for professionals working in the European audiovisual industry.

Home » Latest news » Watershed collects international award at Europa Cinemas conference

Watershed collects international award at Europa Cinemas conference

At the 15th Europa Cinemas Network Conference in Paris, France, Bristol-based Watershedwas named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' for its success in attracting diverse audiences in innovative ways and making maximum use of social media channels.

Inaugurated by Frédéric Mitterrand, the French Minister for Culture and Communication, the annual conference saw a record number of attendees when it welcomed nearly 700 professionals from 48 different countries from Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America to Paris from 18 to 21 November 2010. Alongside film screenings, presentations and seminars, the conference held debates which focused on three central questions: the reality of the transition to digital, new trends in audience behaviour and the diversification in film theatres' activity, especially with regard to the online generation.

The award for 'Entrepreneur of the Year' was collected by Watershed's Head of Programme, Mark Cosgrove, who said: "In the early days of digital - ten years ago! - we knew that there was a lot of potential with emerging technologies to allow a wider engagement with audiences. Now, we no longer think of ourselves only as a cinema but as a publisher, a producer, a promoter, a blogger, a twitterer, and an archive." He pointed out that, as an independent exhibitor committed to promoting European and world cinema, "Europa Cinemas has been a consistent source of support, solidarity and inspiration. Being a member has provided us with a clear focus on supporting European cinema and plugged Watershed and Bristol into a pan-European network of partner cinemas, projects and the wider European film and media industry."

Professor Ian Christie, Vice-President of Europa Cinemassaid: "Watershed has deservedly won this year's Europa Cinemas' 'Entrepreneur of the Year' Award, selected from among the 1000 cinemas that belong to the network in over 500 cities. This reflects the adventurous approach that Watershed has taken to developing new ways of connecting with its audiences and reaching out towards a wider public. Watershed has already inspired many other cinemas, and the award confirms how highly its team is regarded around Europe. Bristol is lucky to have such a dynamic venue, which is also dedicated to remaining accessible and welcoming."

Europa Cinemas is a film-theatre network focussing on European content, and is supported by the MEDIA Programme. To read more about the 15th Europa Cinemas Network Conference, visit the Europa Cinemas website.

For more information about the activities at Watershed, visit the Watershed website.

Publication date: 03 Dec 2010