When one thinks about the European independent film sector, the first idea that comes to mind is probably cultural diversity: a vast variety of films, players of all sizes, a whole host of channels (from cinemas to VoD), and of course very diverse markets.

Then online, the market is not yet evenly developed and online and on-demand releasing have so far not often offered the same reliable, transparent and sustainable revenues as cinemas or DVDs in the past. In less developed markets, independent VOD services are not always firmly established, and audience consumption patterns are not evenly developed and viable.

If independent film publishers & distributors in all countries keep seeking ways to make their films available on as many channels as possible, recognising the potential to increase audience engagement, it doesn’t seem that the VOD market can always nurture cultural diversity nor generate substantial economic values. More insight into the opportunities and challenges is needed, taking into account the variety of situations, depending on territories.

The panel will zone in on various European situations, with help from studies on film availability conducted over the last year by Research Fellow Roderik Smits from University Carlos III of Madrid. His work has focussed on several markets – Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Norway and Romania, developing a better understanding of the state of play of online distribution and offering a valuable picture of film availability and VOD development.

To open the discussion even further, the session will hear from four other markets: Italy, Belgium, Czech Republic and Estonia. Together the speakers will deepen the information already gathered and look at the various opportunities and challenges encountered on their respective markets, analyse the different situations and how they are evolving, always with the scope of bringing independent films online, and generate revenues.

Join us for a dive in a very interesting zone!