Insights from the award winning producer behind 'Billy Elliot,' 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,' and over 150 acclaimed films and TV dramas.
Date: Friday, 25 April
Time: 10:10
Room: Tuke Hall
Filmed: YES
David Thompson, one of Britain’s most influential producers, shares insights from his extraordinary career spanning documentaries, television drama, and feature films.
From his early days creating opportunities for emerging talent at BBC’s Screenplay series to heading BBC Films where he championed groundbreaking works like ‘Billy Elliot,’ ‘Notes on a Scandal,’ and ‘An Education,’ Thompson has consistently demonstrated an exceptional eye for compelling stories and filmmaking talent.
In this candid conversation, Thompson will discuss his journey from the BBC to founding Origin Pictures, where he continues to produce acclaimed work including ‘Woman in Gold,’ ‘Hope Gap,’ and the HBO/Sky series ‘Catherine The Great.’ He’ll share his approach to developing projects with both established filmmakers like Jane Campion and Stephen Frears, and his commitment to nurturing first-time directors such as Pawel Pawlikowski, Andrea Arnold, and Sarah Gavron.
The session will explore Thompson’s philosophy on producing, his insights into how the industry has evolved over his career, and his perspective on what makes a story worth telling. With multiple BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Emmys to his name, Thompson brings a wealth of experience and wisdom about navigating the complex world of film and television production.
Speakers In This Session
David Thompson // Producer, Former Head of BBC Films
An intimate discussion with the award-winning producer behind “Billy Elliot,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and over 150 acclaimed films and TV dramas.
Izzy Power // Presenter & Writer
Izzy Power is an Australian presenter, writer & advocate for neurodiverse creatives.
