INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT /
Stephanie Batton
ENTERPRISING STUDENT
BRINGS FIRST
FANTASY FILM CONVENTION
TO SCOTLAND
N
Q Film and Broadcasting student
Stephanie Batton has used her
passion for films to bring the first
‘fantasy genre’ film convention to Scotland.
Hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, the three day event
will run from 19-22 June 2014 and will welcome 800
fantasy films fans from across the globe to meet stars of
fantasy films, take part in photo and autograph sessions,
enjoy a ‘Twilight’ movie marathon, interactive script
workshops, party nights, competitions and merchandising.
A keen film fan, Stephanie was frustrated by the lack
of conventions here in Scotland and, after visiting
conventions in Europe, felt she could produce a better
show here at home.
4
Her first step was to create her own company called ACE
Events Projects Ltd. She then made contact with talent
and booking agencies in Europe, Canada and the US, as
well as convention management companies, establishing
relationships with the key figures in the industry.
To support her business, Stephanie has worked with
Business Gateway and the Princes Trust who both
supplied grants, and provided assistance in creating a
business plan which had to be submitted to the bank for
funding. A budget of £120,000 is required to host the
convention, which will cover attendance fees for the stars
who attend, venue hire, food and logistics. The event is
a truly international affair, with Stephanie recruiting her
first international promotion staff in Vancouver, Canada
THE STUDENT VOICE: EDITION 2