19/10/2006

Over 50 film professionals from 17 European countries are gathering in the Estonian capital this week for the third and last workshop of the 2006 EAVE (European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs) Programme (October 16-23).

Co-organised with the Baltic Event and several Estonian organisations, including the Estonian Cultural Endowment, Ministry of Culture and Film Foundation, and the City of Tallinn, the workshop focuses on the direct contact with the international marketplace through one-on-one encounters with leading commissioning editors, financiers, buyers from sales and distribution companies and other strategic partners.

The 40 top European professionals attending the event include Chris Auty (The Works, UK), Karin Beyens (Diaphana, France), Philippe Bober (The Co-production Office, France/Germany), Sally Caplan UKFC, UK), Tomas Eskilsson (Film i Väst, Sweden), Sonja Heinen (Berlinale Co-production Market/World Cinema Fund, Germany), Peter Rommel (Shotgun Pictures , Germany), Riina Sildos (Baltic Event, Estonia), Bianca Taal (CineMart, Netherlands), and Judith Toth ( NonStop Sales, Sweden).

The schedule also offers plenary sessions, workgroups and individual meetings with EAVE and guest experts who will discuss, among other topics, music rights (Laurence Kaye), marketing (Fiona Mitchell) and Strategic Planning for Production Companies (Linda Beath), the legal aspects of distribution (EAVE legal expert Roberto Olla) and the documentary (Tue Steen Mueller). Other panels will focus on Eastern European Cinema and international co-production markets.

Furthermore, as part of a special spotlight on Estonia, EAVE’s guests and participants will be able to view the documentary film The Art of Selling by Jaak Kilmi and Andres Maimik, the local hit Revolution of Pigs by Rene Reinumägi and Jaak Kilmi, and the best of Estonian animation. EAVE is supported by the EU’s MEDIA PLUS Programme, the Film Fund Luxembourg, the Nordic and Baltic Film Funds and the partners who have been hosting the workshops since 1988.