Industry Insight Are Film Markets Becoming More About Networking Than Deals?

[MICA]

Are Film Markets Becoming More About Networking Than Deals?​

For decades, international film markets have been where producers, sales agents, distributors, buyers, and investors came together to discover projects, build partnerships, and close deals.

Today, many film industry professionals feel that while networking remains essential, more acquisitions, licensing negotiations, and financing discussions are happening before or after the market rather than on the exhibition floor itself.

Has the role of film markets changed, or is this simply how the global film industry now operates?

We'd love to hear your experience. If you've attended Cannes, AFM, EFM, TIFF, Ventana Sur, or other international film markets, have you noticed a shift? Are film markets becoming more about networking than dealmaking, or are the biggest deals simply happening behind the scenes?

 

[Max]

Are Film Markets Becoming More About Networking Than Deals?​

For decades, international film markets have been where producers, sales agents, distributors, buyers, and investors came together to discover projects, build partnerships, and close deals.

Today, many film industry professionals feel that while networking remains essential, more acquisitions, licensing negotiations, and financing discussions are happening before or after the market rather than on the exhibition floor itself.

Has the role of film markets changed, or is this simply how the global film industry now operates?

We'd love to hear your experience. If you've attended Cannes, AFM, EFM, TIFF, Ventana Sur, or other international film markets, have you noticed a shift? Are film markets becoming more about networking than dealmaking, or are the biggest deals simply happening behind the scenes?

I've noticed a real shift over the past few years. Most of my important meetings are arranged weeks before the market even begins, and very few projects are discovered by chance anymore. For me, film markets are still incredibly valuable, but they're now much more about strengthening relationships than walking away with a signed deal.

 

[John]

Personally, I still believe traditional film markets are incredibly valuable. Online communication has become much more efficient, but I don't think it can fully replace meeting people in person.

The film industry is built on trust. Film markets are not only a great opportunity to meet potential new partners, but also to finally sit down with people you've been emailing for months or even years. I think it's important to know who's behind those emails, because a face-to-face conversation creates a completely different foundation for a long-term business relationship.

For that reason, film markets remain one of the most important parts of the business for me. Even if the actual deal isn't signed during the market itself, that's often where trust is established or strengthened and that can be far more valuable in the long run.

 

[Cinema Doktor]

One thing I've noticed over the past few years is that film markets now begin long before the opening day. Most of us send meeting requests to both our existing partners and new contacts weeks in advance.

I've also noticed that many markets seem to have fewer active buyers than they used to. As a result, buyers' schedules fill up very quickly, while many sales agents still have plenty of available meeting slots.

I still believe film markets are incredibly valuable, but the market itself seems to be shrinking. That makes preparation and scheduling meetings in advance more important than ever, although some of the best business relationships can still begin with an unexpected conversation during the market.