Public relations services

Tender description

Due to the growth of the LFF in recent years the BFI is dividing the PR contract, for the first time, to accommodate the Festival's broadened scope and remit. Agencies are invited to submit for 1 or both contracts and, alongside the requisite skill set and expertise, must demonstrate adequate resources and team delineation for either or both contracts accordingly. The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is Britain's leading film event and 1 of the world's best film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience and attracts significant international film industry participation. LFF is a compelling combination of red carpet glamour, friendly audiences and vibrant exchange. LFF provides an essential profiling opportunity for films seeking global success; promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes and positions London as the world's leading creative city. The 2016 LFF screened 397 feature, documentary, shorts, animation and archive films, 6 LFF Connects events and 4 Screen Talks. The LFF welcomed more than 800 British and international filmmakers and catered for over 2 000 Press and Industry delegates. The LFF's annual Awards celebrates the film in Official Competition at the LFF, with categories for Best Film, Best First Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short Film. A BFI Fellowship is also awarded at this event, held on the last Saturday of the LFF. Audience attendance for the 2016 60th edition was a record-breaker, up 18 % on 2015, with the new temporary Embankment Garden Cinema contributing significantly to that growth. The external PR agency will work alongside the BFI press office and Festival team to manage and deliver effective PR and publicity across all media platforms and incorporating consumer and trade media. The scope of work includes press and publicity relating to: — LFF main programme, including the Strand Galas and Official and Competition. — Screen Talks. — LFF Connects. — LFF Awards. The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is Britain's leading film event and one of the world's best film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience and attracts significant international film industry participation. LFF is a compelling combination of red carpet glamour, friendly audiences and vibrant exchange. LFF provides an essential profiling opportunity for films seeking global success; promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes and positions London as the world's leading creative city. It is visited by 800 filmmakers, and caters for over 2 000 Press and Industry delegates. Screen Talks are special events (approximately 6) that feature on stage interviews with a range of high profile LFF talent. Luminous is the BFI's major fundraising Gala event, raising funds for the BFI National Archive and held every 2 years on the eve of the LFF. The IWC Bursary, in association with the BFI will be awarded at Luminous in 2017, and at an event hosted by IWC in alternate years. Audience attendance for the 2016 60th edition was a record-breaker and 18 % up on 2015, with the new temporary Embankment Garden Cinema contributing significantly to that growth. The BFI is looking for external PR agency support to deliver effective media management and public relations for: — Headline Gala and Special Presentation screenings at Odeon Leicester Square, including Opening and Closing Night (approx 12 Headlines Galas, 4 Special Presentations in total). — Screen Talks (that relate to the headline galas only approx. 2-3). — BFI's LUMINOUS fundraising Gala. The successful agency will work alongside the BFI PR, social media and marketing teams and the Festival team to manage and deliver effective PR and publicity across all media platforms.