3-Day Professional Seminar | Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi | 19-21 May | Free Registration | Limited Seats
YOUR FILM, THE WORLD'S MARKET
A Complete Guide to International Film Sales
For Filmmakers, Producers, Film Students & More...
About the Trainer
Nicolas Rebeschini
Senior Film Expert
Nicolas Rebeschini began his career on film sets, working as assistant director on French and international productions. In 2017, he joined Charades as Head of Festivals and Markets, contributing to the company’s rise as a major force in independent cinema, with a library of over a hundred films, including many selected in A festivals.
He later expanded his expertise to the institutional world, joining public bodies such as ECPAD (French military archives) and Institut Français, where he leveraged his industry network to support film acquisitions and rights negotiations.
With deep operational experience across both the private and public sectors, Nicolas brings sharp negotiation skills, analytical rigour, and a proven ability to deliver projects from conception to implementation in international contexts.
DAY 1 –19 May — The Big Picture
Morning Session - 9AM – 12PM
How the International Film Market Works
Setting The Stage: The Global Ecosystem
- Overview of The International Film Industry: Key Territories, Trends & Money Flows.
- The Main Players: Studios, Independent Producers, Distributors, Sales Agents, Buyers, Festivals.
- How Films Travel: From a Local Production to a Global Release.
- Understanding Rights: Territorial, Platform, Windowing.
🎤 Open Q&A — 20 Min: What do you know about the international market? What surprises you?
Afternoon Session - 1PM – 4PM
The International Sales Agent: Who Are They, Really?
The Central Figure of This Seminar — Decoded
- Mission, Day-To-Day Role and Strategic Vision of a Sales Agent.
- How a Sales Agent Thinks About a Project — Before The First Frame is Shot.
- The Triangle: Sales Agent / Director / Producer — a Strategic Alliance.
- What Makes a Sales Agent Say YES To a Film.
- Real-World Case Studies From The International Market.
💬 Group Discussion — 30 Min: What Do You Expect From a Sales Agent? What Worries You About Working With One?
DAY 2 – 20 May — The Seller's Eye at Every Stage
Morning Session - 9AM - 12PM
From Script to Edit: The Seller's Perspective
How sales considerations shape creative decisions
At Script Stage
- What a Sales Agent Looks For When Reading a Screenplay.
- High-concept vs. auteur films: different markets, different strategies
- Red flags: what makes a project hard to sell internationally
- The co-production angle: how partnerships can open new markets
In Production
- Casting decisions that impact international appeal
- Language choices and their effect on distribution
- Location, budget level and production value: the sales agent’s read
- Early communication with your sales agent: when and how
In the Edit Room
- Running time: what different markets expect
- Pacing and international audiences
- Creating international versions (subtitles, dubbing, M&E tracks)
🎬 Workshop — 45 Min: Analyze a real script through the eyes of a sales agent. Small groups present their findings.
Afternoon Session - 1PM– 5PM
Guest speakers
1PM - 3PM
Speaker from Malta
3PM - 4PM
Speaker from Grand Stores
DAY 3 – 21 May — Who To Call & What to Do Next
Morning Session - 9AM - 12PM
From Post-Production to the Sale
The practical mechanics of getting your film to market
Deliverables & Marketing Materials
- Technical deliverables: what buyers require (DCP, ProRes, subtitles, M&E…)
- Marketing essentials: trailer, key art, synopsis (short / long), director’s note, stills
- EPK (Electronic Press Kit): what goes in and why it matters
Markets & Festivals
- The key international marketplaces: Cannes (Marché du Film), AFM, Berlin EFM, TIFF Hong Kong…
- How to prepare for a market: meetings, screenings, strategy
- Festival strategy: how it feeds sales
The Sales Process
- The key international marketplaces: Cannes (Marché du Film), AFM, Berlin EFM, TIFF Hong Kong…
- How to prepare for a market: meetings, screenings, strategy
- Pricing strategy and negotiation fundamentals
- Contracts: key clauses every filmmaker should understand
❓ Deep-Dive Q&A — 30 Min: Open floor on deals, markets, contracts and strategy
Afternoon Session - 1PM - 4PM
Panorama of International Sales Companies
Know the landscape before you knock on a door
Major Sales Companies — Overview
- Wild Bunch International — Cannes-based, strong arthouse & genre slate
- Memento International — Premium European independent cinema
- Charades — Emerging talents, festival-driven, dynamic positioning
- Protagonist Pictures (London) — International arthouse & genre specialists
- mk2 Films — Prestige auteur cinema, strong festival profile
- HanWay Films (London) — Talent-led, UK-based, global reach
- Sierra/Affinity (Los Angeles) — US-based, English-language & international
- TrustNordisk — Nordic focus, strong genre slate
- Film Constellation — Genre-forward, emerging market savvy
How to Choose the Right Sales Agent for Your Project
- Match your film’s genre, tone and budget to the right company profile
- Consider the agent’s existing catalogue and relationships
- Think about your target territory: who has strong coverage there?
- Approaching a sales agent: timing, materials needed, the right contact
- Classic mistakes to avoid when reaching out
🎯 Final Interactive Session — 45 Min: Willing participants briefly pitches their project (2 Min) Guided Discussion: Which type of sales agent fits best, and Why?
Closing — Resources & Next Steps
- Key reading: trade press (Screen International, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter)
- Useful databases: Cinando, IMDbPro, Unifrance
- Recommended festivals and markets to attend as a first step
- Stay in touch: how to follow up after a market or festival
