Film Fest Tips: Targeting Buyers

Before the holidays we gave you tips on hiring a publicist and before setting off on to your festival premiere, this week we focus on buyers as we chat with Tribeca Film’s director of acquisitions, Nick Savva. It’s the reason you have your film at a festival in he first place, right? A buyer sees it and wants to talk about acquiring your film. But in today’s world it’s not just theatrical anymore, and Tribeca Film has been at the forefront of taking titles that not only works on the big screen but on Video On Demand as well, like Newlyweds and The Comedy. Here Savva gives a few tips on how to get the attention of buyers and what you should never do.

We're looking for movies which are a good fit for the Tribeca brand, and which would benefit from a day-and-date VOD/theatrical release strategy. Do you allow filmmakers to send you rough cuts of their work? Yes we frequently look at unfinished work. But I would encourage filmmakers not to show a cut unless they're happy with it. In my experience you usually only get one shot with distributors - they will get an immediate sense if it's something for them. So submit wisely. If a filmmaker doesn't have a publicist or sales agent, what's the best way for them to get your attention either at a festival or lead up? First of all, if your project is appealing on paper then do not be surprised if distributors and agents approach you directly. But failing that, make a targeted list of buyers who are likely to be interested in your project and try to market directly to them. What should a filmmaker NEVER do when trying to get you interested in their film? I don't think group or mailing-list type emails are very effective. What should a filmmaker ALWAYS do? Get a personal recommendation or introduction to the companies and people who are relevant. Remember the film business is a people business, which is all about relationships. Do you go into a festival with a number of titles you want to acquire? We always have a solid plan for acquisitions, yes, but it doesn't necessarily break down by number of titles etc. That said, we released around 25 films last year, so we're on the look-out for new films all the time. What materials should a film's producer already have together for you after you've bought their film? Anything we need to start working on marketing the film. Typically hi-res stills, screeners, production notes, billing block and any marketing assets you have started putting together. And don't forget about paperwork such as clearances. Going back to targeting buyers - keep it relevant and keep it personal.