photo by Marc Halperin 

by Marla Lewin

 There are many producers in the Producer’s Network this year who have made wonderful films out of England, the US, Germany, and South Africa. There is a comradery between those who are attending for several years and each year the level of work and production is evolving. There are new people to meet from China, Kurdistan, and old mates from Rio, Estonia, Scotland, and Italy.  There are funds available for international filmmakers to learn and hone their skills.  Some of these films are showing in the market, as well as in competition.

This section of the festival is an incubator to create future filmmakers utilizing the extensive talent that is present for the festivval. Over the course of a week two hour morning meetings are held daily. There are 16 tables arranged with 12 Network attendees at each including a moderator and guest who talk openly abut their experiences with producing,film festivals. distribution or sales.  

In order to participate a producer must have made a film within the last 3 years that has had theatrical distribution in their country. With all of the diferent speakers present each morning no two participants wil have the same experience over the course of the event. There are 112  possiblities just with speakers plus the mix of atendees change daily based on meetings films and other events. Each day there is one country featured and their producers are showcased in a brief segment. Featured Guest speakers included John Schmidt of Content Films, Geoffrey Gilmore of Tribeca, John Sloss, Charlotte Mickie of E1, and representatives from Film funding groups and Incubator Labs in Rotterdam, Torino and others from around the world.