SXSW London put the UK capital’s creativity front and centre for a week of panels, performances and talks from the likes of the Russo Brothers and NEON CEO Tom Quinn, so it was only fitting that Upstream – Film London’s innovative, early-doors IP showcase – be part of the unfolding story.

Hosted by Senior Creative Advisor, PFM New Talent & Upstream, Jordan McGarry, the event showcased a carefully-curated selection of Upstream projects past and present, all of which had been identified by our in-house talent spotters as ripe for potential adaptation.

Introducing their hot-to-trot projects were a range of speakers, including everyone from emerging filmmakers to established ad execs, social media gurus and comic strip artists.

Projects being pitched included an 80s-set feature focusing backdropped by UK rave culture and radical dance, a queer feminist thriller following the lives of five sex workers and a coming-of-age- comedy starring a neurodivergent teen. Elsewhere, the teams behind viral comedy Man Like Pleaser and the witty, acerbic e-comic Twonks were also on hand to discuss their creative journeys and their plans for the future.

While the speakers’ aims and ambitions were varied – some were looking to develop features or TV series, others for music lock-ups, animators or publishing deals – the general appetite was for producers who could help the creatives take their big ideas to the next level.

With a palpable buzz in the room and connections being made over cups of much-needed coffee, we’re hoping that it won’t be long before we hear big things from some – if not all – of these exciting Upstream creatives.

If this has served to whet your appetite then be sure to subscribe to the Upstream Substack, which provides a carefully-curated monthly showcase of high-potential projects and properties – if you’re a producer, development exec or agent then, frankly, you can’t afford to miss out.