On December 5 and 6, Focus, the annual gathering for the global manufacturing community, will be held in London as a live event. The seventh installment of this event, which attracts numerous attendees from the film, TV, advertising, video, gaming, and XR sectors, remains free for industry professionals to attend. It highlights the increasing convergence of various screen industries, featuring over 60 conference sessions and more than 150 expert speakers.
Jean-Freric Garcia, the managing director of Focus, noted that the event has been gaining significant attention from manufacturers across creative display industries. He expressed excitement about embarking on the most extensive Target ever in the event’s history.
This year’s Focus conference program, presented in partnership with Variety, will address a range of industry topics such as financing challenges, technological innovations, efficient content production, and talent development.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prominent theme in this year’s program, with sessions like “The Write Approach: How AI and Humans Collaborate” and “AI: Who Monitors the Watchmen” exploring the intersection of AI and industry practices. Garcia emphasized the importance of discussing AI, highlighting its transformative impact on various sectors. Experts will delve into the integration of AI into workflows and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding its implementation.
The AI-focused sessions will analyze the dynamics between humans and technology, the impact of new technologies on content creation, power shifts in production processes, and fostering productive relationships between AI and industry professionals. Legal and ethical implications of AI utilization will also be thoroughly examined.
Key speakers like Dominic Rees, a film lecturer and AI specialist at the University of Reading, and Bob Schultz, the head of ScriptFest, will share insights on these topics.
In addition to AI, conference sessions will feature a masterclass on Ridley Scott’s Apple TV+ production “Napoleon” and an insightful conversation with Zelda Perkins, former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, titled “Can’t Buy My Silence.” Perkins will deliver the Sue Hayes Lecture, focusing on exposing the abuse of NDAs and advocating for legislative reforms.
This year’s Focus aims to spotlight emerging talents and prioritize individual components of the industry. Discussions on mental health, collaboration with new technologies, talent management, and market strategies will be central themes of the event. Collaborations with organizations like the U.K. trade union BECTU will provide a platform for addressing crucial industry challenges and fostering growth opportunities for new talent.
