- How to Win at the European Film Market (EFM)
- Master Your Two-Minute Pitch
- Build Your Network
- Prepare a Professional Business Plan
- Set Up Meetings Before the Event
- Follow Up Like a Pro
- Questions About the European Film Market?
- Key Film Market Terms You Should Know
- 5 Action Steps to Succeed at the European Film Market (EFM)
- Take Your Film Pitch to the Next Level
Key Takeaways
- Master your two-minute pitch.
- Build your network with intention.
- Prepare a professional business plan.
- Set up meetings before the event.
- Follow up like a pro after the market.
How to Win at the European Film Market (EFM)
The European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin is one of the biggest film markets for filmmakers worldwide.
It happens alongside the Berlinale, one of the largest film festivals in the world.
If you're serious about your filmmaking career, attending EFM could be a game-changer.
But just showing up isn’t enough.
You need a strategy.
Here are five key strategies to make sure you come out of the market as a winner.
1. Master Your Two-Minute Pitch
Your pitch matters more than you think.
You need to be able to sell your film idea in two minutes or less. This is because people at EFM are busy, and no one has time for a 20-minute ramble.
Practice your pitch. Time yourself using your phone's stopwatch. Make sure you can deliver it in two minutes flat.
If they ask questions, that means they’re interested.
That’s your chance to share more details like your shooting location, tax incentives, or key talent.
2. Build Your Network
Film markets are all about networking.
Unlike film festivals, where many attendees are just movie fans, film markets focus on business. You’re there to meet producers, distributors, and decision-makers.
Bring business cards. Get QR codes. Use whatever tools help you exchange contact information.
The goal is to build a strong network for future projects.
3. Prepare a Professional Business Plan
If you’re pitching a film, you need a solid business plan. Start with professional artwork on the cover.
Skip the AI-generated designs. They often look off, and people can tell.
Instead, hire a designer who can make your project look professional.
Your business plan needs to impress the moment someone picks it up.
You don’t want them thinking it looks amateur.
4. Set Up Meetings Before the Event
Don’t wait until you arrive to start setting meetings. Reach out about a month before EFM begins.
Send emails. Follow up if you don’t hear back.
Even if someone doesn’t respond, you can mention your message when you see them in person.
This warms up the conversation and helps them remember you.
5. Follow Up Like a Pro
This might be the most important strategy of all. Even a quick chat at a party can lead to big opportunities.
If you get a business card or exchange contacts, follow up.
A simple message saying, “It was great meeting you, let’s connect,” goes a long way.
Much of my success has come from solid follow-ups.
Even if I’m not sure what we can collaborate on yet, I reach out.
Sometimes I just want to explore potential synergy. Other times, I know exactly what I want from that contact.
Questions About The European Film Market?
If you're planning to attend the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, you probably have a lot of questions about how to prepare, network, and make the most of the event.
Here are some of most common questions filmmakers ask about EFM, from crafting a winning pitch to following up after the market.
Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned filmmaker, these insights will help you navigate EFM with confidence and maximize your opportunities.
What is the European Film Market (EFM)?
The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the biggest film markets in the world for filmmakers and industry professionals. It takes place in Berlin, Germany, alongside the Berlinale Film Festival.
Why should filmmakers attend the European Film Market?
Filmmakers should attend EFM to network with producers, distributors, and industry decision-makers. It's a key place to pitch films, make deals, and build valuable connections in the global film industry.
How do I prepare a pitch for the European Film Market?
Prepare a two-minute pitch that clearly explains your film idea. Time yourself using your phone's stopwatch to make sure it stays under two minutes. If people ask questions, you can share more details later.
What should I include in a film business plan for EFM?
A strong business plan should include professional artwork on the cover, a clear summary of your film, a budget breakdown, revenue projections, and information about your team and talent. Make sure it looks professional and polished.
How do I build my network at the European Film Market?
Focus on meeting industry professionals who can help with your projects. Bring business cards, use QR codes, and exchange contact information. The goal is to stay connected for future collaborations.
When should I start setting up meetings for EFM?
Start reaching out about a month before the market begins. Send emails to potential contacts and try to schedule meetings in advance. Follow up if you don't get a response.
How important is following up after EFM?
Following up is critical. If you exchange contact info with someone, send a message afterward to keep the connection alive. Many successful collaborations happen because of strong follow-up.
What's the difference between a film market and a film festival?
A film market is focused on business and industry networking, where filmmakers pitch projects and make deals. A film festival is more for audiences and celebrating films, with many attendees being fans rather than industry professionals.
Can I pitch my film without a business plan?
You can, but it’s not recommended. A professional business plan helps you look serious and prepared. It can also answer questions investors and distributors will have about your project.
What are some common mistakes filmmakers make at EFM?
Common mistakes include pitching for too long, not preparing a business plan, failing to set up meetings in advance, and not following up after the market.
Should I use AI artwork for my film business plan?
No. AI-generated artwork often looks unprofessional and can hurt your pitch. Hire a designer to create high-quality, custom artwork for your business plan.
Is the European Film Market only for experienced filmmakers?
No. EFM is for both experienced and emerging filmmakers. However, you should be prepared with a solid pitch and professional materials to make the most of the event.
How can I make my film pitch stand out at EFM?
Keep your pitch short, clear, and professional. Focus on the heart of your story and why it matters. Be confident, practice in advance, and be ready to answer questions about your film’s details.
Key Film Market Terms You Should Know
If you're heading to the European Film Market (EFM) or any big film event, knowing the right terms can help you feel more prepared.
This glossary breaks down the words you’ll hear the most, so you can pitch, network, and follow up with confidence.
- Film Market: A place where filmmakers, producers, and distributors meet to pitch movies, make deals, and sell films.
- Film Festival: A public event where movies are shown to audiences and judges. Festivals focus more on screening movies, while markets focus on making business deals.
- Pitch: A short, clear talk about your movie idea. A good pitch is around two minutes and covers the story, genre, and why your movie stands out.
- Business Plan: A document that explains your movie project. It includes the budget, how you plan to make money, and why your project will work.
- Networking: Meeting people in the film industry who can help with your career. This includes swapping business cards, using QR codes, and staying in touch after the event.
- Distributor: A company or person that helps get your movie seen by audiences, either in theaters, on streaming platforms, or on DVD.
- Sales Agent: Someone who represents your movie and works to get it sold to distributors and buyers.
- Artwork: Visual designs for your movie, like posters or cover art. Great artwork can grab attention and make your project look professional.
- Follow-Up: Reaching out to people you met after the event. Following up the right way can lead to partnerships and deals.
- QR Code: A scannable code that helps share contact details or movie materials like trailers and pitch decks.
- EFM (European Film Market): A major film market held each year in Berlin, where filmmakers and industry pros gather to network and make deals.
- Berlinale: The Berlin International Film Festival, a huge event for showing films and networking, held at the same time as EFM.
- AI Artwork: Artwork made using artificial intelligence. While fast and easy, it often looks unfinished compared to custom designs made by a pro.
5 Action Steps to Succeed at the European Film Market (EFM)
If you're serious about making the most of the European Film Market (EFM), you need a solid plan. It's not enough to just show up — you need to pitch smart, network right, and leave a lasting impression.
These five action steps will help you:
- Master Your Two-Minute Pitch: Prepare a short, clear pitch that explains your film in under two minutes. Practice it out loud and time yourself with your phone. Keep it focused on your story, key selling points, and what makes your project unique. If they ask questions, that’s when you can share more details.
- Build a Strong Network: Film markets are all about building connections. Bring business cards or use QR codes to swap contact info easily. Talk to producers, sales agents, and distributors. Remember, everyone is there for business, so make those conversations count.
- Prepare a Professional Business Plan: Create a business plan that looks professional. Start with strong, custom artwork (skip the AI art) to make a great first impression. Your plan should cover the budget, revenue potential, and other key details about your project.
- Set Up Meetings Before the Event: Don’t wait until you arrive to start networking. Reach out to people about a month before the event. Send emails, introduce yourself, and try to schedule meetings ahead of time. If they don’t reply, you can mention your email when you meet in person.
- Follow Up Like a Pro: After the market, follow up with everyone you met. Send a quick message reminding them who you are and what you talked about. Even a short conversation at a party can turn into a deal later if you follow up properly. By focusing on these steps, you'll be better prepared to stand out, make meaningful connections, and create opportunities for your film at the EFM.
Take Your Film Pitch to the Next Level
Mastering your pitch and preparing a professional business plan are key steps to making an impact at the European Film Market. But if you want to stand out even more and approach industry pros with confidence, you need the right tools.
That’s where Movie Plan Pro comes in. It’s a plug-and-play business plan template designed specifically for filmmakers.
With professional artwork placeholders, budget breakdowns, and revenue projections, it helps you create a polished presentation that gets attention.
Whether you're pitching at EFM or connecting with investors, Movie Plan Pro can help you present your project like a pro. If you're serious about securing deals and moving your project forward, it’s the perfect resource to get started.
