Outcomes of the international round table discussions initiated by UniFrance

16 JULY 2020

From May 26 through July 7, UniFrance organized a series of 7 weekly international and English-language round tables on the New Realities of the Film Sector, to rethink the future of the audiovisual industry in the world. All related videos and reports can be found below.

From the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, there has been talk of the "new normal." The traditional film chain has undergone unprecedented adjustments and a new ecosystem has rapidly arisen as a result, with consequences that will be felt in the long term. In this context, Unifrance's conviction is that any reflection on the future of world cinema requires dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration at all levels of the film industry.
The aim of this series of round tables proposed by UniFrance was to bring together the most experienced and innovative world cinema professionals in order to offer a broad and precise vision of all the subjects that concern us today. The series was moderated by British consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.

Downloadable reports (in French) for each round table provided by Satellifacts.

#1 - NEW CHALLENGES FOR THE SALES AND DISTRIBUTION SECTORS In a context where markets are developing digital versions of their 2020 editions, what impact, in the short and long term, will the current crises have on acquisition and distribution strategies?

With:
- Carole Baraton, Charades (France)
- Adolfo Blanco, A Contracorriente Films (Spain)
- Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, Playtime (France)
- Vanja Kaludjercic, Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR) (Netherlands)
- Tom Quinn, Neon (United States)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/gagouJJSQWg

#2 - FILM RELEASES: INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES AND NEW ECONOMIC MODELS
Recent experiments have decided to combine the strength of the digital economy with the experience of the traditional cinema chain involving movie theaters and festivals. Can some of these models be made sustainable and create a new ecosystem?

With:
- Louisa Dent, Curzon (United Kingdom)
- Ariane Giroux-Dallaire, Sphère Films (ex-mk2 Mile End) (Canada)
- Richard Lorber, Kino Lorber (United States)
- Radu Mihaileanu, ARP (Auteurs Réalisateurs Producteurs) (France)
- Andrea Occhipinti, Lucky Red (Italy)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/uzpkjNQGpRs

#3 - THE ROLE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
In times of crisis, how can public institutions and film funds continue to support cultural diversity and its fabric of independent structures? How has their role been redefined?

With:
- Simone Baumann, German Films (Germany)
- Liza Diño-Seguerra, Film Development Council (Philippines)
- Daniela Elstner, Unifrance (France)
- Mathieu Fournet, CNC (France)
- Claudia Triana De Vargas, Proimágenes (Colombia)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/aX29UdZ8EpY

#4 - STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN THE PROMOTION OF FRENCH ANIMATION ABROAD

With:
- Benoît Berthe Siward, The Animation Showcase (United Kingdom)
- Charlotte Boucon, SND (France)
- Annemie Degryse, Lunanime & Lumière (Belgium)
- Kristina Frajtic, Blitz Film & Video Distribution (Croatia)
- Chance Huskey, GKids & Animation Is Film Festival (United States)
- Eugene Kim, Bucheon International Animation Festival (South Korea)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/op3j1twBnok

#5 - INCLUSION AND OSCARS: A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES
The leaders of the institution will talk about the 2021 Oscars, but also about the Academy's current efforts to further diversify its membership in order to become a more inclusive arts organization.

With AMPAS directors and membership executives: David Rubin, Dawn Hudson, Lorenza Muñoz & Meredith Shea

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/BXompsxiBc8

#6 - THE FUTURE OF EXHIBITION
The closure of movie theaters around the world is unprecedented and has had a devastating effect on the entire film value chain. Faced with the new ecosystem of theatrical releases, what are the conditions for cinemas to reopen successfully?

With:
- Florence Almozini, Film at Lincoln Center (United States)
- Nathanaël Karmitz, mk2 (France)
- Ted Mundorff, Arclight (United States)
- Jane Shao, Lumière Pavilions (China)
- Kim Van Der Werff, Focus Arnhem, member of Europa Cinemas (Netherlands)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/_SVujJruSLA

#7 - A NEW REALITY FOR CINEMA? A SUMMARY OF THE UNIFRANCE ROUNDTABLES
The aim of this last workshop was to bring together the ideas and reflections arising from the various round tables and to draft a number of conclusions and courses of action for the future.

With:
- Anne Thompson, Indiewire (United States)
- Bérénice Vincent, Totem Films (France)
- François Yon, Playtime (France)

The entire discussion can be seen here: https://youtu.be/8mik2mG2wzo

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Media Gallery

Videos

20 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #1: The new challenge of sales and distribution

Sales and distribution companies had already been through a few years of Digital Disruption and many were exploring new models when the virus struck. And they were among the most impacted with stark choices needing to be made about films they had acquired, rapid shifts in marketing strategies and with key markets, including the Cannes Market, shifting online. The experience of online-only release has been challenging but may offer big lessons for the future shape of their business. There have also been potential opportunities emerging in markets, where the lack of US blockbusters has left gaps. This panel will look at lessons learned but will focus on the structure and support needed for a new ecosystem.

Panelists :
- Carole Baraton, Charades
- Adolfo Blanco, A Contracorriente Films
- Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, Playtime
- Vanja Kaludjercic, International Film Festival Rotterdam
- Tom Quinn, Neon

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #2: Innovative strategies and business models for films releases

The fragility of traditional film industry business models was a focus for debate long before the coronavirus struck. That discussion was sometimes defensive but a part of the film industry was increasingly bullish about new opportunities, notably in the online, mobile and on-demand fields. Some of the most interesting models are not about displacing the ‘traditional’ industry but about uniting the strengths of the Digital Economy with the Experience Economy of cinemas and festivals. They also tend to look beyond national boundaries and use tools to find, engage and mobilise audiences. The Covid shutdown has created some momentum behind these approaches - the question is whether a new reality has been created. Has the crisis generated compelling evidence for new options? Will necessity force change? And what can industry and public support do to speed reform?

Panelists :
- Louisa Dent, Curzon (UK)
- Ariane Giroux-Dallaire, MK2 Mile-End (Canada)
- Richard Lorber, Kino Lorber (USA)
- Radu Mihaileanu, ARP (France)
- Andrea Occhipinti, Lucky Red (Italy)

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #3: The role of public institutions

Public sector institutions and industry funds play an indispensable role in supporting the sustainability and cultural diversity of the film industry. That role has never been more important that during the Covid crisis, where public support is keeping much of the industry alive. The post-lockdown position of funds and institutions may be extremely challenging, with severe economic downturn undermining the ability to make progress. The potential opportunities raised in this UniFrance series will put new demands on public bodies, which may be forced to make new and challenging decisions about priorities. This session will look at how different institutions are thinking about the post-lockdown future.

Panelists :
- Simone Baumann, German Films (Germany)
- Liza Diño-Seguerra, Film Development Council (Philippines)
- Daniela Elstner, UniFrance (France)
- Mathieu Fournet, CNC (France)
- Claudia Triana de Vargas, Proimágenes (Colombia)

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #4: Successful strategies to promote French animation worldwide

France is the leading producing country of animated films in Europe and number three worldwide. French animation combines a strong know-how, supported by world-class schools and animation studios, with artistic visions of directors celebrated at international festivals. If there is a recognizable and distinctively French style of animation, there is also a great diversity of creativity and technique among French filmmakers.

This workshop will look at the territories in which French animation works best and will ask questions, including: What has changed over the last decades? What are the different strategies for acquiring and promoting French animated films abroad? Which PR, marketing and technical tools are used by producers, sales agents, distributors, festivals and platforms to get the word out for these films and engage audiences? Is there a way to better spotlight French filmmakers of animated shorts and features?

Panelists :
- Benoit Berthe Siward, The Animation Showcase (UK)
- Charlotte Boucon, SND (France)
- Annemie Degryse, Lunamine & Lumière (Belgium)
- Kristina Frajtic, Blitz (Croatia)
- Chance Huskey, GKids & Animation is Film FF (USA)
- Eugene Kim, Bucheon International Animation Festival (South Korea)

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #5 - Inclusion and The Oscars: A special presentation from the AMPAS

Join executive leadership from The Academy for updates on the upcoming 93rd Oscars (2021) and hear about their ongoing efforts to diversify membership and be an inclusive arts organization.

Speakers:
- David Rubin, President, AMPAS
- Dawn Hudson, CEO, AMPAS
- Lorenza Muñoz, Managing Director, Member Relations and Awards, AMPAS
- Meredith Shea, Associate Director, Member Relations and Awards, AMPAS

The presentation will be moderated by Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film, MOMA
Questions from the audience will be moderated by Michael Gubbins, Consultant, UK

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21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #6: The future of exhibition

The closure of cinemas had an immediate and devastating effect across the whole value chain. Some of those theatres are now seriously concerned about their future: they lost millions while closed, reopening dates keep shifting in certain countries and the confidence of the public in attending screenings is still open to question, even after reopening with strict safety measures. The crisis did create an opportunity for emerging on-demand platforms to grow their film audience, and reports suggest they have made a considerable impact. Cinemas also found innovative ways to maintain the link with their audiences. How is the near and mid-term future looking for arthouse cinemas and multiplexes? What will be the impact of the last few months on the theatrical industry?

Panelists :
- Florence Almozini, Film at Lincoln Center (USA)
- Nathanael Karmitz, mk2 (France)
- Ted Mundorff, Arclight (USA)
- Jane Shao, Lumière Pavilions (China)
- Kim Van Der Werff, Focus Arnhem, member of Europa Cinemas (Netherlands)

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

21 JULY 2020

UniFrance Discussion Series #7: New Realities? Summing up the UniFrance discussions

The final workshop looks to summarise and share the findings of the UniFrance debates. The report of the discussions across the sector will be shared with industry delegates at the end of the workshops. This final session will be a chance to bring together the ideas and thoughts in the sessions to offer some possible conclusions and actions. It will be an interactive session with experts offering their view but with an emphasis on reactions from participants through social media.

Speakers :
- Anne Thompson, Indiewire (USA)
- Bérénice Vincent, Totem Films (France)
- François Yon, Playtime (France)

The series will be moderated by consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins.
Follow us #UniFranceTalks

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In connection with this news

Persons(30)

Companies(25)

A Contracorriente Films
Activities : Foreign distributor (feature film), Foreign production company, Buyer (feature films)
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ARP (Auteurs Réalisateurs Producteurs)
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