SHANGHAI -- Eight fledgling Chinese filmmakers got a crash course in the pitch from top American film educators this week before testing their new sales skills in meetings with potential investors from around the world.
The three-day China Film Pitch & Catch at the 10th annual Shanghai International Film Festival comes as the country's historically state-controlled film industry is enjoying an influx of private investors eager to reap returns from the world's largest potential movie market.
The brainchild of Cindy Lin of Beijing Infotainment, Pitch & Catch brings to Shanghai the husband and wife team of Elizabeth Daley, dean of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and former American Film Institute co-director James Hindman.
"Second films are always harder to sell than the first," Hindman said over coffee Monday, expounding on the combination of luck and circumstance that can make or break new filmmakers. "The first time they might come in through the window, but with a second film, they have to walk in the door."
After learning the basics of the pitch Tuesday, members of the teams behind the eight participating works -- all with budgets under 12 million yuan ($1.5 million) and in various stages of completion and financing -- began testing their skills in front of would-be partners.
The three-day China Film Pitch & Catch at the 10th annual Shanghai International Film Festival comes as the country's historically state-controlled film industry is enjoying an influx of private investors eager to reap returns from the world's largest potential movie market.
The brainchild of Cindy Lin of Beijing Infotainment, Pitch & Catch brings to Shanghai the husband and wife team of Elizabeth Daley, dean of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and former American Film Institute co-director James Hindman.
"Second films are always harder to sell than the first," Hindman said over coffee Monday, expounding on the combination of luck and circumstance that can make or break new filmmakers. "The first time they might come in through the window, but with a second film, they have to walk in the door."
After learning the basics of the pitch Tuesday, members of the teams behind the eight participating works -- all with budgets under 12 million yuan ($1.5 million) and in various stages of completion and financing -- began testing their skills in front of would-be partners.
- 6/21/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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