It's that exhilarating time of year when the curtains have closed on the most prestigious market and festival of the year, and we are left to rest and recover from the marathon that is the Marché du Film, and take stock of all of the new business, relationships and films to come out of a successful trip to Cannes.
As we set our sights on the year to come, it's essential to arm ourselves with valuable insights that will guide us through the maze of markets, festivals, and events. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to dive into a year filled with opportunities, discoveries, and endless cinematic wonders. Here are six key trends and strategies to take away from Marché du Film 2023.
- Rise of Documentaries and Non-fiction Content: The success of documentaries like "The YouTube Effect" and "High & Low – John Galliano" suggests a rising interest in non-fiction content. This trend is likely driven by audience desire for authentic, insightful narratives, particularly in an age where social issues and real-life stories are gaining prominence. We may see more distributors investing in and promoting documentary features in the coming year.
- Streamers Continue to Grow, But More Selectively: Platforms like MUBI and Drafthouse Films made significant acquisitions at the market. This trend will likely continue as streaming remains a key mode of content consumption. However, given the economic challenges and the need for platforms to drive revenue, there might be a shift towards more selective acquisitions, focusing on titles that promise strong audience engagement and potential for long-term value.
- Diverse Genres to Cater to Varying Tastes: The range of films sold at the market, from thrillers to comedies to animated features, suggests that there is an audience for diverse types of content. Distributors might focus on building eclectic portfolios that cater to varied tastes, ensuring they can reach a wide array of demographics.
- Increased Focus on International Markets: MUBI's acquisition of rights for multiple international markets signifies a recognition of the global appeal of quality content. Distributors might focus more on securing rights for multiple territories to capitalize on this trend, leading to increased cross-cultural exchange in cinema.
- Reimagining Classic Literature and Sequels: The acquisition of "Across the River and into the Trees" and "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" suggests that reimaginings of classic literature and sequels to successful movies are still in demand. Given their relatively assured audience base, distributors may lean towards investing in such projects, particularly when financial risks need to be mitigated during uncertain economic times.
- Leveraging Data Analytics for Acquisition Decisions: Data analytics is an increasingly important tool in understanding audience behavior and preferences. Distributors that use insights from data to drive their acquisition decisions, identify trends in genre, themes, and narratives that are likely to resonate with audiences, are able to make strategic decisions that decrease their risk and increase their revenue. If you're interested in learning how teams are using the MOLTEN CLOUD for strategic acquisition and distribution, don't hesitate to reach out to learn more.
The grand finale of the most prestigious market and festival of the year, the Marché du Film, has left us exhilarated and inspired as we embark on the journey that lies ahead. As we bid adieu to Cannes and set our sights on the exciting opportunities awaiting us, rest assured that we're here to be your trusted companion in navigating the ever-evolving ecosystem of modern media.
At MOLTEN, we understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest insight trends and strategies that drive success in the dynamic world of film and media. We're committed to keeping you informed and empowered throughout your journey, whether you're a distributor, filmmaker, streaming platform, or industry professional.
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So, as you embark on your journey post-Marché du Film, rest assured that MOLTEN is here to help you navigate the intricacies of the modern media landscape. Together, we'll explore the evolving trends, uncover new strategies, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
Stay connected with us, and let's conquer the challenges, seize the opportunities, and shape the future of film and media, one step at a time.
