The panellists also agreed that a changing of the guard is needed among key decision makers at financiers, festivals, distributors right through to reviewers to ensure that new, diverse filmmaking voices are championed. The theme of this year’s StepIN is “The Ground Is Shaking,” with debate centring on topics such as A.I.
, challenges in independent production and financing, the traditional theatrical model and gender equality and diversity representation. HanWay Films head of production Katie Ellen said budgets have not risen at the same pace as inflation and that, as a result, the “luxury to make films that are mediocre” does not really exist any more. “The bullseye for success has become smaller.
” Ellen said one way through is with the help of experienced, creative producers who can find solutions to help finance projects. AI could also help to offset time-consuming administrative tasks, allowing producers to be more creative. Producer Ada Solomon of Romania’s Microfilm said that working with debut filmmakers can be an advantage as budgets are smaller for first films.
“If you break through, you can make money...
if you fail, you lose less.” However, the panel also noted that financiers are very cautious about backing new filmmakers. WME Independent co-head Alex Walton stressed the positive, saying that the indie film sector remains “a business of taking risks – it is all about original stories.
There is a healthy appetite around the world for risk tak.