Registration number N1036267 ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Annual reporl and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
ESC Films Limited Company limÉted by guarantee Contents Page Trustee report Independent Examiners report Staternent of Financial Activkties Balance sheet Notes to the financixl siatements 10-17
ESC Films Limited Company litlllted by guarantee Trustee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees present their report with the financial slalements for the year ended 31 March 2024. Tlie accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounltng policies sel out in note I to the accounts and comply witli the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and to "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statemeni of Recommended Practice appltcable to charities preparing theÉr accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicdble in the UK and Republic of Ireland published kn October 2019" Relerence and Administrative Information Charity Name: ESC Films Limited Charity Regi5tratÉon number.. NIC102123 Company ReTristralion number.. N1036267 Registered office.. Blick Studios.46 Hill Street. Belfast, Northern Ireland, B T12LB BusRness Address.. Blick Studios,46 Hill Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BTI 2LB Trustees Don t£eson (Chair) Paul McAleer Heather Mourhead Moyra Richardson N¢il Gilmore Secretary Moyra Richardson Independent Examiner Mccreery Turktngton Stwkman LTD, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast. B TI 3LG Bankers The Co-operatkve Bank PIC, P.0. Box 250, Skelmeisdale. WN8 6WT Page I
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Legal structure of the Lharity The charity is constituted a& a coinpany limited by gUntee, registered under (he Companies Acts. The governing documents of the charity are its Memorandum and Articles of Association establishing the company under company legislation and its constitution. There are no restrictions in the goveming documents on the operation of the Charity or on its investment powers other than those imposed by Charity Law. By operation of law all trustees are directors under the Companies Act 2006 and all directors are tru5tee5 under Charities legislation and have responsibilÉties, as such. under both company and charity legislation. The Itustees are all individuals. Structure? governance and management of the charity The tnethods used to recruit and appofftnt new charity trustees. Governance and manageinent of ESC films is undertaken by a Board of Directors colnprising a Chair. Treasurer, Secretary, and other Directors. The Board nornially mcets six times a year and ts responsible for the overall strategic dAreLtion and conlrol of esc film'5 activities. The day to day TDaTJ2gement ot. esc films 15 led by the Chief Executive with authority delegated by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive and Artistic Director, have clearly defined areas of responbibility and accountability. They are supported by a cohort of free11ce assoLiates wlio are contracted for specialist expertise when the need arises. The charity recruits and appoints trustees with a range of skills, experience and knowledge in keeping with the pursuance of its objects. The charity's financial control procedures In relation to ESC film's overall financial control procedures, the charity has in place a comprehensive Stralegic Plan supplemented by an annual budget approved by the Board of TStee.%. Actual results are reported agains1 budget on a monthly basis and projections to year end are reviewed by the Board ar every meeting. The Chity'S day to day financial processes, which are governed by financial regulations, are approved by the Board. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identity and review the risks lo which the charity 15 exposed and to ensure appiopriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and eNor. Objectives, Activities, Achievements and Perforniance Main Aim The charity's object5 are set out in ils constitution and are to advance education for the public benefit and to promote arts and culture. A more detailed explanation of the chily's objects is contained below in the section entitled "The main activities undertaken during the year to fuIiher the charity's purpose for the public benefit" Page 2
ESC Films Limited Company limit1 by guarantee Trustee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The main activities undertaken in relation to those purposes during the year 2023-24 SUMMARY.. Over the course of the year we worked with 144 individuals, impacting d1ctlY on 47 P2rtÉ¢ipants in our Iherapeutlc Work, on a furtlier 94 family members and an addillonal 31 staff members and volunteers. The charity awarded 5 ASDAN Peer Mentoring Awards and made 27 short films. The main achievements and performance of the charity in 2023-24. Esc film5 worked continuously to deliver on the goals outlined in the new Strategic Plan and Business Plan 2023-25. ESL films focused on fulfilling the following aims for the year 2023-24.. We delivered a series of co-designed and co-produced short films based on the lived experience of the participant?• MiDdWibe - Snakes and Ladders The Snakes and Ladders peer learning film-tnaking project was facilitated by e5c films in partnership with Mindwise and Action Mental Health. It wa5 kindly supported by the LFT Charitable Foundation. esc film5 worked with a group of people with lived experience of substance abuse and mental healih issues to CTeate a series of short filrns telling the true stories ot the ladders that formei 2ddicts used to climb out of their pits of addiction. The project launched at the MAC in Belfast on June 2023 and aims to help otliers with similar problems rebukld their lives. Watch the films hete - htlps:Ile5¢-fdm.comlsnakes-and-laddersl Belfa&t Trust - Perinatal Mental Health Esc films was commissioned to create a film ¢alled My Safe Space. co-de5igned with a group of mothers who had all experience of perinatal mental healih issues and had availed of BHSCT'5 peiinatal mental health services. The film encourages Other mothers facing similar Problems to seek help. The programme wa5 accredited and 5 women received ASDAN peer mentoring awards. The piogramme launched at the MAC in Belfast Én Septenibei ?023. Watch the film here: https.'Ilesc-film.comlportfolio-itemlbe]fasl-trust-our-safe-spacel and a powerful co-produced behind the scenes documentary here: https.'Ilesc-film.¢omlporlfolio-itenVoui-safe-space-evaluation-filml We were also commissioned lo deliver a serie5 of film5 foT Other third sector organisations= Mindwise - A Day in the Life A behind the scenes documentary film created for Mindwise mental health charity, focusing on day in the life of Mindwise clients & staff. Page 3
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Mareh 2024 Cancer Focvs - A Day in the Life Completing the 4-year tender with Cancer Focus, es¢ films are continuing to work on the final film which is set to showcase A Day in the Life ot Cancer Focus staff and clients. with an emphasis on living well with cancer. During the year esc films also created an evaluation film for Cancer Focus, family support team. Boardroom Apprentice - films esc tilms were successful again in tendering for the filming at the Boatdroom Apprentice Panel Day 2023 and created a Series of 19 short films which were shared widely as part of the ongoing Boardroorn Apprentice Inketing drive. hitps:/lboardroomapprentice.coml Housing Rights & Women's Aid esc films were commissioned to create an immersive Virtual Realiiy experience for a Housjng Right5 training programme for housing advisors. Esc films worked with a gtoup of women who had experienced domestic abuse and had presented as homeless in Northern Ireland. Parallel to this we worked with a group of housing advisors so Ihat the issue was addressed fiom multtple perspectives. The 3D film is uow incorporated Knlo Housing Rights training and k5 beÉng rolled out across NI. SEHSCT - Challenging Conversations We were commissioned to workshop and CTeate Short films for the South Eastern Heklih dnd Social Care Trnst on the theme of Challenging Conversations 10 be used in Ilieir in house training. We continued our development work in VR with former PdltiLipants in our therapeutic mental health PTogrammes'. Future Screens - research We COTnpleted the research eleillents of our Future Screens Nt Virtual Reality Tcsearch project during the year, exploring how our pievious participants responded to VR technology. We received follow up mentoring from Digital Catapuli which was used to work on largeT scale VR funding bids. Financial Review The Charity's financial position at the end of the year ended 31 March 2024 is Set out in the financial statements. Reserves Policy The diicctors have set a reserves target of at least £25,000 of unrestricted reserves iepiesenting approx. 3 months running costs. The directors regularly review the level of reserves held and consider opportunities to apply Ihem in line with. and in furtherance of its charitable objectives. Going Concern The board of Twstee5 15 satisfied that the charity's assets in each nd are available and adequate to fu]fil its obligations in respecf of each fijnd. Page 4
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Statement of the Directors, and Trustees, Responsibilities The directors are responskble for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the directois to prepare financial stalen]enCs for each year, which give a true and fair view of the statc of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources, including the incotne and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In prepaTing rhose financial statements the dire¢tOFS are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply thcm conslstently. observe the metliods and principles in tlie Cliarities SORP. make judgments and estimates that arc rcasonable and prudent- state whether applicable UK Accounttng stand?s have been followed, subject to any material departures disc105ed and explained in the financial statements- prepare the financial Statements on the going Loncern basis unless it is inappTopriale to presume that the charitable company will conlinue in operatron. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting record% which disclose wkth reasonable accuracy at any lime the financkal position of the company and io enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They aTe also responsible for safeguarding the i15sets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitRe5. This report was approved by the Board on 19th August 2024. Don Leeson Director . Page S
Independent examiner 's report to the Trustees of ESC Films Limited I report on the accounts of the for the for the year ended 31 Maich 2024, which are sel out on pages 7-17. Respective responsibilities of and examiner As the charily trustees (and also the directors of the company for Ihe puryN)ses of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the reqU1MentS of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the chaLity is nol subject to audii undei company law. and is eligible for independent examination, if is my responsibility to- examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Nortliem Ireland) 2008; follow the PTocedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of Ilie Charities Acl. and stale whethei" particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report I have exatnined your charlty accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities ALt and my examination wa5 Caled out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9){b) of the Charities Act. The examination Tncluded a review of the accounling records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideratioll of any uniibual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as ChilY trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material Endtters have come to Y attention giving me cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those acLounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of sectTon 396 of the Companie5 Act 2006 and wilh the metliods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie.s preparing theiT accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicabke in the UK and Republic of Ireland 4. That there is lurther inforniation needed for a propel understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent exanliner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) 10 (4) listed above and. in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commisskon for Northern Ireland, I have found no mattels that require drawing to your attention. Richard Mcclay FCA For and on behalf of Mccreery Turkington Stockman L TD l Lanyon Quay Belfast BTI 3LG 19 August 2024
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Staten)ent of Financial Aetivities (Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Ro8tricted Funds Funds Year Total Year Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 Income from: Donation income: Charilable activities Notes 2,918 87.838 14.443 81.534 li 81.987 5,851 Total incoming resources 84.905 5,851 90,756 95,977 Expenditure on: Costs of charitable activities (83.363) (8,021) (91.384) (114,719) Total resources expended (83,363) (8,021) (91,384) (114,719) Net income before transfers 1,542 (2.170) {628) (18.742) Transfer between funds Net incoming resources 1,542 (2,170) (628} (18,74?) Fund balances brought fonvard 17,269 8.681 25,950 44.692 Fund balances carried forward 18.811 6.511 25,322 25,950 All of the above results are derived frorn continuing activities.All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. The notes on pages 10 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Not&$ Fixed assets Tangible assets 8,432 11,242 Current assets Debtors Casli at bank and in hand io 17.030 ?4,671 4.474 21,164 41,701 25,638 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (?4,811) (10,930) Net current a&sets 16,890 14.708 Net assets 25,3?2 25,950 Capital and reserves Unrestricted funds Restricted funds li li 18,811 6.511 17.269 8,681 General funds 25,322 25,950 The notes on pages 10 to 17 form 2n Integral part of these financial statements. PaEe 8
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Balance sheet {continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 For Ihe year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled io exemption froni audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small Companies. Directors, responsibilities.. (a) The members have not required the company to obtatn audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with Section 476- (b) The directors acknowledge their respon5ibilffities for complying wilh the requiTements of the Aet with respect to accountÈng records and the preparation of accounts. The financial statement5 were approved by the Board on 19 August 2024 and signed on its behalf by Don Leeson Director Registration number N1036267 The notes on pages lo to 17 form an integral part of these financial statemen Page 9
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies Company information ESC FILMS LTD is a Company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is Blick Studios, 46 Hill Sireet, Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland, B Tl ?LB. 1.1. Accounting convention The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association. the Companies Act 2000 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in aLcordance with the Financial Reportin(T Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ ot Ireland published in October 2019" The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional cunrncy of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial stateTnents are rounded to the nearest £. 1.2. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to wrÉte off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows.. Fixtutes and fittings 25% reducing balance 1.3. Cash at bank and in hand Cash and c&%h eqllivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, otheF short-term liquid investmentg with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdiafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within boTh)wings in cunenl Ikabililies.
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued 1.4. Financial Instruments The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues of FRS 102 to all of ils fknancial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the Company balance sheet when the Company becomes party lo the contractual provision5 Of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounls presented in the financial statements. when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the a55el and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances. aTe initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried al dmortised cost using the effective AElterest method unless the artangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the transaction is mex5ured at the present value of the future receipls discounted at a market rate of InteSt_ Financial assets classified as receivable within one yedr are not amortised. Classification of financial liabiliti£s Financial liabilities and equity Jnstiuments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity insttument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the asset5 of the Society after deducting all of its lÉabJlities. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shaTes that are classified as debi, are inits.ally recognised Lt trxnsaclion price unle55 the arrangement constitufes a financing transactkon. where the debt instwment is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted al a markei rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable witlun one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, Using the effective interest rate method. Trade credilors are obligalions to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of bustness from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due wiihin one year or less. If nol, they are presented as non-current liabilitie5. trnde crediiors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequenily measured al amortised cost using the effective interest method. PAgpll
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued 1.5. Equity instruments Income recognilion Equity instruments issued by tlie Company are recorded at the proceeds received. nel of direct issue costs. Dividend5 payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilÉlies once they are no longer at Ihe discretion of the CoTnpany. 1.6. ProvAsions Proviskons are recognised when the Company has a legal or constructive pTe5etkl obligation as a result of a past event. it is probable that the Company will be required to sectle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of tlie amount of the obligation. The amount iecognised ds a provision is the best estimate of the considerau.on requiTed to setile the PTesent obligatRon al the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material. the amount expeLled to be required to settle the obligation is recogniscd al present value. When a PTOVl5ion in measured at present value the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit and loss in the period it arises. 1.7. Government grants Goveinmenl giant5 are recognised al the fair value of the asset reLeived or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be Teceived. A grant that specifies perfonnance conditions is recognised in income when the performance condilions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance condffttions it is recognised in income when the pr(Keeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied 15 recognised as a liability. 1.8. Employee benefits The costs of short-tenn employee benefits recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those C051s are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed asset5. The cost of any unused holiday entstlement is recogntsed Rn the period in which the employee's services are received. Terniinalion benefits recognised immedRaÈely a5 an expense when the company is demonstrably cotntniited to terminate the eniployment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. P>)gp 12
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Net incoming resources for the year 2024 2023 Net incoming resources is staled after charging- Depreciation and other amounts written off tsngible assets 2.810 3,748 Employees Year ended 2024 Number Year ended 2023 Number Number of employees The average Tnonthly numbers of employees during the year were.. MageMent and adminÉstrative Staff Year ended 2024 Year ended 2023 Employment costs Salary costs 49.709 72,143 There were no employee5 earning over £60.000 in the year ended 31 March 2024. 4. Income from: Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 2024 2024 Total 2023 Donation income Donation income 2,918 2,918 14,443 2,918 14.443
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financ7al statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Total 2024 Total 2023 S. Expendithre on: Costs directly allocated to charitable activities Salaries Ditecl project costs Insurance Rent, light and heat Office costs Computer expenses Equipment Travel Freelance costs Independent examination Bank fees Website design General expenses 49,709 869 549 3,600 4,070 508 1,416 72,143 1,923 821 3.950 4,390 633 (1,986) 16 22.295 1,200 24 4.740 822 24,646 1,200 25 1,974 88,574 110,971 Depreciation Depreciation on inlangible5. fixtures and computers 2,810 3.748 91J84 114,719 Analysis by fund Restricted funds unrestn.cted funds 8.021 83,363 91,384 For the year ended 31 Mareh 2023 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 67.286 47,433 114,719 Taxation No liability lo UK coryoration tax arises on ordinary activities for the year. The Company is a registered charity . PA¢yp 14
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Other creditors Trade credilors Defeed income (See note 8) Accruals 1,240 8,216 14,155 47 738 8,945 1,200 24.811 10,930 Deferred income (Induded in note 7) Balance l April 2023 Released in year Deferral in year 31 March 2024 Cancer Focus LFT Charitable Trust Housing Rights Belfast TSt- Perinatal Mental Health Future Screcns 3,202 910 (3,202) (910) 5.122 5.034 3,999 5,122 5,034 3,999 3,754 1.079 (3,754) (1.079) 8.945 (8,945) 14,155 14.155 Fixtures, fittings and equipment Tangible fixed assets Total Cost At l April 2023 28.329 28,329 At 31 March 2024 28,329 28,329 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for the year 17,087 2,810 17.087 2,810 At 31 March 2024 19,897 19,897 Net book values At 31 March 2024 8,432 8,432 At 31 March 2023 11.242 11,242
ESC Films Limited Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued 10. Debtors 2024 2023 Other debtors 17,030 4,474 ii. Statement of funds Balance Incoming Outgoing Balance l April 2023 Resources Resources TraSferS 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Funds General fund St Anne'5 Cathedral Sitout 17,269 80.488 1,499 (81,864) (1,499) 15,893 81,987 (83.363) 15,893 Restricted funds Restricted fixed as.%et fund Future Screens LFT Chatitable Trust 8,681 {? 170) (1,085) (4,766) 6.511 1,085 4.766 8,681 5,851 (8,021) 6,511 25,950 87,838 (91,384) 22,404 The unrestricted reserve represents the free funds of the chltY which are not designated foi particular purposes. The restricted funds represent grants received by the charÈty for specific purposes as laid out in the terms of tlie grant, and the application of those funds for those pU0$e5. P%tpp 16
ESC Films Limited Company llmited by guarantee Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued 12. Analyis of net assets between funds Net current Assetsl (Liabilities) TangÉble fixed Assets Total Unrestricted Funds General fund 1,9?1 16.890 18,811 1,921 16,890 18,811 Restricted funds Restricted fixed asset fund 6.511 6.511 6,511 6,511 8,432 16,890 25,322 13. Company linlited by guarantee ESC FILMS LTD 1.5 il company limited by guarantee and the liability of the members ts limited to a maximum of £1 for each member. PAve. 17