FOCUS 2025 showcase
The Barbican will take part in FOCUS 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London. The two day market runs today and tomorrow. During the event, the venue will promote its growing work across film, TV and photography. On stand R17, the team will meet producers, studios and location managers. As a result, the Barbican will use the show to push its full screen offer to the industry.
Screen as a growth area
In recent years, screen activity at the Barbican has grown at pace. As a result, filming, premieres and photo shoots now sit alongside its arts programme. At the same time, commercial screen income is reinvested into learning and culture. For this reason, the venue now works across cinema, events and filming in one joined model.
Netflix premieres
In June, two major Netflix premieres took place at the Barbican. These were Squid Game Season 3 and Lena Dunham’s new series Too Much. More than 280 guests, cast and media attended across the two launches. First, arrivals took place along the Lakeside Terrace. Then, guests moved into Cinema 1 for the first episode screenings. After that, the Conservatory hosted the after party for Too Much. As a result, the full estate worked as one linked guest journey.
Space in action
These Netflix events showed how indoor and outdoor areas can work together. In particular, the brutalist architecture and lakeside setting helped shape the arrival experience. At the same time, the glass Conservatory added contrast for the closing event. Because of this, producers were able to deliver one visual story across multiple spaces.
Disney and Sky events
Later in the summer, Disney+ staged the London premiere of Alien: Earth at the Barbican. On this occasion, the site was transformed using lighting, set build and themed access points. As a result, the venue took on an otherworldly tone that matched the franchise. In October, Sky followed with the premiere of The Iris Affair. However, that event used a tighter format. A focused media line, screening and live Q&A all took place in one zone. In this way, the Barbican showed it can scale up or down with ease.
SXSW film activity
The Barbican also played a key role in SXSW film premieres in London. For example, Amazon’s Deep Cover screened in the Barbican Hall. At the same time, a red carpet ran through the main foyer. Additional screenings followed in Cinema 1. As a result, audience flow, press access and talent movement were handled within one site.
ScreenTalks and festivals
ScreenTalks events form another part of the Barbican’s screen offer. In addition, festivals use this format to create closer links between talent and audiences. Recent ScreenTalk sessions ran as part of the London International Animation Festival. First, curated screenings took place. Then, filmmakers and critics joined audiences for live discussion. Therefore, the cinemas became spaces for deeper conversation rather than simple viewing.
Filming demand
Demand for filming at the Barbican remains strong. At present, enquiries continue across feature film and television. Unit base use is also increasing. As a result, production teams now use the site for both interiors and exteriors. In turn, this reduces travel time and helps control budgets.
Brand clients
Recent clients include Yves Saint Laurent, Adidas, Harper’s Bazaar, Amazon, John Lewis and Doc Martens. In addition, projects have involved French Connection, Net-a-Porter and Madame Tussauds. Music and lifestyle shoots have also taken place, including Tinie Tempah for Chase Vodka. As a result, the Barbican now works across fashion, retail, media and entertainment.
City location
The Barbican sits in the heart of the City of London. At the same time, it lies within the historic Square Mile. This creates a rare mix of modern design and older urban texture. Therefore, the venue meets growing demand for sites that feel both current and rooted in place.
Screen history
Over time, the Barbican has appeared in major screen projects. These include Quantum of Solace and Star Wars: Andor. It has also served as the London premiere site for the Academy Award winning film Poor Things. Because of this, the site now carries strong screen value.
Industry message
Jenny Waller, Head of Sales at the Barbican, said production teams need more than visual appeal. Instead, they look for flexible spaces, film friendly layouts and expert support. She said FOCUS is the right place to show this to the industry. Therefore, the venue will present live case studies across premieres, festivals, filming and photo shoots.
Event access
Throughout both days of FOCUS 2025, the Barbican team will be based on stand R17. During this time, they will meet producers, commissioners and location buyers. In addition, floor plans and site options will be shared. As a result, visitors can explore how the venue supports both large and small screen projects.
About Barbican Business Events
The Barbican is a leading arts and conference venue in the City of London. It hosts events for 10 to 2,000 delegates. Spaces include a concert hall, theatres, conference suites and boardrooms. Barbican Business Events links arts, learning and corporate activity. Commercial events support the wider artistic programme. A £2.2m refurbishment was completed across key conference areas in 2016.
About the Barbican
The Barbican is a major international arts and learning centre. It presents film, music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Over one million people attend each year. The centre opened in 1982. It includes cinemas, galleries, a library, public spaces, lakeside terrace, conservatory and restaurants. The City of London Corporation is the founder and main funder.
Address
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom
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