By Cathie Beamish

If this was a question that had been asked a year ago or more, the answer would be much different than the answer for today.

In the past we would be discussing such things as pre-sales, distribution models and a standard capital stack that would make up a part of our pitch deck. We might debate the value of crowd sourcing and crowd funding as it relates to our specific project. What about casting? In the past it was essential to attach a name actor to a project and usually that name actor was a U.S. based actor.

In the past, the Lion’s share of our revenue would come from foreign pre-sales. Often times, we would look at foreign co-productions to help us capture a larger audience and assist in financing.

My fear is that all of that could have changed when President Trump announced that he wanted to put tariffs on movies. Several questions immediately popped into my mind.

How would pre-sales be treated? Would there be some sort of economic sanction placed on the movie because of outside investment? Would tariffs on movies be treated like tariffs on cars if you filmed in more than the U.S? Would other countries place retaliatory tariffs on a movie that has U.S. distribution?

The U.S. film industry has already been impacted by the BRIC counties. India has developed a strong Bollywood that cut into the U.S. market. China produces more movies than Hollywood and China has a quota system for foreign films. ( I believe 8 foreign films a year). Brazil has a strong entertainment industry based on soap operas as opposed to movies and now Russia has issues with the U.S. over the war.

The movie making landscaping is changing rapidly. Emerging and established filmmakers need to have their fingers on the pulse. You cannot work in a vacuum!

Last year while attending the American Film Market in Las Vegas I had the privilege of attending one of the sessions led by Clay Epstein. One of his most valuable pieces of advice dealt with the importance of networking. While he recognized the importance of the information gleaned from the sessions ( and the information is both relevant and current) he reminded everyone of the excellent opportunity to network. As he pointed out, everyone in attendance has a vested interest in making movies. Whether the person beside you was a camera man, a
sales rep, a writer, a director or whatever, we should be getting to know these people and asking for their cards. Who knows, the person sitting beside you might be your mentor or even your next partner.

Every year since I started reporting on the American Film Market, I have had someone come up to me to let me know that the American Film Market is exactly what they were looking for but didn’t know existed. Now you know!

I know that some of you will be attending the market in person and I know that some of you have reservations about crossing the border at this time. In the past the market has offered an opportunity to pay for the replays. I hope this will be the case this year as well. Once you experience the replays I think you will realize that this is a great opportunity and an even better experience to be had in person.

This year the American Film Market will be held in Century City right next to the wonderful and legendary Fox Studios lot. I have always found that this area holds its own magic just waiting to be experienced. The market will run from November 11th until the 16th in Century City, California.

My filmmaker friends, if you have not already checked out the invaluable resources on the American Film Market website under the resources area, you should. The resources are incredible. They are fee and designed to compliment the sessions.

The American Film Market is sponsored by IFTA (Independent Film and Television Alliance) which was stared by Indie filmmakers to support Indie filmmakers.

I believe in the film market and I hope to see many of you there. If you don’t make it in person, I hope you will take advantage of the replays.

I would also be interested in knowing who might be interested in meeting up after the market to discuss strategies for developing, financing and distributing of your own.

C. Beamish