State of the Story · Event Recap

London 2026

July 12, 2026 · BFI Southbank, London
The first State of the Story in London: three panels and a closing keynote with Sir Stephen Frears. Every session is now streaming.

Watch the Sessions

Every session from London 2026 is in the All Access library.

Keynote with Sir Stephen Frears, State of the Story London 2026
Keynote

Sir Stephen Frears

In conversation with Jason Solomons

A career-spanning conversation between Sir Stephen Frears and film critic and producer Jason Solomons: five decades of film and television, from My Beautiful Laundrette and Dangerous Liaisons to The Queen, Philomena and A Very English Scandal.

The First Read panel video
Panel 1

The First Read

Agents, producers and development executives on what gets a script pulled off the pile, what a UK agent looks for, how development really works inside a production company, and what separates the writer who gets signed from the one who gets a polite pass.

Series That Travel panel video
Panel 2

Series That Travel

Television creators behind prestige and popular hits on the shape of a season, what a writers’ room actually does, writing for a British audience versus a worldwide one, and how a specific story becomes a show that crosses borders.

The Long Game panel video
Panel 3

The Long Game

Writers and directors behind some of the most singular work of the past decade on endurance: the years between an idea and a greenlight, turning lived experience into something an audience can hold, and building work that lasts.

Every State of the Story panel and keynote is in the All Access library.

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