Buyers at the Short Film Corner

If you are a filmmaker attending the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival than you should know who the buyers are that will be present. The SFC was kind enough to set up a handy dandy page with videos from each of the buyers.

I strongly recommend spending a little time watching each of the videos which will acquaint you with the buyers, what they are looking for and what they are willing to pay for shorts. Guadalupe ARENSBURG with Canal + Spain pays $150 mins up to 15 mins. Mary Lampe of PBS, Texas pays $60 min up to 26 mins, non-exclusive. Jean Charles MILLE is a manager who wants a three-year exclusive and 30% of sales. Roland NGUYEN pays $500 a min up to 20 mins w/3 runs over a three year w/only the first run exclusive. Betcha wanna know what he looks like, huh?!? Each buyer has a different set of rules they follow. Some buyers purchase a lot, some don't. Some want exclusives. Some don't. Figure it out. This is your business. Mind it!

If you're going to Cannes' Short Film Corner then do your homework. Know who these twenty-five buyers are and what they have to offer. Know what they look like. Basically... be prepared.

One thing that was painfully obvious last year was that no one knew who anybody was. I had several buyers ask if I was a filmmaker. Buyers and filmmakers couldn't seem to hook up. So really, take the time to learn these faces. It's as simple as hearing their 2-3 min video pitch. Don't get lost in the crowd. These people are there to find fantastic films. It's their job! Set up screenings and invite them. Do a two person booth session with them.

I have often heard it said that a short film is your calling card. I would say that is true only if it is good enough. If it is good enough, then it might very well be what these buyers are looking to take back with them. You can make money off your short film and the Short Film Corner at Cannes is an excellent place to start!

Best of luck to all of you! May you make fabulous work and prosper from it!