Peter Buckingham

As head of distribution & exhibition at the UK Film Council, Peter Buckingham is tasked with increasing the breadth and diversity of cinema going across the UK, as well as assisting audience appreciation of UK films. He heads up a range of schemes to support this strategy which include the P&A Fund (prints & advertising) and the world's first digital screen network.

Peter was previously deputy chief executive of FilmFour Limited. During his time there, the company achieved the highest market share in its history and released East Is East, its highest grossing title and the first film to achieve crossover success with specialised and mainstream cinema audiences. Buckingham was named Video Distributor of the Year in 2000.

Prior to FilmFour, he was managing director of Oasis Cinemas, building up a specialised chain into five cinemas and 13 screens, including the complete design and rebuilding of the 5-screen Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, South London. He has also worked as director of film distribution for Virgin Vision, responsible for the theatrical and video release of films such as Drugstore Cowboy, Sex, Lies and Videotape, Paris by Night and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Synopsis

Film and the Internet. What might happen? What might need to happen?

The industry stands at the digital distribution crossroad. How can the industry meet and change to grasp the opportunities? Crucially what could happen and what are the implications around issues such as business models, access and control of rights? And where might the internet assist in these issues?