18/10/2006

"A solid foundation was laid. There was a lot of interest from operators, even if it is difficult to close deals in just three days. We at Cattleya have had a good experience" is what Riccardo Tozzi, one of Italy’s most active producers, had to say to CinecittàNews on the first edition of Business Street, which could become the new Italian film market.

"The occasion in an important one for giving visibility [to films] and starting discussions that will carry over into the next film market. We at Cattleya had good results, with a lot of international viewers at the screenings of our films by [Gianni] Amelio and [Paolo] Virzì", continued Tozzi.

“Some of my foreign colleagues found that most of the films they saw were not very satisfying. But the locations and organisation of Business Street were perfect", said Valerio De Paolis (BIM Distribution). “The market needs to last longer and increase the number of screenings. For next year, I’d change the dates because the RomeFilmFest is too close to the Venice Film Festival and the American Film Market. I suggest changing them to December 5-15”, he added.

For Alessandro Usai of Mikado, "Business Street worked, much of the feedback was positive, especially from foreigners. There is the potential in Rome to create a true market although, certainly, some things could be changed, like the [market’s] duration. However, Business Street is a fundamental tool for film promotion. One on the hand, there is the festival with its media visibility, on the other, deals are made".

(Translated from Italian)