Table of Contents
- What Is the EFM?
- Navigating the Market
- Plan Ahead
- Be Ready for the Cold
- Network and Follow Up
- Action Steps to Succeed at the EFM
- Glossary
- Popular Questions
What Is the EFM?
The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the largest film markets in the world, held in Berlin as part of the Berlin International Film Festival.
It’s where filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals meet to make deals, network, and showcase projects.
It’s a fast-paced environment where preparation is key to success.
Navigating the Market
The EFM revolves around two primary venues: the Gropius Bau and the Marriott.
The Gropius Bau is the trade show hub, featuring rows of booths where companies showcase their projects and services.
The Marriott, on the other hand, operates more like private offices, with meetings held in individual rooms.
Knowing the difference between these venues can help you plan your strategy.
The Gropius Bau is ideal for spontaneous networking and exploring companies, while the Marriott is better for pre-arranged meetings with decision-makers.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is the foundation of a successful EFM experience. Start by using tools like Cinando to research companies attending the market.
Identify those that specialize in your genre and make a target list of potential partners.
Once you have your list, reach out early—ideally about a month before the event—with personalized emails introducing your project and requesting a meeting.
A well-prepared filmmaker is also ready to deliver a concise, two-minute pitch.
Practice until you can confidently summarize your story, genre, and project’s potential in a way that grabs attention.
Have answers ready for questions about your budget, talent, and production plans.
Be Ready for the Cold
Berlin in February is no joke—it’s cold, snowy, and windy.
Dress warmly with layers, a heavy coat, gloves, a scarf, and waterproof boots.
The venues aren’t always close to each other, so be prepared to walk between locations in freezing weather.
Dressing right will keep you focused on your meetings instead of the cold.
Network and Follow Up
Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of attending the EFM.
With your market badge, you’ll have access to the opening night party and other industry events.
Use these opportunities to meet producers, distributors, and other filmmakers.
When networking, focus on making genuine connections.
Bring plenty of business cards (yes, people still use them) and have a quick, friendly introduction ready.
After the event, follow up with the people you met. A simple email referencing your conversation and including any relevant materials can go a long way in building lasting relationships.
Popular Questions
Preparing for the European Film Market (EFM) can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. To help you navigate this major industry event, we’ve answered some of the most common questions filmmakers ask.
From planning your pitch to networking tips, these FAQs will ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time at the EFM.
What is the European Film Market (EFM)?
The European Film Market (EFM) is a major event for filmmakers, producers, and distributors to network, pitch projects, and secure deals. It’s held in Berlin alongside the Berlin International Film Festival.
How do I prepare for the EFM?
Start by researching companies on Cinando, create a target list, and reach out to schedule meetings. Practice a concise two-minute pitch and prepare professional materials like a business plan and business cards.
What should I wear to the EFM?
Dress warmly for Berlin’s winter weather with layers, boots, and a reliable coat. For meetings, business-casual attire is recommended to make a professional impression.
How do I network effectively at the EFM?
Attend parties and events with your market badge, introduce yourself confidently, exchange business cards, and take notes about each contact to personalize follow-ups.
Why is follow-up important after the EFM?
Following up keeps the conversation going and builds relationships. Send personalized emails to thank contacts, reference your conversation, and share any relevant materials.
What’s the difference between the Gropius Bau and the Marriott at the EFM?
The Gropius Bau is a trade-show-style venue with booths for networking, while the Marriott features private hotel rooms for pre-scheduled meetings.
What tools can I use to prepare for the EFM?
Cinando is a great tool for researching companies and finding contacts. Use it to create a targeted list of potential partners and plan your meetings.
Glossary
The European Film Market (EFM) has its own set of terms and jargon that can feel confusing if you’re new to the industry.
To help you navigate like a pro, we’ve put together a glossary of key terms you’ll hear at the market.
Understanding these will ensure you’re ready to engage confidently and make the most of your experience.
- EFM: The European Film Market, a big event where filmmakers, producers, and distributors connect and make deals.
- Gropius Bau: One of the main EFM venues, set up like a trade show with booths where companies showcase their projects.
- Marriott: Another key EFM venue, where private meetings happen in hotel rooms.
- Cinando: A website that helps you research film companies and contacts before the market.
- Networking: Meeting people in the film industry to build connections that can help your career.
- Follow-Up: Reaching out to people after the event to keep the relationship going.
- Berlinale: The Berlin International Film Festival, a big film event that happens at the same time as the EFM.
- Market Badge: The pass that gets you into EFM venues, events, and parties.
- Sales Agent: Someone who helps sell your film to distributors and buyers.
- Distributor: A company that gets your movie into theaters, streaming platforms, or stores.
- Trade Show: A setup where companies have booths to show off their services or film catalogs.
- Pitch Deck: A simple visual presentation that explains your movie idea, cast, budget, and why it will work.
- Two-Minute Pitch: A short explanation of your movie idea that grabs attention quickly.
- Private Meetings: Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with companies or buyers, usually held at the Marriott.
- Pre-Sales: Selling the rights to your movie before it’s even made to help fund production.
- Co-Production: When two companies or countries team up to make a movie and share the costs.
Action Steps to Succeed at the EFM
Attending the European Film Market (EFM) is a huge opportunity, but success requires more than just showing up.
To stand out, you need a clear plan, the right tools, and a focused approach.
These action steps will guide you through everything from preparation to follow-up, helping you make real connections and attract deals for your project.
- Research and Target: Use Cinando to identify relevant companies and prioritize them based on your project.
- Schedule Meetings Early: Reach out about a month before the market with personalized emails to set up appointments.
- Perfect Your Pitch: Practice delivering a clear, engaging pitch in under two minutes, and be ready to answer questions.
- Prepare Materials: Have a professional business plan, digital materials, and business cards ready to share.
- Dress for the Weather: Pack warm layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable while walking between venues.
- Network Effectively: Use your badge to attend events, meet key players, and exchange contact information.
- Follow Up: After the event, send personalized emails to your new connections to keep the conversation going.
Ready to Take Your Film to the Next Level?
Creating a winning pitch and preparing professional materials are essential for success at events like the EFM. That’s why we’ve created Movie Plan Pro—a step-by-step business plan template designed specifically for filmmakers.
With Movie Plan Pro, you’ll get:
- A plug-and-play template to create a professional business plan.
- A structure designed to impress investors and distributors.
- Tools to organize your budget, marketing strategy, and project details.
Click here to get started with Movie Plan Pro and make your next film project a success!
