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January 1996, Week 5

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Subject:
From:
Rob Tregenza <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 28 Jan 1996 19:33:58 -0800
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This seems at first like a good idea... but I have to take issue with your
statement...
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" Outside of a festival, it is very difficult to get anyone in the industry
to watch a film by an untried filmmaker."
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This is just not the case.  All the distribs I know are living in total fear
that they might miss the next big "thing". This is why Miramax must have 12
people in Sundance?  Why is October et al at every festival? Why do the labs
tip them off about a "hot" film before the print is even dry? And the phones
ring.
 
 If the film is in fact "festival quality" the best place for a new feature
is in a major  festival where there is a rare chance a bidding war can take
place between established distributers or where you can snare a top sales
agent. Berlin and Toronto are great for this.
 
This situation may give a first look advantage to some West Coast agents and
distribs... but if they pass where are you then? The bad buzz starts before
you even get out of the gate.  If the buzz is good... chances are it would be
even better in a festival with real critics and programmers. The major fests
that I know want the world prems... and although this is not a "festival" it
is a public screening in a major market.
 
Nevertheless... Best of luck.  But not returning the tapes... That is a bid
rough on the film makers.
 
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