Festival Formula Ltd

United Kingdom

Festival Strategists

Festival Formula, founded by Katie Bignell, has 20+ years experience behind it after spotting a gap in the festival knowledge of filmmakers. Providing strategy support to filmmakers world-wide, they are a leading light and a trusted company. Our detailed bespoke strategies means you can pursue your filmmaking career with more projects and more networking opportunities. With our extensive knowledge and experience of the worldwide festival circuit, we are always up-to-date with what festivals from all levels are doing and needing. Where film schools and education bodies can provide basic prep for stepping on to the circuit, this is where we step in to drill deeper and provide advice to get filmmakers (and festivals) prepared for their journey.
 
They’re active members of the Short Film Conference and the Film Festival Alliance. Katie is also a key spokesperson on festival issues with coverage in The Hollywood Reporter and Screen Daily regarding suspect and fraudulent film festivals. She co-created the Filmmaker Lounge in partnership with Film Festival Alliance – an online space for programmers and filmmakers to discuss their roles. The company also works alongside Moviemaker Magazine to help curate the Top 25 Coolest Festivals list.
 
Previous speaking engagements include: HollyShorts, Heartland Film Festival, BFI Flare, Encounters Film Festival, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, Sundance, SXSW and many more.
 
Selected prior jury service include: Cleveland International, Heartland International Film Festival, St. Louis International, Palm Springs Shortsfest, Young Directors Awards, Raindance, Tallgrass Film Festival, PÖFF Shorts Film Festival, IN THE PALACE International Film Festival and more.
 
Katie was the co-recipient of the Pioneering Spirit Award alongside her husband Ian 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.

Admin Adress
63 Hilldyke Road
Wheathampstead, St Albans
Hertfordshire, AL4 8TR
United Kingdom

Katie McCullough

(Founder & Managing Director)

Founder, Katie Bignell, graduated from Bournemouth Media School with a degree in Scriptwriting for Film & TV. She is also a graduate of the London Royal Court Young Writer’s and Invitation Only groups. Katie created Festival Formula after discovering a gap in filmmakers’ knowledge and realising that she could help to manage their time, expectation, and admin levels. After several years of providing the service on a word-of-mouth basis she decided to put writing aside and focus on festival strategy by launching Festival Formula as a brand in 2014 and building it to become the respected and trusted company it is today, with 20+ years experience.