With the European Film Market starting in Berlin this week we thought we’d share a few top tips on getting your documentary co-production funded.
The EFM runs in parallel with the Berlinale and despite mainly focusing on fiction, they also have a section and programme for documentary producers. Find out more at Meet the Docs.
Polar Star Films’ Head of Documentary Marieke van den Bersselaar travels year round to different markets and festivals and will be attending The European Film Market from the 6 to the 10 of February.
Okay, so lets get on with the 5 top tips!
1. Find out what commissioning editors & buyers are looking for
Research who’s who, and what slots they represent. Watch TV! Match your project to the slot: interest, duration and number of episodes. Don’t try and sell a documentary about your grandmother who was a great poet in Russia in the twenties to a commissioning editor who’s looking for current affairs!
2. Become a member of the European Documentary Network (EDN)
Or make sure your project gets picked up by a producer who is. Convincing a local producer to take on your project is the best step to find international co-production partners.
3. Use the co-producers’ bible: the EDN Financing Guide
Get your free copy when you attend the IDFA Forum in November / or receive it when you become a member / or order it (100€+postage) by writing an email to edn@edn.dk
Mark up the pages with tabs for quick and easy access. Combine the printed guide with the online guide (accessible for members). The online guide also has info about the contents of the slots etc.
4. Hone your pitch
Make sure you have an excellent pitch, and rehearse it with an audience. Be ready with your one-liner to be able to pitch to anyone at anytime. And, a staple of all good pitches these days is a professional & catchy teaser.
5. Get out there!
Attend the important markets, find out about master classes and other opportunities. Watch the pitches, learn what to do and what NOT to do and get pitching yourself!
Good luck!