3D craze sparks glimmer of hope at Berlin Film Festival
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At this year's European Film Market (EFM), 3D sales and new trends in cinema seem to be lightening the otherwise gloomy skies over Berlin.
The financial crisis over the past few years has had a colossal effect on the EFM, which is the first film market of the year and often sets the economic forecast for film buyers, distributors and producers alike.
The year 2009 was a very terrible year. People were hit with a tsunami, EFM director Beki Probst told Xinhua. "Of course we do reflect a crisis. Here in the market, it's all about doing business. To do business you need cash."
Probst has held the position of director since 1988. Under her management, the EFM has become one of the most important film markets in the world.
For Probst, it is no easy job to lure people to come out rain or shine when the market is not so stable. Still, she said, the skies appear to be clearing slowly.
"In 2010, we saw a shimmer of hope and optimism. After Berlin last year, at Cannes, Toronto and the U.S. film market, you saw the tendency for more stability in the financial sense," Probst said.
This year the number of participators stands at about 7,000, with the increase in buyers' numbers attributing to the jump. The registered number is 1,527, up from last year's 1,365.
Jeffrey Chan, CEO of Distribution Workshop, has distributed quite a few good Chinese language films this year.
Last year the Hong Kong-based film distribution house brought the Jackie Chan flick, "Little Big Soldier" to Berlinale audiences.
"Europe is an important market for Chinese films. They are more multicultural and receptive to foreign language films," Jeffrey Chan told Xinhua. "This year's market feels better. People seem less gloomy and are generally more aggressive buying."
The executive said he is selling the first 3D martial art film in China with Jet Li as the star.
"I believe that everyone is talking about that in the hall," he said. "A lot of people come out to watch the film."
This year's Berlinale will for the first time screen three films in 3D in the official selection. Out of competition, but of great interest are Wim Wender's dance film, "Pina," and Werner Herzog's archaeology documentary, "Cave of Forgotten Dreams."
The buzz of 3D may well have an impact on every floor at this year's EFM, but how do extra costs of 3D projection affect profit?
"The cost of the 3D technology is decreasing. Last year it cost 120,000 euros (162,520 U.S. dollars) for the screen and projector, this year it's 80,000 euros (108,346 dollars) and in the future less," film producer Roberto Di Girolamo told Xinhua.
Not every cinephile was enthused about the future of 3D movies.
German producer Gerhard Fillei, who came to the EFM with hopes of selling his 2D picture, told Xinhua he's "not a huge fan of 3D."
It's not necessary and it's still strange to watch," he said.
This year around thirty 3D films, up from 11 last year, will screen to buyers, producers and distributers at the EFM.
"Human nature can't stay in the dark all the time," Probst said. "Everyone needs a little bit of sunshine and I hope that Berlin is going to be the sunshine this year."
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