For the third edition of their cycle of panels “Everything you always wanted to know about distribution but were afraid to ask”, Europa Distribution and Rome’s MIA – International Audiovisual Market will shed light on the essential role of local film distributors as financers of creation through pre-sales and co-productions. The panel will take place on 22 October from 3 to 5pm, at Hotel Boscola Exedra (Sala Michelangelo).

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As film distributors are well-known for their roles of curators and promoters at national level, they are also investors playing a key role in the audiovisual ecosystem: presales to distributors, as well as their possible input as co-producers, often represent an important part in a production budget, and is often the guarantee for a film to be made.

Furthermore, to develop activities in other sectors (production, international sales, exhibition, VOD platform...) is more and more frequent amongst independent distributors, who need to diverse their activities in order to stay viable in an ever riskier market.

What are the risks and advantages in investing in a film at early stage? Why some companies choose to be active in both production and distribution? How could the reforms brought by the European Commission affect the audiovisual value chain and the ability of its players to finance and promote independent films? These questions, and more, will be explored by president of Lucky Red Andrea Occhipinti, Element Pictures director Ed Guiney, VP of acquisitions at Magnolia Pictures John Von Thaden, managing director of The Match Factory Michael Weber, and executive director of Eurimages Roberto Olla. Moderation will be assured by Wendy Mitchell (British Council, Screen International).