Berlin's European Film Market will be an all-virtual affair this year.
Many expect the all-virtual Berlin market will be the real test of the health of the indie biz. The virtual Cannes and American Film Markets last year were abuzz with optimism and big pre-sale deals as buyers bet on a quick end to lockdown and a return to business as usual. Add to that the financial commitment — several million in the case of the bigger international independents — for pre-sold films set to shoot last year that, due to COVID, have been put on ice."It all means buyers are only looking for certainty," says Garrett."If it's a pre-sale package, they are much more wary: they want to know exactly when it's shooting, when they can take delivery, and when they'll be able to release it in cinemas.