THINK TANK

Think Tank: The Future of Co-Production Markets

What is the future of co-production markets? How should they be designed to best meet the needs of the industry? These issues will be explored over a series of events held at major markets throughout the year – the first one taking place in Sarajevo on 19 August.

Co-production as a financing, production and placement model for the international art-house film market has ruled the industry for the past 20 years. In the meantime, technology has changed the way we access information and entertainment, which in turn has changed audiences’ viewing habits. Since the 80’s and the first co-production market – Rotterdam’s CineMart – a massive digital evolution has occurred. At every level, the industry has changed irreversibly, and it is still in the process of reshaping itself. The search is on for new narratives and new financial and distribution models, and at the same time the role of the audience in the production process is being redefined. Can we stick to the model that has been crucial for the majority of the players on the international scene – including authors, independent producers, financiers, sales agents and festivals – or should it be changed from within to try to make it more relevant in the volatile climate the industry currently finds itself in? The essential format of the co-production market has remained pretty much the same for all these years. Different markets use slightly different presentation models and their sidebar programmes try to accommodate different industry needs, but one-on-one meetings in half-hour slots are the norm everywhere. Just to pose a few questions to which we seek answers: With email, social networks, on-line workplaces, free video conferencing and so many other internet tools – what do we need, what do we miss, and what should be the new model of the market? Should we speak more, have longer slots? Should we share more information beforehand? Should we have more chances for in-depth conversation? Should curation of meetings increase? Should we have fewer meetings? Should we launch so many projects so early on, already aware that there are too many? What is it that each of us is looking for when coming to the market? It is important to identify expectations from different perspectives and to formulate priorities. Further, it is essential to address the impact co-production markets have on the industry as a whole, from the perspective of funders, sales agents, festivals and distributors. The Think Tank is an initiative of CineLink Industry Days together with the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s CineMart, Holland Film Meeting and Marché du Film, Next Pavilion, where the last sessions will take place and the final results will be presented to the public.

CineLink Industry Days, 19 August, 16:30 – 18:30

In Sarajevo, our aim is to shape the discussion in three directions: 1. Format of the Co-Production Market 2. Co-Production Markets – Relevance to the Industry 3. Co-Production Markets – Results and Follow-Up Two hours, three tables. At each table, 10 people with different points of view, one moderator and two keynote speakers – we believe this should get the debate off to a good start. We are not looking for a single answer or the new ultimate model; rather, we hope that many possible routes will be discussed, many perspectives shared and numerous solutions offered. We hope to continue this debate throughout the coming year the better to formulate the role of co-production markets and define the future model. What is the professional communication model we need at a time when everything and everybody seems one click away, but human contact is essential to keep us on track, sane and relevant?

THINK TANK PARTNERS