On Campus News

Sydney Film School Distribution Manager Nicolas Szmidt takes a slate of short films to market at one of the world's top short film festivals, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival & Market, in central France.

A key event in the world of short film, the Short Film Market in Clermont-Ferrand takes place in early February each year during the Clermont-Ferrand Festival and is recognised as the world's biggest market of short films. It is a sacrosanct marketplace where you can pick up films you won't find anywhere else, a selection covering all genres of short film production. Delegates from all branches of short film production worldwide and major broadcasters (including Canal +, Arte, SBS, etc.) visit the festival with the aim of acquiring rights for short films.

The exhibition space at the Short Film Market in Clermont-Ferrand offers 1000m² of stands where international promotion associations, short film agencies, production and distribution companies and networks, associations and technical industries highlight their activities, present their catalogues, make contacts, and prepare their next productions.

Sydney Film School Distribution Manager, Nicolas Szmidt, will visit the festival on behalf of Sydney Film School. As Distribution Manager, Nicolas develops and manages distribution strategies for a slate of films, enters films into festivals, negotiates rights management, sales with international and local broadcasters, and contractual agreements for film screenings.

Since its inception 8 years ago, 100 Sydney Film School films have screened in 140 prestigious film festivals locally and abroad winning 40 first prizes. In addition, films have been broadcast in major territories and have been released on DVD in Australia and USA.

Nicolas has visited the Clermont-Ferrand Market last year with a slate of 6 films. The visit resulted in festival selections and broadcasting agreements including the purchase of the short comedy 'Clean up on Aisle 9' by the German TV broadcaster Einfestival and by the Russian TV broadcaster Egoist TV.

"Last year 3,000 industry delegates from 34 exhibiting countries attended the festival and this year should be even bigger and more exciting as more countries join in and big powers such as China expand their presence," said Nicolas. "The market is an opportunity to build awareness for Australian film schools internationally while showcasing the emerging talent of the Australian screen industry."

The 10 films have been chosen based on production values, genre, running time and awards. "We've selected films based on market research showing that broadcasters are looking for short films under 10 minutes, generally animation or comedy. Award winning films are also popular as broadcasters are assured of the film's audience and quality."

Resources: www.sydneyfilmschool.com; clermont-filmfest.com

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