EFM director Beki Probst revealed that due to the large demand from

sales companies, we decided at thelast moment to provide additional space

'We have about 40 more EFM Business Suites on the fifthfloor of Potsdamer Str.

11 (where the Berlinale GuestReception is housed) to give more companies a

chance of having a presence in theMarket. We are also thinking of installing

flat screens in three rooms forpeople to have screening facilities.'

She added that "the rumour that those people in hotelswouldn't get screening

slots is totally unfounded,although we will make a difference between what we

see as 'priority' and'non-priority'. Companies in the Martin-Gropius-Bauand

the EFM business suites willobviously get more support. We will also be much

stricter regarding the screeningsbecause it doesn't make sense to show a film

again after it has been at themarkets in Cannes and the AFMalready. Cannes

started that policy last year andwe also want to give priority to new films."

Festival Director, Dieter Kosslicksaid that the festival has invested around (2.m Euros) in mastering the challengesof turning the Martin-Gropius-Bau building into asuitable venue for an international film market. The move had been one of thefactors which had necessitated the cost of the market badge having to increaseby 25% to 300Euros (plus VAT).

'We had to bring the price into line with the additionalcosts', Probst

explained, 'but unlike thesituation at other festivals, this badge allows you

the possibility to see a hugenumber of the screenings at the festival without

having to get an additionalticket.'

Moreover, additional expenditure had been incurred by theintroduction of

scanners at all of the EFM cinemaswhich will provide sales agents and producers

with print-outs of those buyersattending their screenings.

At the same time, the EFM is introducing two new passes for those film

professionals who did not apply intime for festival accreditation. The Multiple

Day Passfor Euros 100 will allow the holder to enter the Martin-Gropius-Bau

during the duration of the EFM butnot give access to market or Festival

screenings. Alternatively, one willbe able to purchase a Day Passfor Euros 40

for one-day access to the marketvenue, but again no access to screenings.

While the American Film Market is not posing any morecompetition date-wise

immediately after Berlin,but Hong Kong's Film Market (check correct name,

please) in March could be a newchallenge.

However, Kosslick is keeping cool:

"Evidently, something is on the move. The world is in astate of change and

every day brings a new challenge.People are trying to draw attention to their

events by way of markets which is adifference from the situation 10 years ago.

All I can say is that the buyers and sellers are interestedin where they can

get reasonable prices for themarket as well as for other factors like eating

out and hotel accommodation. We arein a quite unflustered situation - the

Martin Gropius Bauwas already almost booked out in the summer.