Ian Bignell
Ian bignell
Film Festival Strategist
As one of the lead Strategists at Festival Formula, he watches films that come into the company, providing impartial feedback on how they best fit into the worldwide film festival circuit. Drawing on his wisdom as the companies previous Submissions Coordinator, he has expert insight into the circuit and uses it to create bespoke festival strategies. Behind the scenes, he is the companies go-to nerd for technical help on anything from codecs to subtitles. Away from the desk, you will often find him at film festivals worldwide as an industry guest, sharing his expertise and giving honest advice.
Ian is a focused and driven character, which stems from his origins as a buyer in retail. Using this experience and his strong organisational skills, he has helped develop Festival Formula into one of the respected industry brands it is today. Always learning himself, Ian takes immense satisfaction in giving back to students by setting them off on the right track at his many educational appearances.
Previous speaking engagements include: HollyShorts, Heartland Film Festival, Encounters Film Festival, Bolton International Film Festival, Norwich Film Festival, Manchester International Film Festival and many more. Selected prior jury service includes: DC shorts, Oxford Film Festival Indy Shorts, Tallgrass Film Festival. He was the co-recipient of the Pioneering Spirit Award alongside his wife Katie Bignell which was awarded by Heartland Film, The company received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Film from London Breeze Film Festival in 2024, and the Impact Award from Poppy Jasper International Film Festival in 2025.
