Film Market Screening
Private exhibition of films for industry buyers, distributors, and sales agents during film markets and festivals.
Definition
Exclusive screenings organized for industry professionals including distributors, sales agents, exhibitors, and media representatives to evaluate films for potential acquisition, distribution, or coverage opportunities. These screenings are typically invitation-only and focus on business rather than public exhibition.
Market screenings serve as the primary venue for introducing new films to potential buyers and distributors, facilitating the sales process by allowing industry professionals to evaluate content quality and commercial potential in professional screening environments.
Why It Matters
Market screenings are essential for film sales and distribution acquisition, providing the primary opportunity for potential buyers to evaluate content quality and commercial viability before making acquisition or distribution commitments.
Successful market screenings can generate competitive bidding among distributors and substantially impact final acquisition terms, making screening strategy and execution crucial for maximizing film value and distribution opportunities.
Examples in Practice
Cannes Film Market screenings introduce new films to international distributors and sales agents, often resulting in worldwide distribution deals negotiated during the festival period.
American Film Market screenings in Santa Monica provide opportunities for independent films to secure domestic and international distribution deals outside the festival circuit.
Toronto International Film Festival industry screenings often serve as launching pads for awards season campaigns, with distributors evaluating films for both commercial potential and awards prospects.