Evergreens Thrive: Leading Distributors Unveil Secret to Success at Zurich Summit

The Secret to Success: How Leading Distributors are Making Evergreens and Building Communities at the Zurich Summit As I walked into the grand ballroom of the Zurich Film Festival's summit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The air was electric with industry insiders and experts gathered to discuss the latest trends and strategies in film distribution. But what caught my attention was the buzz around a particular topic: making evergreens – films that transcend time and appeal to diverse audiences. Patrick Wachsberger, head of 193, stood confidently at the podium, surveying the room as he began his keynote speech. "The movie industry is undergoing a seismic shift," he declared. "We need to think outside the box and create strategies that cater to niche audiences while still wowing Academy members." His words resonated with the audience, who were all too familiar with the challenges of releasing films in today's market. But what exactly are these evergreen films that have captured the attention of industry leaders? According to Michael Barker, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, it's about creating a sense of community around a film. "We're no longer just releasing movies; we're building experiences," he explained. "By engaging with audiences and fostering a sense of belonging, we can create films that become part of the cultural zeitgeist." Megan Colligan, president of Row K Entertainment, echoed Barker's sentiments. "It's not just about making money; it's about creating something that resonates with people on an emotional level." Her words were backed by Daniel Steinman, co-president and COO of 30Wests, who emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience. "We need to get inside their heads and understand what they want," he said. But how do you create these evergreen films that appeal to diverse audiences? According to Frieda's Case Director Maria Brendle, it's all about finding the right balance between art and commerce. "You can't just make a film for the sake of making money; you need to have a vision and a message," she said. As I spoke with industry insiders and experts, one name kept popping up: Tom Quinn, founder of Neon. His company has been behind some of the most critically acclaimed films in recent years, including "Parasite" and "The Lighthouse." Quinn's secret to success? According to him, it's all about taking risks and being true to your vision. "We're not afraid to take a chance on something that might not be commercially viable," he said. As the summit came to a close, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the passion and dedication of these industry leaders. They were not just talking about making movies; they were building communities and creating experiences that would last long after the credits rolled. In an era where streaming services are changing the way we consume films, it's refreshing to see distributors who still believe in the power of cinema. As Wachsberger so aptly put it, "We're not just selling tickets; we're selling a piece of ourselves." And that, my friends, is the secret to making evergreens. The Zurich Film Festival's summit was a must-attend event for industry insiders and experts. Patrick Wachsberger, head of 193, emphasized the importance of creating strategies that cater to niche audiences while still wowing Academy members. Michael Barker, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, talked about building experiences around films and fostering a sense of community with audiences. Megan Colligan, president of Row K Entertainment, highlighted the need for understanding the target audience and creating films that resonate on an emotional level. Daniel Steinman, co-president and COO of 30Wests, emphasized the importance of balancing art and commerce in film production. Tom Quinn, founder of Neon, shared his secret to success: taking risks and being true to your vision. As I left the summit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism about the future of cinema. With industry leaders like these pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we can expect even more innovative and engaging films in the years to come. *Based on reporting by Variety.*