Film Markets
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What is a film market?
A film market is where rights to feature films are bought and sold. Typically Sales Agents are looking to sell the distribution rights to regional distributors from around the world.
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When are the main film markets?
The biggest three film markets are...
- Marche du Film in Cannes, France
www.marchedufilm.com
14th – 23rd May 2008
Over 10,500 attendees in 2007
Held in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival
- American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, USA
www.ifta-online.org/afm
5th – 12th November 2008
Over 8,000 attendees in 2007
- European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, Germany
www.berlinale.de
February 2009
Held in conjunction with the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).
Other film markets include...
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Are film markets and festivals the same?
No. A film festival is an artistic celebration of the creative side of filmmaking. A film market is a business place where distribution rights are bought and sold.
Often film festivals are organized in conjunction with film markets, such as at Berlin or Cannes. In these cases the locations and dates may coincide but they are still two separate events.
In other cases the film market is independent from any film festival, such as at the London UK Film Focus.
Some festivals are not officially film markets with stands etc but still involve the buying and selling of film rights. A good example of this is Sundance where many independent feature films will be picked up for distribution.
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Who attends film markets?
Sales agents and distributors. The sales agents will have a slate of films that they are representing. Distributors will seek the rights to product they think they can sell in their territory.
Also in attendance will be producer’s reps, who will be representing projects to sales agents and distributors. Filmmakers who have opted to self-distribute their films may also attend.
The vast majority of film markets have no entry requirements – if you pay for a booth or pass then you’re welcome.
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Should filmmakers attend a film market?
Attending a film market is a valuable tool for filmmakers looking to build a suitable career. It helps teach you how your film’s distribution rights are sold and what interests buyers.
Your first film market can be a sobering and disheartening experience. Films are bought and sold not on their artistic merits but on their commercial appeal. Once you get over the shock you should be able to tailor your films better for the marketplace
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I am looking for financing for my film, should I attend a film market to pitch my script?
No! The sales agents and distributors will have invested a lot of money to attend and will be engaged with many deals. The last thing want to do is to talk to you about financing your film.
It is possible to pre-sell distribution rights as a form of financing but it is better to contact the sales agents in their offices outside of film markets.
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I have a script; can I use Access Film Markets to promote the project at film markets?
In theory yes, but it’s not the best way of promoting your script. We can include your project in our Market Guide and in the booth but it is unlikely that this will result in you receiving financing. If you just have a script then you need a producer who is willing to drive the project. If you have your all your elements in place and just need funding then it is better to talk to sales agents outside of the film markets.
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