10/09/2014 - Cineuropa asked Thierry Baujard about the world’s first and only international co-production and financing market that is fully dedicated to S-3D projects

On 9-10 December, the 3D Content Financing Market (3DFM) will take place in the historic Théatre de Liége. Organiser Thierry Baujard answered a few questions about the upcoming event.

Cineuropa: What is the aim of the 3D Content Financing Market?
Thierry Baujard: The 3D Content Financing Market is a co-production market where producers with a project for stereoscopic 3D content or movie at an early stage of development, and with significant international sales potential, can seek complementary financing. Because of this last requirement, preference is given to projects for cinema and with budgets of at least €500,000. The core aims of the 3DFM include, for example, creating a cross-border forum for dialogue between 3D film producers, financiers, sales agents and distributors from across Europe and the world, and also fostering greater international cooperation between 3D players from different sectors to ensure the widest possible exhibition of 3D content from Europe to audiences throughout the EU and around the globe. The event also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector by extending the business network of all producer/project participants and market attendees, and to improve the circulation and promotion of 3D films through the market platform. The call for projects will close on 15 September.

What kinds of events are there going to be? What is the programme going to look like?
There will be pitching sessions, workshops on the funding and marketing of S-3D content/movies, networking receptions, screenings, presentations of case studies in 3D moviemaking and visits to local (co-)production houses.

Who is invited to participate in this event?
Producers from all over the world who have new projects for S-3D content/movies – whether they have experience in S-3D or some other proven artistic ability – investors, financiers, business angels and sales agents looking for investment opportunities in S-3D, co-producers who want to commit resources to an S-3D project, and anyone wishing to learn about how to finance and market S-3D content/movies.

Why are events like 3D Content Financing Market necessary?
3D is on the rise as a production format both at the studio level and among European independent producers. Over the last few years, 3D technology has matured, making it more accessible for indie producers while at the same time providing a wider penetration across exhibitors. But undoubtedly, Europe is still lagging behind North America in terms of 3D, confirming that the 3D format needs further support at the European level in order for European producers to be able to successfully compete for European screens with their own home-grown films and increase their access to international theatrical markets such as North America, but also Asia, the Middle East and South America, via a format that is increasingly in demand globally.