In March 2016, over 40 representatives from film funds and talent labs across Europe and beyond convened in Amsterdam for this year’s ‘TalentX’ - the annual professional development forum which puts the spotlight on how professional ‘talent developers’ can improve the way in which feature film talent are nurtured and supported.Over three days and joined by voices from across the film value chain, including sales, distribution, production, talent agents and filmmakers themselves, the group - representing over 20 countries - uncovered and debated some of the critical challenges they face in paving the way for the emerging generation of writers, directors and producers in today’s global market.This group learning experience provided a platform within which to explore solutions and new ways of working. The discussion was wide-ranging and included anecdotal questions, opinions and conclusions garnered from a wealth of combined experience. From this, four core themes emerged, to help inform and shape the way in which feature film talent may be best supported:• Re-thinking Expectations - are we placing unfair or unrealistic measures on first-time filmmakers, to determine success or failure? When we switch our focus to the individual, rather than the project, we move away from being fixated on the potential ‘red herring’ of cinematic release as the ultimate goal.• Changing the Language - are film funds perceived as bureaucrats, créatives or facilitators, and does the vocabulary of politics and markets distract from our core aims? Our language and methods must carry the filmmakers’ artistic desire and urgency when we are discussing projects and ambitions. • Bursting the Bubble - are we empowering filmmakers to survive in the ‘real world’, or creating a dependency trap? Focus must be on enabling talent to take responsibility and reach their own decisions, whilst supporting them to make informed choices about their work and ambition.• Reinventing the ‘Microbudget Scheme’ - are such formats inspiring and enabling, or restricting and protecting for first-time filmmakers? This development tool could be better applied to filmmakers at various stages in their career and we must consider the impact on all members of the ‘talent triangle’.A copy of the detailed report containing observations, insights and recommendations on all of the above points for talent developers and wider industry to take forwards can be downloaded at: www.creativeengland.co.uk/film/talentx This report was compiled by Lisa Howe at Creative England and was publicly launched at the Cannes International Film Festival on 15Ih May 2016.TalentX enables the sharing and exploration of established, successful talent development practices. Its goals are focused on creating and doing - shaping new approaches, attitudes and models for talent development across the public and private sectors. We look forward to continuing the dialogue into 2017 and building practical, ‘real world’ solutions and partnerships.This is a partnership project led by Creative England in collaboration with Danish Film Institute and Irish Film Board, with support from Netherlands Film Fund. The project was supported by Creative Europe MEDIA Programme of the European Union.