ICO Training Courses

ICO training courses provide staff of independent cinemas, film festivals and film societies access to industry leading best-practice exhibitor training. Since 2003, the ICO have trained over 1,200 people from more than 900 organisations in 33 countries.

Courses take place around the UK and internationally on audience development, strategic income building, digital marketing, management skills and much more. In addition to the open courses the ICO also offer bespoke tailored events for organisations and individual one-to-one sessions.

In 2014 the ICO became the BFI’s National Partner on exhibitor training for the new FAN network. In addition to their current portfolio of training programmes the ICO and FAN will be developing new initiatives for this framework.

Forthcoming training sessions:

Now in its tenth year, Developing Your Film Festival is an intensive programme for film festival professionals, taught by some of the world’s experts on taking your festival to the next level. If you want the next edition of your film festival to have a bigger audience, stronger international reputation and improved sponsorship and partnerships, this course was designed for you.

Developing Your Film Festival 2020 is taking place at New Horizons International Film Festival from 20-26 July. Here you will have the chance to make new connections and see the beautiful Polish city of Wroclaw, one of the most incredible festivals in Europe, and home to the largest arthouse venue in Europe which plays host to the festival.

The course is 100% recommended by all previous participants, which include over 190 film festivals from around the world. If you want to be next to discover the secrets of success from top film festivals, then apply now. Deadline 24 April 2020.

Scholarships and bursaries are available.