In a lively and insightful conversation with the CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Piers Handling, filmmakers were given a wealth of knowledge on navigating the complex world of film festivals. As someone who rose from being a programmer to leading one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, Piers shared his journey and offered practical advice for filmmakers eager to make their mark.
The Journey to the Top
Piers Handling didn’t start as the CEO of TIFF. His journey began with a passion for film, particularly Canadian cinema, and a willingness to immerse himself in the industry. Starting as a programmer, Piers used his expertise in Canadian cinema and his skills in writing and publishing to create opportunities within TIFF. His advice to filmmakers? Be entrepreneurial in your approach. Learn about distribution, marketing, and the psychology behind audience engagement. Don’t just focus on creating a film—understand the industry that will bring your film to the world.
Networking and Growth
Networking played a crucial role in Piers' career. He emphasizes that networking isn’t just about attending events; it’s about immersing yourself in the industry and forming genuine connections with like-minded individuals. Whether it's at film societies, festivals, or even unrelated events, meeting people from various fields can lead to fruitful collaborations down the line. Piers' experiences illustrate how these connections can evolve into lifelong professional relationships, helping you navigate and grow in the industry.
The Art of the Pitch
For filmmakers looking to pitch their projects, Piers offers valuable insights. Authenticity is key—know your art, understand who you’re pitching to, and tailor your message accordingly. Whether you’re pitching to a producer interested in the financials or an artistic director focused on the creative aspects, it’s important to be genuine and passionate about your project. Piers advises that if pitching isn’t your strength, it’s worthwhile to bring on a producer or representative who can effectively sell your vision.
The Festival Game
When it comes to getting your film into festivals, Piers breaks down the “festival game.” The key is strategy—understanding the right time to submit, ensuring your film is in its best possible state, and knowing which festivals align with your film’s strengths. Piers warns against rushing to submit an unfinished film. Instead, he advises filmmakers to wait until their film is truly ready, as festival programmers typically only give a film one chance. He also highlights the importance of selecting festivals that will best showcase your film, even if it means delaying your submission to hit the right timing.
Embracing Change and Innovation
Piers reflects on the current state of the film industry, noting that while technology has made filmmaking more accessible, it has also led to a more conservative approach to film form and style. He laments the decline in experimental cinema, which was once a vibrant part of the industry. However, he acknowledges that this is a cultural shift and encourages filmmakers to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to tell stories.
A Final Word on Challenges
As Piers prepares to step down as CEO, he reflects on the challenges ahead for the film industry. The landscape is changing rapidly, with traditional models being questioned and new forms of distribution emerging. For filmmakers and industry professionals alike, the challenge will be to adapt to these changes while continuing to create and promote meaningful, impactful cinema.
Piers Handling’s insights offer a treasure trove of advice for filmmakers at all stages of their careers. From the importance of networking to the art of the pitch, and the strategy behind festival submissions, his experience and wisdom provide a roadmap for navigating the ever-evolving world of film festivals.
Watch the entire conversation here via indiefilmTO:
About PAIFF: The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best in independent filmmaking from around the world. Now in its second season, PAIFF continues to celebrate the art of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
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