After a cool 3H 15 trip from Paris Gare du Nord to new St Pancras station, a quick cab took me in less than 10 minutes to the hotel (less than the waiting for a cab at the station)
Arriving at the Cumberland reception I got worried when they told me I was staying in a "nice room in the business executive building" off one block...
Did not sound too engaging, or even convenient

Turns out the rooms ARE nice in fact (vast, modern design, spacious...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my way to a quick snack (after some email checking of course) I got lucky and met Waco Hoover, the organizer of the summit: perfect timing.

We are a partner of the Festival Summit and I needed to hand the leaflets that will go in the participants bags tomorrow.

Let me show you the leaflet:

  

MEDIA SPONSOR OF THE FESTIVAL SUMMIT

Bruno Chatelin is a member of The Advisory Board

10 GOOD REASONS TO CREATE YOUR FESTIVAL BLOG ON FEST21.COM

Best things in life are free... so is our blog platform for the fest community of the 21 st century.

The blog is absolutely free like any myspace, youtube video blog...!
But your visitors will not have to be logged in to enjoy the visit.

The strongest videoblog platform for search engine visibility (google...)

Try for yourself: Search in google typing cinequest 18 wraps or cinequest 18 for instance : you will see that our platform is the best of all, giving fest21 content N°1 positioning ahead of variety, indiewire, any myspace youtube... (and cinequest website) there are several reasons for this but this is a long story (Google friendly technology). You should take more advantage of that promotion.

Free promotion on our websites When publishing on fest21.com you give us the opportunity to offer you more publicity on filmfestivals.com:  we paste some of the members' contributions from the blog on our portal, and also mention them in the weekly newsletter (60 000 recipients).

You can post videos, audio, text, pix... with no limit whatsoever.
Myspace and youtube... impose a 100M sizelimit on video files, we set no limits and accept any video format.

Latest technology:  your blog is compatible with mobile delivery.
You can also use the embed codes to paste on your website.
We can include the RSS from another blog of yours for a minor technical cost.

Appear on the Homepage of fest21.com. The blogs that are regularly updated, and that get most audience votes are featured on the homepage of fest21.com

Fest Pro Only: your blog is hosted in a festivals-and-films-only environment, why settle for less with other platforms that are not dedicated to the festival circuit.

We provide the relevant environment for the search engine who will recognize the quality of the pages (rich in key  words, like film, festival...)

The festival blog link will be included on the festival directory, an improved visibility for your festival when filmmakers search our database on fil (...)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

I am almost on my way to London second edition of the Festival summit.

Only a few minutes off... still need to do some packing, taking the tube to the Gare du Nord and hitting the faster than ever Eurostar.
Guess what the company made some operating profit for the first time since the creation of the shuttle. ! (not considering financial agios I guess)

I am due to speak tomorrow in one of the round table breakout sessions, but I still could not figure out what the theme is. I am told to play it by ear...
No problemo

2:30 pm Round Table Breakout Sessions

Don't miss this interactive and intimate discussion amongst your colleagues and peers toasting an incredible day of thought leadership and networking. This session will provide delegates with an opportunity to delve deeper into conference topics and themes, sharing their unique perspective and experiences. Working groups will have the opportunity to share results and findings with other conference delegates.

• Sponsorships
  Pippa Collett, Managing Director, Sponsorship Consulting Limited
• Programming
  Allison Gardner, Co-Director, Glasgow Film Festival
• Executive Management
  Helen de Witt, Festival Producer, BFI Film Festivals
• Acquisition & Distribution
  Andy Whittaker, Managing Director, Dogwoof Pictures
• Publicity & PR
  Bruno Chatelin, COO, Filmfestivals.com
• Digital Technology   
  Tomas Prasek, Co-Founder & Co-Director, Datakal

I am also a panelist on Wednesday: this one is easier for me.
I have worked in the past as a film distributor both with media and festivals, and my recent (10 years or so) experience with the leading online publication focused on the festival circuit gives me a good background.
It should make an interesting discussion with esteemed colleagues among the panel and audience. We have agreed to expand a bit on web 2.0

2:15 pm General Panel Session: Media & Film Festivals: Roles and Relationships

The role and relationship of film festivals to the media is a paramount concern not only impacting coverage of the festival but films in competition. Understanding how to approach the media, what constitutes good press, appropriate relationships with journalists, credentialing issues, roles & responsibilities of press at a festival are all critical areas that a festival can execute flawlessly. Don't miss this informative session addressing the ins-and-outs of how to effectively work with the media.

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

The INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SUMMIT (IFFS) is the annual conference and trade show for professionals from the film festival industry. The International Film Festival Summit provides a platform for the community to explore ways to collaborate and promote the advancement of the film festival industry. 
The IFFS is dedicated to providing resources, information and avenues of communication for industry professionals, vendors, & anyone committed to the film festival industry. It is committed to the idea that film festivals are an important cultural celebration, a powerful voice in our society, and increasingly play a vital role in connecting not only the local communities they serve, but the world globally.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:00 am Registration Begins and Morning Refreshments  

9:00 am Opening Remarks by Conference Chair : Fred Kramer
President and General Manager
Withoutabox 

9:15 am European Cinema and the World - Status and Future

European film continues to grow and expand across the globe and festivals play a critical role in this process. This exciting session will delve into the current state of European cinema and where it's headed.

Moderator: David Pope, CEO, New Producers Alliance

Grainne Humphreys

, Festival Director, Dublin International Film Festival
Gareth Jones, Executive Producer, Gareth Jones Media Services

10:15 am General Panel Session: Content, Technology and your Film Festival

As the film and television viewer experience evolves, so must the outlets that promote and deliver this content. New technologies are disrupting the traditional distribution channels allowing for greater consumer choices and control. With the continued proliferation of film festivals their place in the value chain will serve to promote both independent film and educate the consumer about new services and ways to receive this content.

This panel will address how new technologies are impacting audiences, filmmakers, film festivals, and what new opportunities this will present for all of them. Hear from industry experts who are currently working with film festivals and other content owners about the changing landscape. Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of innovative models for film distribution, how to use leading edge technology to get your audience and filmmakers more involved, and how these technologies can benefit your film festival.

Moderator: Scott Hillier, Festival President, European Independent Film Festival

Liz Rosenthal, Founder, Earthly Delights Films
Tomas Prasek, Co-Founder & Co-Director, Datakal
Heather Croall, Festival Director, Sheffield Doc/Fest
Fred Kramer, President & GM, Withoutabox

11:00 am General Panel Session: Funding Your Film Festival: Sponsorships, Government Funds, In Kind/Barter, Submission Fees, Distribution Deals & What Else?

The most important issue facing the film festivals today is “How Do I Fund My Film Festival?” In this session we will address different ways that leading festivals fund themselves and talk abou (...)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:00 am Registration Begins and Networking Breakfast

9:00 am Opening Remarks by Conference Chair

Fred Kramer President and General Manager Withoutabox

9:15 am European Cinema and the World - Status and Future

European film continues to grow and expand across the globe and festivals play a critical role in this process. This exciting session will delve into the current state of Europena cinema and where it's headed.

Moderator: David Pope, CEO, New Producers Alliance
Grainne Humphreys, Festival Director, Dublin International Film Festival
Thom Palmen, Artistic Director, Umea International Film Festival

10:15 am Keynote Presentation

11:00 am General Panel Session:

Funding Your Film Festival: Sponsorships, Government Funds, In Kind/Barter, Submission Fees, Distribution Deals & What Else?

The most important issue facing the film festivals today is “How Do I Fund My Film Festival?” In this session we will address different ways that leading festivals fund themselves and talk about some unique ways you can continue to grow the various sources of funding for your film festival.

Francesco di Cesare, Sponsorship Director, Venice Film Festival
Erich Schultz, Festival Director, London Independent Film Festival
Melanie Crawley, Marketing and Business Director, Sheffield Doc/Fest
Sarah Smyth, Festival Operations Manager, Dublin International Film Festival

12:00 pm Networking Luncheon

1:30 pm General Panel Session: European Programming

A dynamic and compelling program is the hallmark of a great film festival. Selecting the right films for your festival and programming considerations will vary depending on location, audience and other factors. Hear from this esteemed panel of festivals what critical factors they take into consideration when programming their festivals.

Simon Field, Artistic Director, International Programming, Dubai International Film Festival
Andrea Galante, Festival Director, Milano International Film Festival

2:30 pm Round Table Breakout Sessions

• Sponsorships
  
• Programming
  Allison Gardner, Co-Director, Glasgow Film Festival
  
• Executive Management
  Helen de Witt, Festival Producer, BFI Film Festivals
  
• Acquisition & Distribution
  
• Publicity & PR
  
• Digital Technology

3:30 pm Afternoon Tea and Networking Break

4:00 pm General Panel Session: Content, Technology and your Film Festival

As the film and television viewer experience evolves, so must the outlets that promote and deliver this content. New technologies are di (...)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 4 (2 votes)

The IFFS announced today that Gary Ellis has been named the Executive Director of the IFFS Europe. Ellis is the former Executive Manager of Film Festivals and Events for the Pacific Film and Television Commission in Australia, and held a dual role as the Executive Director of the Brisbane International Film Festival.

Ellis was incredibly successful in developing unique marketing and communication strategies that drastically improved the Brisbane Festival's sponsorship support and audience size. Ellis is looking forward to using his expertise to help establish a stronger IFFS presence in Europe.

"I am very pleased to be joining the team presenting IFFS Europe, which provides the ideal platform for festivals to share ideas and enhance their events," Ellis said. "In particular, I believe the Summit provides a critical and necessary forum to focus on the business aspects of presenting successful events. With sessions addressing the key areas of sponsorship, marketing, technology and management practice alongside programming the Summit is vitally important to the sustainability of the industry."

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

No votes yet

April 15-16, 2008 at The Cumberland Hotel London

The 2nd Annual IFFS Europe is the largest dedicated gathering of the European film festival community, which provides a platform for the community to explore ways to collaborate and promote the advancement of the film festival industry. This is the exclusive meeting place for industry professionals, vendors and those committed to the film festival and entertainment industry to dialogue with their peers, share insights and gain knowledge that will help grow film festivals and keep the industry thriving.

This year's IFFS Europe, taking place April 15-16, 2008, at The Cumberland Hotel in London, will have industry leaders discussing the latest trends in funding and sponsorship, programming, operations and management, publicity and public relations, acquisition and distribution, technology solutions, long-term planning and sustainable growth, and executive management.

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Excellence Award Nominations End November 1st

Don't miss the chance to nominate your colleagues and peers for the IFFS Excellence Awards. For the first time ever we will recognize festival professionals for their many contributions to independent film and the entertainment community.
More

Innovative Conference Curriculum

The 2007 conference agenda is packed with sessions and keynotes that will provide attendees with tools and knowledge that can be immediately implemented. This year's summit will present the latest trends and ideas on sponsorship & branding, technology solutions, operations & management, acquisition & distribution, publicity & PR, programming and much more.
More

Festival Professionals From Across the Industry

At this year's IFFS we have assembled some of the most accomplished film festival professionals. You will not only hear from some of the world's largest film festivals but local and regional festivals as well. Some of this year's participants inlcude: Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Institute, Seattle International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, AFI Fest, San Diego Film Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Mountainfilm in Telluride, Austin Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, and many more.
More

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

One of the main theme's at this year's IFFS the convergence of technology with film festivals, and several issues relating to this topic will be addressed in a morning session on Monday, Dec. 3rd. The film and entertainment industries realize the evolution of technology is seriously impacting how content is promoted and delivered. The 2007 IFFS will address digital content shedding light on this evolving landscape.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 20, 2007 -- The 4th Annual International Film Festival Summit (IFFS) (www.filmfestivalsummit.com) will take place Dec. 2-4, 2007, in Las Vegas, at the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort.

One of the main theme's at this year's IFFS the convergence of technology with film festivals, and several issues relating to this topic will be addressed in a morning session on Monday, Dec. 3rd. The film and entertainment industries realize the evolution of technology is seriously impacting how content is promoted and delivered.    

This particular panel session, entitled The Next Big Thing: Tying it all together - Content, Technology and Your Film Festival, will discuss how new technologies are impacting audiences, filmmakers, film festivals and the new opportunities now available to all of them. New technologies are disrupting the traditional distribution methods of film, so outlets must evolve, also, to comply with the greater consumer choices and control. Not to be forgotten in this are the film festivals, and with the continued growth of film festivals will come their role in the promotion of independent film and the education of the consumer about new services and ways of receiving this content.

The innovative panel is moderated by Scott Kirsner, the author and editor of CinemaTech. Kirsner's writing is well recognized, as his work on Innovation has appeared in publications such as the Boston Globe, The New York Times, Wired, Variety, Fast Company, The Hollywood Reporter, Salon.com, BusinessWeek and Newsweek.

"Technology is changing not just the way movies are made, but also the way that directors and film festivals build audiences for them. I'm looking forward to exploring those changes at the 2007 IFFS - and also talking about the way film festivals might extend their relationship with fans and filmmakers throughout the year," Kirsner said.

Panelists include Mike Gordon, the Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Limelight Networks; Chris Hyams, the CEO of B-Side Entertainment; and Graham Leggat, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society.

These industry experts are currently working on the changing landscape with other film festivals and content owners. And they should provide attendees with an incredible amount of valuable knowledge in the following areas: understanding innovative models for film distribution; how to use leading edge technology to get your audience and filmmakers more involved; and how various technologies can benefit your film festival.

"The rapidly changing media distribution landscape is creating exciting opportunities for filmmakers and film festival organizers to reach audiences and tell stories in innovative ways," said Mike Gordon, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Limelight Networks. "New technologies are making it possible for filmmakers and film festival organizers to connect directly with a new generation of Internet-savvy, media-passionate viewers and film enthusiasts."

Some of the in-depth case studies, presentations and perspectives will include Toronto International Film Festival Group, Variety, indieWIRE, Tallgrass Film Festival, CinemaTech, Limelight Networks, B-Side, San Francisco Film Society, ENTA USA, inticketing, Agile Ticketing Solutions, Withoutabox, Baseline Studio Systems, Film Threat, KeyRelevance.com, Cinekink, H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, San Diego Film F (...)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 5 (1 vote)

The Inaugural IFFS Excellence Awards will be presented at the December program and for the first time, will honor and pay tribute to the dedicated professionals and executives managing film festivals. Festivals continue to provide a vital intersection where the major stakeholders in the entertainment industry converge. For decades the tireless work of the film festival professional has made monumental impacts on the industry for individual filmmakers, buyers, sellers, and countless organizations involved in entertainment.

There are three categories each containing two awards.  The categories are for International, National and Regional film festivals, and the two awards presented in each category are the Director Award and Professional Award. A total of six awards will be presented in December.   

Nominations can be made online at the IFFS website (http://server1.streamsend.com/streamsend/clicktracker.php?cd=3947&ld=5&md=86&ud=d4ea476c94bb185d836d2c03b3d921f4&url=http://www.filmfestivalsummit.com) and must be completed in their entirety.  The deadline for entries is October 30th 2007.

2.)  Featured Presentation

Hot and Bothered: Censorship in Festival Programming

In the summer of 2006, the Ann Arbor Film Festival's programming was censored by the state government of Michigan for being too controversial for taxpayers' money.  Without watching the programming, state legislators deemed that films from the AAFF were "pornographic," and the festival's state funding was revoked by legislators.  In addition, the festival was asked to alter its programming in order to receive continued support from the state.  In response, the Ann Arbor Film Festival sued the government, and the festival is currently the plaintiff in a Federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan over First Amendment violations. 

Join AAFF executive director Christen McArdle to learn more about the First Amendment lawsuit that has taken the festival community by storm, and discuss how your festival can prevent and respond to similar issues in the future. 

Moderator: Chris Gore, President, Film Threat 

Christen McArdle, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Film Festival
                                               
3.) This year's agenda will be the most dynamic and informative to date! You'll interact with other industry professionals addressing sponsorship, programming,  working with the media, digital technology, executive management and much more.  

Speakers Include:

AFI Fest Presented by Audi
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Atlanta Film Festival 
Atlantic Film Festival
Ashland Independent Film Festival
Austin Film Festival
Bend Film Festival
B-Side      
Cinekink
CIT Group
Independent Film Festival of Boston
Indie Flix
Indiepix
Film Threat
Festival Media Corporation
H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival
Limelight Networks
Mountainfilm in Telluride
Nelson Madison Films
Nevada Film Office
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Persistent Entertainment
Film Threat
San Diego Film Festival
San Francisco Film Society
Seattle International Film Festival
Slamdance Media Group
SXSW
Tallgrass Film Festival   
Toronto International Film Festival
Withoutabox
and many more.......

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

No votes yet

This panel examines how film festivals around the world have used digital technology to make their events stand out, both on-screen and off-screen. Some of the most cutting edge festival organizers and technology solutions providers from Europe, Asia and the Americas will share their experiences and give examples of technical innovation for every budget. From super high definition on the largest screen to creating a festival on your cell phone, this will be a master class for anyone keen to understand and learn more.

Moderator: Bruno Chatelin, Chief Operating Officer, Filmfestivals.com

Patrick von Sychowski, former Director of Digital Business Development, Deluxe Digital Cinema, Owner Electronovision Consulting.

Gavin Conran, Product Manager, Arts Alliance Media

Howard Webster, Editor in Chief, Factory: The Film Industry Magazine  

Festival use of Innovative Digital Technology to better serve…
The film community
receiving international/local submissions: think long term and wider
eventful/qualitative/quantitative screen presentation 3D...
offer films a life outside & after the festival: festival follow up with newsletter alerts, website alive after the event, travelling festival selection
offer them distribution options and e commerce revenue with a festival label DVD fest label VOD “window” for experimental sections, shorts, fest winners, online shopping…
The emerging film talents
Focus on shorts, film schools, online competition
The festival sponsors maximise value for sponsor dollar invested: increase awareness, syndicate with blogs, give them new innovative placements (screensavers, cell phones…)
The audienceinform (promote online on key websites dedicated, trades, by interest ), simplify (program online), deliver on new media (PDA…) webcafé for professionals on the go
The press and the mediaonline press center - ftp image. Films and festival EPK
newsletter pdf and word
access larger media database and international contacts

Build a community linking all targets
User participation Festival goers, Filmmakers, City residents, sponsors audiences… sharing information, conversation, exchange of tips, opinions…
Online Dailies to better report the festival ambiance
Blogs video podcasting
Let Internet do the work on spreading the good news to all new media pda, cell phones
Better search engines and crawlers visibility - Syndicate with RSS

Online side Film Festival EventsIncrease online presence with Online competition
Attract younger crowds
Develop new sponsorship options
Create online Festival content, empower new breed of filmmakers
Demonstrate new technologies in a fun environment (mobile festivals, made for mobile fests, one minute fest…)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Funding is unequivocally the most important issue that festivals and management must deal with. How to effectively target, contact, pitch, and retain sponsors and other forms of funding can be a difficult challenge to overcome for even the most seasoned professional. 

Moderator: Bruno Chatelin, Chief Operating Officer, Filmfestivals.com
Francesco di Cesare, Marketing Manager, Venice Film Festival
Andrea Galante, Director, Milano International Film Festival

 

 What do sponsors want most: ROI…  be sure to ask them and understand
International sponsors with a festival circuit strategy: track these from other festivals
Local sponsors:  maximum brand visibility, sector exclusivity,  product placement, tickets, excitement for the clients, retailers, sales force

Do

- Create privileges,  added service / value for your audience (pro or general) that can be sponsored and look for service providers that will sponsor
- Offer a large variety of partnerships/sponsorships / categories (official media partner, supplier, sponsor of…)
- Create an Industry lounge, business services create and sponsors that can deliver  (example buyers lounge, web café…
- Offer panels for sponsorship
- Be inspired by festival sponsoring documents from your competition a solid document PowerPoint PDF with rates… sponsoring levels
- Trust sponsorship scouting agencies, ad agencies and pay them to do the job (incentive is not enough)
- Brainstorm with your current  sponsors around their promo, your promo: Share with them on advance news and strategy

- Use sponsors to maximize festival awareness from sponsors (POS material, media campaigns) Quick/spiderman
- Create contests around the festival participation  and get affiliated media  to relay it
- Offer them something to remember and that lasts longer than your festival week : share with sponsors  newsletter your website or fest21 blog so that the sponsor website vibrates and buzzes while fest is in action
- Create a sponsor club: create synergies, work on win win situations between your sponsors and yourself
- Be fair & transparent  if you want to keep them fair to sponsors, filmmakers, audience….
- Do not create situations  where professionals feel excluded,
- Be cautious about populating your room with the wrong crowd for the films
- Be organized yet  flexible some privileges can mean a lot to the sponsors

 

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5

Average: 3 (1 vote)

 Blogs, Podcasts, and More Technology Possibilities to Expand your Audience

The internet is no longer just about having a website: community interaction, marketing buzz, video downloads, and user generated content are just a few of the tools available to festivals. These technologies have the ability to enhance your audiences experience, increase attendance, and deliver more value to sponsors. Hear from the individuals behind MySpace, bebo, fest21 and other platforms. They will share their experiences with festival blogs, the London Festival experience of daily podcasting, the Stockholm Online Festival, and VOD offers for films from the festival. 

Moderator:

Bruno Chatelin, Chief Operating Officer, Filmfestivals.com

Speakers:
Gary Ellis, Executive Director, Brisbane International Film Festival  
Git Sheynius, Festival Director, Stockholm International Film Festival

The Power of the internet ?:

It is massive, yet individual (chirurgical precision targetting), world and local, fast and exponential growth, takes tims to build franchise and instants only to loose it, it is viral, educational, informative and entertaining, its tomorrow’s TV

Do
- get a website up AND a blog (blogs in fact)

- Use the website as your press kit (allowing journalists to copy - paste)
- follow through, after the event wrapped
- think open, use affiliation, rss, newsfeed rather than proprietary
- think video, pictures galleries your audiences love it