Film festivals are not just about watching films. Increasingly, as the digital era changes the nature of creating and distributing film, there has been a greater emphasis placed on the shared social experience, and for those in the industry, film festivals are an increasingly important forum for networking.

Hence, this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), which takes place from Friday 20th to Friday 27th June, has programmed a record number of events aimed at industry professionals at all levels of experience. Not surprisingly, digital filmmaking and distribution are one of the key issues that this year's events tackle, as well as financing and production workshops.

Digital Distribution

The Screen International Report... The Future of British Screen will be the platform for a keynote address from editor Mike Gubbins about how the UK industry can best turn technological change to its advantage.

Examining these technological changes, other events carrying along the theme include the UKMedia hosted: Video On Demand What's In It For Me? with information on a new scheme subsidising start-up costs of VoD/DCD projects, as well as Making Digital Distribution Work and Dissecting Digital Rights.

Debate, discussion and exploration of ideas are on offer through the 6pm panels on such topics as Contemporary Film Criticism, The New Horror and Positive Piracy? and performed readings of new film scripts will take place in partnership with the Traverse Theatre.

Talent Focus

A new talent focus will encourage those early in their careers with a special weekend pass offer, which will enable them to attend panel discussions including Producer Fat Cats? How To Succeed - and Survive - as an Independent Producer In the UK, looking at the skills needed to be a creative producer. If you are a filmmaker wondering whether film festivals are still the best way to generate buzz about your film (especially fests like the EIFF which are overshadowed by the international film marketplaces like Cannes and Sundance) there's How To Make The Most of A Film Festival with representatives from the Tribeca Film Festival and AFI.

For new filmmakers and producers of limited means, towards the end of the Industry Events week there's, Low & Microbudget Production in The UK which will serve up recommendations from working micro-studios.

In association with Cine-Regio and Film Export UK, Screen South and Skillset present the Cine-Euro Co-Production Training Programme, a nine month programme for eight UK producers who will be in Edinburgh from 22 - 24 June for day sessions with European national and regional funds, who will also take part in panels open to EIFF delegates.

Funding and Production

Meet The European Funders will include EU fund heads from Sweden, Belgium, France and Germany, following on from UK Film Council produced Meet The UK Funders, which will bring together panellists from Regional Screen Agencies, Channel 4 and the BBC.

Film4, the UKFC and Lifesize Pictures have identified that directors with strong, distinctive, directorial voices need particular help in transitioning from shorts to features and have set up The Lab, to take place at EIFF this year. The Lab is a bespoke initiative which will arm six emerging directors with the skills which will enable a significant step forward in their careers, over a five day hands-on mentoring programme. Lab sessions open to EIFF delegates include: The Nuts and Bolts of Development and The Natural Story, A Masterclass with Mogens Rukov.

Themed industry offerings at the EIFF highlight casting and representation: Casting Symposium: Produced by Nancy Bishop with input from casting directors including John and Ros Hubbard and Priscilla John, as well as a US/UK Agents and Managers Panel with confirmed panellists including David Flynn (UTA), David Schiff (The Schiff Company) and Frank Wuliger (The Gersh Agency).

A panel discussing The Producer/Writer Relationship presented in association with The Hollywood Reporter will be chaired by Stuart Kemp, with participants including Duncan Kenworthy and Jeremy Brock.