In Focus
Winter Warmer
Jeremy Kay analyses the deals from Sundance — including the $6m deal for The Surrogate [pictured] and looks ahead to Berlin’s European Film Market.
SXSW reveals Midnighters
The SXSW festival has announced the features in its Midnighters section and revealed its complete line-up of shorts.
Target audience
The viewing habits of UK film-goers go under the microscope in extensive new research carried out by Film3Sixty - with surprising findings about piracy, social media and theatrical windows.
Short attention
Screen profiles the final nominees for the live-action short and animated short Oscars.
All the colours of money
Documentary film-makers are discovering new ways of replacing diminishing funds from TV, as they adapt to fresh formats and partners, including corporations and charities.
The pick-up Artists
Sales agent Wild Bunch adopted a unique strategy when pitching The Artist to international buyers. Melanie Goodfellow tracks the film’s history from sales mystery to global smash
Private view in Paris
New films from Tony Gatlif, Lucas Belvaux and actor-turned-director Mélanie Laurent will be unveiled for the first time at the Rendez-vous with French film in Paris.
The Pope’s European tour
One film, 15 different campaigns across Europe. At the Les Arcs Co-production Village in December, several distributors revealed their release strategies for Habemus Papam. Wendy Mitchell reports
The inbetweener
To be European or not to be European? That is the question facing the UK industry as it debates whether to re-enter the Eurimages co-production fund. Geoffrey Macnab considers the issues at stake.
Russia primed to embrace world
Can Russia become a significant co-production partner now it has entered Eurimages and established a production fund with international projects higher up the agenda?
Next steps for Arab cinema
At the Dubai International Film Festival this week, Arab filmmakers agreed they now have unprecedented access to funding, but distribution and censorship remain major challenges.
Netflix shakes up UK market
Netflix, the leading US online film and TV service, is moving into Europe with its launch in the UK. The territory’s distributors talk about where the newcomer will fit into a sector dominated by Sky and Lovefilm.
How to tailor a spy classic
Screen examines the production of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy — a British spy story, directed by a Swede and financed by StudioCanal.
Turning British film upside down
Have UK producers hijacked the debate on public funding in Britain? Geoffrey Macnab reports on calls for a more distribution-led approach as the Film Policy Review panel prepares to unveil its findings
Short Cuts
Funding may be scarce in the UK, but as public bodies formulate their talent development plans, Screen discovers that the appetite and ambition for short film-making is greater than ever.
Indian audiences catch indie fever
The local box-office success of a number of non-mainstream Indian films has prompted financiers to take note. Now the challenge is to win over distributors.
Hot projects on Screenbase
Kristin Scott Thomas, Matt Dillon and Julia Stiles are among the cast for Mike Figgis upcoming feature Seconds Of Pleasure, whilst Samantha Morton has taken on the lead in thriller The Mulo.
The £10m question
Will changes to the EIS scheme help lure wealthy individuals back into UK film financing?
Dollars & sense
They are young and rich and investing in the US indie business. Jeremy Kay profiles the new breed of equity financiers helping to re-energise the industry.
Arab talent in bloom
As political change and renewal sweeps across the Middle East, the film industry in the Arab world is also undergoing a transformation. In step with this week’s Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Screen profiles some of the region’s rising film-making and acting talent now stepping onto the international stage.
Asia moves towards regional cooperation
At last week’s Asian Film Policy Forum in Busan, policy-makers from across Asia discussed how they can create region-wide support structures for film.
Global warming
The 2011 worldwide box office is back on track thanks to dazzling international performances from the summer’s biggest hits. Plus Screen analyses the local hits of summer.
Creative England: Ready to 'start afresh'
In the week when Creative England opens for business, Sarah Cooper looks at the formation of the new regional organisation, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Malaysia's international boost
Malaysia is poised to see a raised profile on the international film scene, thanks to government support, new studios and confident local producers.
Dutch industry calls for regional film funds in wake of government cuts
Hot topic at this week’s Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht will be how the industry can cope with government cuts.
The Inbetweeners Movie: Anatomy of a UK hit
Screen breaks down the keys to success for the UK’s summer sensation The Inbetweeners Movie, the territory’s most successful independent comedy ever and its third-biggest film of the year.
Will Toronto see a buying spree?
The heavyweight US sales companies are set to unveil new projects at Toronto ahead of the AFM, confident a weaker US dollar and a buoyant mood from Cannes will prove good for business.
Tintin and the hunt for box-office treasure
Can the unusual global release strategy of Sony and Paramount’s The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn pay off to mark the beginning of a thrilling new franchise?
Groups stake their positions for UK Film Policy Review
With a Sept 9 deadline looming, industry groups are readying their submissions for the government’s review about future support of film.
Kino Lorber takes US rights to Moroder's Metropolis
The distributor will open Giorgio Moroder’s version of Fritz Lang’s classic in more than 20 markets before it launches on Blu-ray and DVD on Nov 15. The official title will be Giorgio Moroder Presents Metropolis.
Tinkering with the masterplan
As StudioCanal rebrands Optimum Releasing and Kinowelt, Danny Perkins and Wolfgang Braun discuss why it is more than a name change, and Olivier Courson lays out the company’s pan-European ambitions
Glasgow's production boom
As Brad Pitt World War Z comes to Glasgow this week, Screen looks at the city’s film-friendly attitude that’s also drawing in the likes of Cloud Atlas.
Locarno's Pere claims 'perfect balance' for 2011 festival
The 64th Locarno Film Festival achieved “a perfect balance” this year, according to Olivier Père in his second outing as the festival’s artistic director. Also, the ambitious Casa Del Cinema project could be in place by 2015.
The digital debate over IP
The UK government has widely accepted Professor Hargreaves’ recommendations for renewing the UK’s intellectual property laws as set out in his independent review published in May and has revealed further details for the implementation of the long-delayed Digital Economy Act.
Asian indies still financed the old fashioned way
Despite the proliferation of new media platforms in Asia, the region’s genre filmmakers are sticking to tried-and-tested formulas to finance their films.
Buttons battle heats up in France
French distributors Mars and UGC will go head to head at the box office this September with separate adaptations of Louis Pergaud’s literary classic The War of the Buttons.
An eye on Sky
With Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation under intense pressure in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal, the UK industry is once again discussing BSkyB’s lack of investment in British film – and whether now is the time to push for change.
Against all odds
When the financing on Stephen Frears’ new drama Lay The Favorite, starring Bruce Willis, fell apart twice, producers Paul Trijbits and Anthony Bregman faced a race against time to re-assemble and refinance the project and keep the director and all the cast on board.
The Future of Edinburgh?
As the 65th edition of the EIFF closes with bad buzz, the UK film industry calls for a strong artistic director and a move back to August.
Amid UK upheaval, LUFF stands strong
Now in its eighth edition, London UK Film Focus 2011 (27-30 June) is an event which, on the face of it, seems to have been remarkably untroubled by the recent upheavals in public film funding in the UK.
Taking a risk on doc success
The profile of feature documentaries is higher than ever. But with public funding drying up and broadcasters under commercial pressure, financing them has never been so challenging
Hungary's next move
Budapest-born Hollywood producer Andy Vajna tells Screen how he has helped put together from scratch a new national film fund for Hungarian producers, and the lessons he has learned from around Europe
Will Cannes deals drive box-office success?
The deals flowed on the Croisette. Now the focus is on buyers to deliver viable distribution results.
Dutch Courage
With the Dutch government recommending 30% cuts in the culture sector, local film industry experts brace for film spending cutbacks and potential job losses and bankruptcies.
Cannes 2011 Market Buzz: UK and international sellers
Hot projects from UK and international sales companies include two Kevin Macdonald films, Mike Newell’s Great Expectations, and Margaret Thatcher story The Iron Lady.
Cannes 2011 Market Buzz
Screen previews some of the new market titles expected to create a stir at the Cannes Marche from US sellers, from Paul WS Anderson’s Pompeii to Paul Weitz’s Robert De Niro-starring project, to a Gotti crime saga.
Open season
The fourth Pirates and the eighth Harry Potter are the summer tentpoles around which all other releases are circling. International distribution heads reveal their summer plans to Screen.
The VOD Debate
The premium VOD controversy that kicked off at Cinema Con heats up even more as directors including James Cameron write an open protest letter this week.
Europe calling
Some vocal British producers hope that the UK could re-join Eurimages, at a time when the organisation is booming with the new addition of Russia.
Summer 2012: The Film Games
Summer 2012 represents a unique challenge for UK distributors with a packed sporting and cultural schedule, including The London Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the European Football Championships. But it also represents opportunities. Andreas Wiseman has an early look at how the industry is gearing up.
Filmart 2011: Growing confidence in pan-Chinese market
Hong Kong Filmart had a busy year in terms of networking and big launches, with some deals closed; but some Asian sellers bemoaned the lack of Western buyers attending.
The regional divide
As the UK industry is invited to consult on a draft strategy for new regional body Creative England, Sarah Cooper discovers that there is a fierce debate going on behind the scenes.
Fremaux faces A-list deluge in countdown to Cannes
With April 14 set as the day when Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux unveils his 2011 lineup, Fremaux and his programming team are screening a deluge of titles from A-list European directors which promises a vintage year on the Croisette.
Comcastic or Comcastrophe?
US cable giant Comcast has finalised its deal for ownership of NBCUniversal — will it damage independent film production or bring more diversity?
European industry mobilises ahead of MEDIA hearing
European film professionals are anxious to hear what’s discussed on March 18 about the hotly debated future of the MEDIA Programme.
Flying Concorde
In an extract from Screen’s new Independent Distribution Report, Martin Blaney looks at how larger German independents grew their market share despite an overall dip in box office.
King's Speech: BFI gets king’s ransom?
The UK Film Council invested £1 million ($1.6 million) in The King’s Speech through its now defunct Premiere Fund (then run by Sally Caplan) and is believed to have a net profit position as high as 34% in the film.
Buyers leave EFM with deals despite slow festival
A largely uninspiring festival selection did not dampen spirits at the market, where attendees reported robust business with one eye on the prospect of great riches to come in Cannes.
EFM deals strong despite lackluster festival
Even though critics have been mostly uninspired by the Berlinale festival selection this year, EFM attendees reported robust business with one eye on the prospect of more promising things to come in Cannes.
India's digital warriors look overseas
Whilst racing to convert their home territory, India’s digital cinema integrators, Scrabble and UFO Moviez, are planning to expand to other emerging markets.
The future on demand
Online VoD is changing the face of film distribution — as seen by the huge growth of Netflix and Amazon’s recent acquisition of LoveFilm. Colin Brown explores the latest moves in the battle for the living room
Finding A Place In The Crowd
With all the buzz about crowdsourcing being one way to save the indie film sector, the International Film Festival Rotterdam this year put the concept to the test – with mixed results.
Sundance's boom year
With more than $30m shelled out in minimum guarantees and countless more committed to p&a spends, one week into Sundance the festival was on a roll unlike any it had seen in years. Jeremy Kay analyses the deals and the market.
And Then There Were 10...
Screen profiles the 10 films in the race for the Best Picture Oscar, talking to producers about each film’s journey from idea to Oscar contender. Read more from behind the scenes of the year’s best films: Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The King’s Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, and Winter’s Bone.
The Edinburgh Overhaul
Centre for the Moving Image CEO Gavin Miller said the festival has to redefine itself for the 21st century; some industry watchers bemoan loss of competition section.
Japan's arthouse crisis
As arthouse cinemas struggle across the globe, Screen examines the particular decline of the independent cinema business in the major market of Japan.
Egypt's New Wave
A new wave of Egyptian filmmakers came under the spotlight at the recent Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) – writers and directors who are working outside Egypt’s major studios and tackling controversial subjects and themes.
State of independents
Seven leading producers gathered in London in mid-November to discuss the nature of producing independent films in the UK, addressing hot button issues such as co-production, sustainability, synergy with television, targeting local audiences and the key role of Working Title Films.
The complete package
In a troubled economic landscape, US talent managers are increasingly producing and packaging projects for their clients — but some agents are complaining of a land grab. Sharon Swart reports.
Cracking the US market
At the recent AFM, there was a new breed of buyer seeking innovative means to bring Asian product to American audiences. Liz Shackleton investigates.
Latin American industry heats up at Ventana Sur
Organisers and attendees of this week’s Ventana Sur market in Buenos Aires explain why Latin America needs its own market, and why deals should be strong for this year’s diverse crop of films.
Vital signs at AFM
The sales business may be going through challenging times, but this year’s AFM showed there are still opportunities to be found — and the international arena is vital. Jeremy Kay reports
What’s Hot in Docs?
From crowd funding, to worthy subject matters, Sarah Cooper looks at the issues that have been getting the documentary world talking at this year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest.
Cultivating partners in India
India has historically not been an active co-producer, but some European producers are finding ways to work with local talent. On the eve of the Film Bazaar co-production forum (Nov 23-26), Liz Shackleton explores the realities of co-producing international features in India
And we're off
The big early-autumn festivals marked the beginning of the long journey to awards glory. Kicking off Screen’s Awards Countdown, Jeremy Kay picks over some of the stand-out titles
Competitive incentives change the US landscape
The US worked up production incentives relatively late. But with the majority of states now offering schemes, the competition is benefiting producers. By John Hazelton
Co-production conundrum
A flurry of co-production treaties have been signed between Asian nations over the past few years, but are they really necessary? Liz Shackleton reports from last week’s Asian Film Policy Forum in South Korea.
Anxious? Healthy? Both.
The UK industry still awaits clarity about Government’s new plans for film, but there are successes still to cheer. Geoffrey Macnab takes the temperature of the industry at this week’s Screen Film Summit.
Kazakhstan steps up as international co-producer
Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is in the right geographical spot to become an international co-producer, and now with a burgeoning local film industry, it’s developing the talent and the financing power too.
Chinese film libraries set for digital reboot
The shifting distribution models that have changed the library business globally may lead to a slightly more hopeful picture for the Chinese-speaking world.
Can Eye galvanise Dutch film culture?
It could be rocky times ahead for Dutch public spending. A figure of 22% is bandied about as the possible hit that Dutch cultural organisations may have to take. As the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht begins, the prospect of such savage cuts is inevitably causing alarm.
Spotlight on San Sebastian
On the eve of the San Sebastian Film Festival (17-25 September), Chris Evans looks at this year’s eclectic line-up, the last before festival director Mikel Olaciregui steps down.
Summer box office slumps, but indies show strength
Len Klady analyses the US box office results this summer, with revenues down but niche films doing well.
The post-UKFC future: experts share their visions
Screen asked experts from production and distribution to share their thoughts about how the UK government can best support film.
IMAX’s international push
Andreas Wiseman examines Imax’s recent international boom, from big deals with Chinese exhibitors to the company’s first foreign-language film release.
Second-quarter box office: Depth but no breadth
Len Klady analyses the second quarter at the global box office, with theatrical up 11% driven by 3D but admissions up less than 3% over 2009, esentially flat overseas.
Looking inward
The current uncertainty about the office of the British Film Commissioner is one worrying sign that US studios could soon find the UK less attractive for production.
New Greek talents triumph despite country's financial woes
Confirming the rule that in times of crisis artistic production thrives, four Greek films will travel to the upcoming Venice film festival — overcoming financial crisis, internal industry feuding and lack of initiative by the Culture Ministry.
Locarno's Grande ambition
Under new artistic director Olivier Pere, the 63rd Locarno International Film Festival (which kicked off last night) is building its industry appeal with a wide-ranging programme that emphasises young talent.
UKFC bombshell: What will it all mean?
Geoffrey Macnab examines the possible reasons for the government’s planned shutdown of the UK Film Council; and looks at what the future might hold.
Russian cinema battling with profit gap
Despite the ever increasing budgets of Russian movies, 60% of investments in them are not paying off, due to the gap between box-office receipts and production costs.
India races to restore its film classics
India is renowned for having one of the world’s most prolific film industries, but it’s only in the last couple of years that the country has started to think seriously about preserving its cinematic heritage.
Lionsgate battle continues
Jeremy Kay examines the intriguing merger talks at Lionsgate, and the role Carl Icahn plays in any potential deal.
Europe’s next dimension
European animation producers are increasingly focused on 3D, with a range of new stereoscopic projects in the works. But is the 3D market big enough and are the extra costs worth the effort?
Battle for Lionsgate
In the months since billionaire investor Carl Icahn launched his hostile takeover bid for Lionsgate, the two have traded blows very publicly. So how will the battle for the mini-major be resolved? Jeremy Kay reports
British Invasion
Geoffrey Macnab previews the seventh London UK Film Focus, which is including non-British films for the first time.
Thailand picks up the pieces
Thailand’s film business suffered during the country’s civil unrest — and at least one arthouse cinema shuttered — but the situation is now getting back to normal, Liz Shackleton reports.
The big buy-in
The studios have always acquired independent films for international territories but several have recently stepped up their activities. John Hazelton finds out why and looks at the response from sellers and indie buyers.
Voltage Pictures turns up the charge on illegal downloaders of The Hurt Locker
John Hazelton explores why Voltage Pictures is going after 5,000 illegal downloaders of The Hurt Locker and why the case could be crucial for independents.
Another Year tops Screen Cannes Jury
Screen’s reviews editor Mark Adams looks at the critical consensus behind Cannes 2010 Competition titles, with love for Mike Leigh, disappointment from Takeshi Kitano and admiration for Poetry star Yun Jung-hee.
Funny Business
A string of French comedies, led by Dany Boon’s Welcome To The Sticks, have scored recent hits overseas bucking the widely accepted trend that local comedies don’t travel. Geoffrey MacNab reports.
International Box Office: Boom Times
The global box office experienced an impressive 28% spike for the first quarter from the comparable period in 2009. International proved to be the driving force in terms of growth, helped in part by 3D screen expansion. Len Klady analyses the numbers and reveals studio market share.
No summer at the beach
After years of struggling to book high-profile releases during summer months, Italy finally offers a complete roster of films including blockbusters, family, horror, comedies, local and auteur-driven films between May and August. Sheri Jennings reports on distributors’ high hopes riding on this Italian summer.
Festivals cope with ash cloud chaos
Festivals on both sides of the Atlantic had to scramble to re-organise events in light of the volcanic travel chaos; Cannes says it will watch “the evolution of the situation.”
Direct response unit
The UK Film Council’s latest three-year plan, launched on April 1, is designed to meet the needs of an industry facing mounting market challenges. Chief executive officer John Woodward explains strategy to Mike Goodridge
Betting on the box office?
This week, a US Commission will vote on whether a film’s projected box office takings should be traded on a futures exchange. Jeremy Kay looks at the implications.
Why libraries are losing value
With the MGM and Miramax catalogues both on the block, John Hazelton explores the health of the dwindling library business and looks at whether emerging platforms will improve revenues
Indies can skyrocket with CG animation
One area where independent producers can carve a niche, and occasionally even trump the studios, is computer-generated animation.
Signs of strength at FilMart 2010
Busy Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart) draws to a close with several deals completed and record attendance.
Hong Kong turns up the volume
On the eve of the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival and Filmart, Liz Shackleton looks at whether the current surge in Hong Kong cinema really amounts to a revival.
Alice unlocks the windows
Disney’s move to shorten the theatrical window on Alice In Wonderland caused a major spat with exhibitors. John Hazelton looks at whether the film has set a precedent for a shift in studio distribution
Out of the blue and into the black
If 20th Century Fox regretted the co-financing alliance it made with Paramount Pictures on Titanic, splitting distribution rights and the pot on what would go on to become the biggest film of all time, it was not going to make the same move on Avatar.
The trouble with money
The introduction of the UK tax credit in 2006 was meant to end the war between the film financiers and the UK’s Inland Revenue. So why is the battle still raging over Section 48?
Berlinale selection: critical overview
The competition struggled to heat up Berlin, but there were gems to be found. Lee Marshall reports
Bullish buyers warm up market
The European Film Market in Berlin offered a ray of hope for international sales as buyers stepped up aggressively to pre-buy hot new titles. Mike Goodridge reports
Robust Sundance raises spirits
It is being hailed as the best Sundance in years by North American buyers and sellers, but what does it mean for the international market going into this month’s EFM in Berlin (Feb 11-21)? Jeremy Kay reports
Making movies the main event
The lines between producers, distributors and exhibitors are blurring as independents attempt to stand out in a crowded theatrical field with innovative event and selfreleasing strategies. But do the figures add up? Geoffrey Macnab reports
Avatar bounty is out of this world
As the unflagging Avatar looks set to overtake Titanic as the biggest international film of all time, Jeremy Kay looks at the Herculean effort it has taken to carry James Cameron’s vision from drawing board to 15,000 screens
Beyond Dubai
Other Gulf territories aim to be major players in the international film industry. Mohammed Rouda reports
The Gulf: ambition and achievement
Dubai has worked hard to put itself at the centre of the Arab film-making world, with the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai Studio City. But has the financial crisis placed a roadblock in its path? Mohammed Rouda reports
The Asian dimension
On the eve of this year’s CineAsia in Hong Kong (Dec 8-10), Liz Shackleton asks if the imminent release of 20th Century Fox’s epic Avatar can jumpstart the rollout of 3D in Asia and help stem the tide of piracy
India’s indies set global goals
It is too early to talk of an Indian film wave, but certain indie titles from the country are gaining recognition among international buyers. Liz Shackleton looks at the challenges they face in finding a global audience.
Meeting at the crossroads
Film Bazaar in Goa, which takes place this week, is where the independent indian cinema sector meets the international film industry. Liz Shackleton takes a look at what is on offer.
Pragmatism and optimism at AFM
It has been a gruelling year for the independent sector but last week’s American Film Market delivered a much-needed jolt of energy to the industry, with buyers quick to snap up top-end product. Jeremy Kay takes the temperature in Santa Monica
Far East festivals compete for market attention
In an Asian version of the Venice-Toronto marathon, the credits have now rolled on the Pusan and Tokyo film festivals. International buyers and sellers tell Liz Shackleton which event they found to be the most useful.
Japan, caution
The collapse in Japan’s independent distribution sector has made the territory one of the most difficult for foreign films to crack ‹ and nor are Hollywood studio films working. Jason Gray reports
Festivals feel the political heat
Film festivals and politics may make uneasy bedfellows at times, but most international programmers are adamant it is their duty to present culturally and politically diverse films. Five leading festival chiefs tell Screen why.
Venice and Toronto show their different strengths
The two festivals worked well together this year, says Fionnuala Halligan.
Dealmakers kick heels at slow Tiff
Although North American business was thin on the ground at the Toronto International Film Festival, foreign buyers were displaying less caution,no longer waiting for domestic deals to be done.
When will two become one?
A possible merger between the UK’s two flagship film bodies is provoking much debate both for and against the movie. But will it even ever happen?
The means of production
UK distributors are moving into local production. But, on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-19), will it be at the expense of their acquisition of third-party and international titles?
Painting the town Red
Upstart retail player Redbox is revolutionising the DVD business, but not everyone is pleased.
Kudos kick off on the Lido
Venice and Toronto will showcase a handful of potential awards candidates, but Hollywood has saved its big guns for November and December.
Fighting for space in a tough market
Why are specialty and independent films getting so squeezed at the US box office this year?
Independent Distribution Sector Update 2009
Screen brings you independent distribution sector reports from around Europe.
Indie distribution update 2009: Spain
US indie titles are struggling in Spain as local distributors’ cautious acquisitions policies begin to bite.
Indie distribution update 2009: Italy
Local films dominate the independent sector at the Italian box office.
Indie distribution update 2009: Germany
Older audiences are helping to drive the German box-office upturn.
Indie distribution update 2009: France
Female-oriented films enjoy a good first-half in France at the expense of Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
Indie distribution update 2009: UK
Slumdog Millionaire’s success skews the figures as indie titles face mixed results at the UK box office.
Perfect pitch
One of the biggest challenges facing the producers of a wave of new low-budget UK music films is how to afford the crucial soundtrack rights.
Production sees rises in the East as numbers decline in the West
India is the most prolific film-producing nation in the world, according to the latest research figures.
India digs for box-office gold
A surge in multiplex construction is expected in the still under-screened Indian market now the producers’ strike is over. But can air-conditioning and plush seats alone finally prise open the box office for foreign films?
The strength of independent ties
Metrodome and Palisades Tartan are the latest to strike a deal, as distributors are forced to make alliances in a changing market.
UK delays tough action in file-sharing fight
UK delays tough action in file-sharing fight Controversial new legislation to combat copyright theft has made headlines around the world in recent weeks. Caroline Parry looks at where the UK’s Digital Britain roadmap fits into the global picture.
The end of the Russian gold rush?
The days when Russian buyers would pay big money for small films are over (for now) as the Russian market adjusts to a weak ruble and declining box office. Geoffrey Macnab looks at what this means for international sales agents and producers
Theatres of opportunity
The UK’s ambitious exhibition sector is pioneering new release concepts to defy the credit crunch and harness the territory’s cinema-going boom.
The market paradox
What does the growing conservatism among even specialist distributors mean for smaller sales agents with no obvious commercial fare and untested film-makers trying to break through?
Was the Marché the real deal?
Buyers on the Croisette were decisive — and surprisingly plentiful — for international sales companies with solid projects.
The UK private film funds
Who are the leading players at the UK film funds and what are they backing?
Who’s got the money?
The UK’s private film funds are becoming increasingly important to cash-strapped independent producers. But are investors interested?
Japan and India step up at Cannes
The Japanese and Indian presence at Cannes has increased this year as both territories look beyond their huge domestic markets.
Hollywood gets thrifty
Expect to see fewer stars at the Hotel Du Cap as budget-conscious US sales agents try to deliver realistically priced product to international buyers.
Pirates thrive in India film strike
A month-long strike has virtually closed India’s cinemas but so far resolved little between producers and exhibitors.
Market report Korea
Sumptuous foreign costume dramas are seducing Korean audiences, while action films also work well.
Year of the heavyweights
Cannes has invited the A-list world of cinema to a festival that is ready to excite critics and prise open dusty wallets.
Sailing into trouble?
Since it set sail in the UK on April 1, Working Title’s The Boat That Rocked has been navigating choppy waters in a handful of international markets.
Shock Tactics
Action sequel Crank: High Voltage was the highest new entry in Screen International’s chart this week at number four.
Market Report - Spain
The two stand-out foreign films of the 2008 Spanish box office were Matteo Garrone’s Cannes award-winner Gomorrah ($2.8m) and Stefan Ruzowitzky’s Oscar-winning Austrian title The Counterfeiters ($3.2m). Both were controversial titles which benefited from wide marketing campaigns.
'Too many releases and too few cinemas'
How has theatrical film marketing changed in the past few years?
Market Report - Brazil
Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing markets. It boasts a booming middle class with disposable income to spend in an ever-increasing number of multiplexes watching a wide variety of new releases. The total box office grew 2.1% in 2008 from the year before to $31.9m, with admissions up a slight 0.3% year on year.
'We're a unique market'
How has theatrical film marketing changed in the past few years?
Market Report - Australia and New Zealand
When it comes to English-language films, audiences in Australia and New Zealand have their preferences: they do not particularly like horror films but are seduced by all things British, particularly sumptuous period dramas, comedies and everything produced by Working Title. From 2008, this translated into big figures for Atonement, The Duchess, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Bank Job.
A new departure
When Yojiro Takita’s Departures was named best foreign-language film at the Academy Awards ceremony on March 3 this year, there was a gasp of surprise from many. But four men sitting in the second mezzanine level of the Kodak Theatre were cheering with delight. For Paul Colichman, Stephen Jarchow, Mark Reinhart and Jonathon Aubry, the win was a major step forward in a new foreign-language initiative hatched at their company, Here Media, and its theatrical arm, Regent Releasing, ...
How does the UKFC spend its money?
The UKFC has an annual budget of just over £60m, with around 46% coming from lottery funds, 40% from government support through grants, and the remainder from investments and other sources.
UK Film Council at the crossroads
How will budget cuts and a new chairman impact on the UK industry?
Tribeca's streamlined programme silences critics
Size does matter. The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) has been criticised for its huge programme and increasingly large footprint across New York City.
Australia's Footprint Films expands local distribution
Australian producer John Maynard of Arenafilm has long distributed his own films, first in New Zealand and then in Australia. Now, Maynard and business partner Robert Connolly are expanding their distribution outfit Footprint Films to acquire and release third-party titles.
Europe embraces 3D, but will it pay off?
The Cannes film festival’s surprise choice of Pixar’s Up as its opening film this May sends a symbolic message. By embracing a 3D film, the world’s most prestigious film festival is underlining the point that 3D is now not only part of the mainstream but that it is respected by programmers and critics too.
It's show time
Cannes fever is upon us once again, as film-makers and sales agents await news on whether their new films have found favour with - and favourable slots in - the world’s most prestigious film festival.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Makes Its Mark
Crime thriller The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has become the most successful local film of all time at the Nordic box office.
Britweek - Springboard for brits in LA
It was three years ago that UK TV executive Nigel Lythgoe had the idea for an event “to celebrate everything British” in the US. American Idol, which Lythgoe was at the time executive producing after having developed the original British format for creator Simon Fuller, was at the peak of its ratings power, he recalls, “and then all of a sudden the British stars started coming over”.
Market Report Germany
With around 30 releases a year, the German market was the third most important for French films abroad, after the US and Russia, with 5.6 million tickets sold according to Unifrance. Asterix At The Olympic Games and Welcome To The Sticks were the two top French-language performers in Germany last year.
Visions du Reel moves into distribution
In Switzerland, they take their documentaries very seriously. The films are frequently seen in cinemas and are given the respect accorded elsewhere to fictional features.
Tribeca Buzz: Six of this year's film-makers talk to Screen
Sales and audience excitement have already been building around a handful of titles at the Tribeca Film Festival, which opens today (April 22). Wendy Mitchell follows the buzz to six of this year’s film-makers.
In Focus: Production's French correction
An oft-heard lament in the French film industry has been the lack of incentives for foreign productions considering a shoot in the territory. Since 1998, when Steven Spielberg told a crowd at the Deauville film festival he had chosen not to shoot Saving Private Ryan in France because it was ‘too expensive’ (he shot in the UK), France has scrambled to spruce up its image as a locations destination.
Awards People: Kristin Scott Thomas
Kristin Scott Thomas talks to Mike Goodridge about her latest film I’ve Loved You So Long.
United States - Documentary evidence
The launch last summer of Msnbc Films brought not just a new player but a new type of player onto the US documentary scene.
Awards Countdown - People
Frank: Langella: The Frost/Nixon star tells Wendy Mitchell why his on-screen portrayal of Richard Nixon had to be deeper and quieter than his stage performances
International - World domination
The Day The Earth Stood Still took the top spot on the international box-office chart for the December 12-14 weekend, giving Fox International its first number-one debut in five years. Opening day-and-date in 90 territories in addition to North America, the sci-fi remake took $39.2m from 7,715 screens, giving it a screen average of $5,000.
Europe - breaking the deadlock
Given the slow pace of change in European digital cinema, there is a danger in over-hyping any kind of movement. But a $56m investment in leading UK and France-based D-cinema business Arts Alliance Media (AAM) may prove significant.
United Kingdom - Cult viewing
Screening to acclaim at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, documentary Three Miles North Of Molkom marks the feature debut of UK producer-directors Corinna McFarlane and Robert Cannan. The pair met on the 2005 UK film The Great Ecstasy Of Robert Carmichael (Cannan was assistant director and McFarlane assistant producer). "The film did well," says McFarlane. "But as a consequence of talking about the things we would do differently, we found an affinity."
Awards Countdown - Best actress/Best supporting actress - Best supporting actress: the top 10 contenders
The top 10 contenders for Best Supporting Actress.
International - Animal magnetism
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was king of the jungle in Screen's international chart this week, ending Quantum Of Solace's five-week reign at the top.
United Kingdom - New dimensions
The first cinemas in Europe to use the new Imax digital projection system have opened in London: two Odeon multiplexes in Greenwich and Wimbledon feature in a partnership between the Odeon and UCI cinema chains and Imax.
Awards Countdown - Best actor/Best supporting actor - Command performances
BEST ACTOR: THE TOP 10 CONTENDERS
Special Feature - Competition - The Arabic films in contention for this year's Muhr Awards
ADHEN-DERNIER MAQUIS (ALG-FR)
Special feature - Beyond the festival - 'Every new mall has a multiplex'
The multiplex at Dubai's vast Festival City shopping mall is offering cinema-goers a choice of 14 movies this month. The majority are Hollywood blockbusters such as Ridley Scott's Body Of Lies, and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, screened in English with Arabic subtitles. The city's sizeable Indian community might be drawn to Yuvvraaj, the Bollywood musical staring Anil Kapoor. A single Arabic-language title flashes above the mall's box office: Egyptian drama ...
Distribution - Warm embrace in Taiwan
Something is brewing in Taiwan. In the past 12 months it has become a more active buying market for international films, home to new distributors with deep pockets, while Hong Kong companies, such as Filmko, are launching local production offices to benefit from government subsidies and local talent. At the heart of the new optimism is the success of local film Cape No. 7, the biggest hit in Taiwan since James Cameron's Titanic.
International - A shot at the title
Four new releases entered the top 10 in Screen's international chart for the November 28-30 weekend, during which Quantum Of Solace held on to its position at the top of the table with a $20.6m weekend haul.
United States - Launching Plymouth Rock
New England needs a vitamin injection," says David Kirkpatrick, founder of Plymouth Rock Studios, a new digital film and television studio complex to be built in Massachusetts, the most populous state in the north-eastern region of the US.
Czech republic - Lighting up the radar
Czech documentary film-makers Vit Klusak and Filip Remunda gained international attention and praise from Morgan Spurlock and Michael Moore for their 2004 debut feature Czech Dream.
International - Summit draws blood
Quantum Of Solace held on to the top spot on Screen's international chart for a fourth week as it passed the $300m milestone, adding $40.4m to its tally over the November 21-23 weekend. Now in 67 territories, Sony Pictures Releasing International's film played on 10,373 screens, and yielded a $3,900 screen average.
In focus - The Solutions - 'The funding is there - get organised'
The growing recognition at European level of the danger digitisation poses to independent cinemas was clear at the Europa Cinemas annual conference in Paris. And that begged the question - could there be a case for European-level funding to support the switchover'
United Kingdom - Indies find the Sky's the limit
UK satellite broadcaster BSkyB has not enjoyed the same recognition for its influence on film as it has on sport, which has been revolutionised by its multi-channel offering.
Production - International Film Festival of India - India's window on the international scene
The 39th edition of the International Film Festival of India (Iffi) runs November 22 -December 2 in the seaside town of Goa. Around 5,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to attend. Some 15 films will compete for the Golden Peacock in the World Cinema section. All are titles from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region and include Marie Miyayama's The Red Spot, Sergei Dvortsevoy's Tulpan and Ekachai Uekrongtham's The Coffin.
Production - Australia-India collaborations - The empire strikes back
Producers Jim McElroy (Picnic At Hanging Rock) and John Winter (Rabbit-Proof Fence) are among the Australians heading to Film Bazaar in Goa as part of a delegation organised by the Screen Producers Association of Australia (Spaa). Both have well-developed projects suited to joint venturing with India.
