“I think for a film that has real theatrical potential a sales agent is key. For a film that may find it tougher in the American marketplace, such as many of the docs in the world competition that may not be competing for deals - any subtitled film has a harder time in this marketplace - for those films I don't know that a sales agent necessarily helps for the kinds of smaller deals that may or may not be offered.” ThinkingKnowsWorldKindMayRealHelpingFilmDealsKeysHarderCompetitionAgentsCompetingMarketplaceTheatrical Author:Thom Powers
“In an old model, the way a film would imprint itself on the public's consciousness is to get a theatrical run. But now there are more documentaries and more films in general being released than ever before. There are weeks when the New York Times is reviewing 15 films, so it's harder to leave an impression on the public. A lot of these films are seeing their financial future on digital platforms. Because viewers aren't hearing as much about films in theatrical release, I think the festival circuit is going to have increasing importance for the life of a film.” ThinkingWayRunningFilmConsciousnessSeeingWeekNew YorkModelsImportanceHarderFinancialHearingImpressionReleaseDigitalPlatformsViewersDocumentariesFestivalsNew York TimesTheatricalCircuits Author:Thom Powers
“I think certain filmmakers going into Sundance or other big festivals should consider screening more for press and tastemakers before the festival. The traditional wisdom has always been the opposite: to not screen for anyone prior, let your film be seen by an audience, and generate the buzz from there.” ThinkingShouldBigsFilmCertainAudienceOppositesPressesScreensTraditionalFilmmakerFestivalsBuzzScreeningSundance Author:Thom Powers