We're exhibiting at AFM the week after next, and have never attended the market before. We've been setting up some meetings with potential distributors, but are looking for as much advice and feedback as we can get from folks who've been there before. Are there any SA's we should steer clear of, or any who are considered the "gold standard"? We also don't have an L.A.-based entertainment attorney. How important is that, in your experience? Do deals get closed there for projects that are still in development or early production? Love to hear thoughts from experienced AFM vets. And if you'll be out there, look us up in Suite 311-A. Thanks!
Distribution : Looking for AFM Advice by Paul Traynor
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Here's what I would do:
Make kick ass posters.
Make a kick ass trailer
Hire some local models (male and female) & stand by your suite and bring in Buyers.
Have money for booze & entertainment off-site.
Get a lawyer asap. Have vetted contracts ready to sign. Close deal.
Hire someone who speaks Mandarin or French (I am guessing 10-15% Buyers don't speak English). They'll just look at your posters for famous Acting faces.
More booze.. stock up the suite yourself.
Thanks, Dan-- we've got half of that already. I'll look into the rest! :)
Yes they do Paul, Study the Exhibitor List and see what each
production companies specialize in.
Thanks Tony! Been combing through it, but it's hard to tell who to target. People seem to utilize a lot of categories-- or the ones they're hoping to attract.
That is a Golden Client List. Target them all. It boils down to Sales Prospecting. The one that contacts you might eventually refer, fund, or change to a company that has interests in your particular type of genre.
I just did some Podcast that will likely help you out Paul. I have attended and got my film distributed there as well.
Here are 2 podcast I'd say are "must listen to's".
http://filmtrooper.com/142 - interviewed AFM's director, Jonathan Wolf.
http://filmtrooper.com/143 - definitely look up Glasshouse Distribution, I may be able to get you a meeting with them if you'd like.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions/thoughts!
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Hi Ron-- That's great! I'll listen to your podcasts this weekend and get back to you. I looked up Glasshouse, and would welcome an introduction there. I think we have a couple of things that might be a fit for them. Thanks so much!
And thanks, Tony-- it does seem like the list may be the real value of the market... but lots of prospecting to do, for sure!
Hope to see you there!
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The podcasts Ron mentioned are awesome - packed with info and advice. I've listened to a lot of interviews prepping for AFM. Hopefully see you there, Paul.
@Paul Praynor - PM me your email address and I'll make an introduction. Best,
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Thanks, Chris and Tony-- come by 311A and say hello. Ron, PMing you now.
I will. Will you be there all week?
I'll be there the 4-8th.