🎬 The wait is over! CresCine is thrilled to launch the highly anticipated first volume of our State of European Film in Small Markets report series. This is the first of our three data-packed volumes, offering unparalleled insights into the state of European small audiovisual markets and beyond – insights that will empower you to make smarter decisions and drive success.

This volume 1, “An overview of key industry trends, insights, and policy recommendations for the European Film and Audiovisual industry,” delivers industry leaders focused summary of our key research avenues in the past 18 months.

Specifically, it provides a data-rich, comparative analysis of the challenges and –crucially—untapped opportunities within small European film markets for you and your organization.

This first edition of our SOEF report is available in two formats:

- Interactive Website: Explore the insights interactively, compare insights, and focus on the areas most relevant to your business.

- Exclusive Downloadable Copy: Get the complete report for in-depth analysis and offline access.

Eager to learn more? Be the first to dive in! 🌍🚀

Key Highlights from the "State of European Film in small markets Volume 1"

Our first report provides a unique comparative perspective across seven European countries: Belgium (Flanders), Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, and Portugal.

Here are our five takeaways for industry leaders.

Festival Circulation: The Untapped Potential: Our report confirms a stark reality: films from small countries are fighting for visibility in major international film festivals. While the pandemic spurred some online adaptation, the fundamental challenge persists – limiting crucial exposure and distribution pathways. Key Finding: Only 17% of international festival programming slots feature films from small countries. Your Opportunity: Discover strategies to break through.

Winning Strategies for Small Markets: Our report identifies four distinct strategic models for small film markets: Cultural 'Resonance,' Export, Production Service, and Cinematic Art. Each carries its own form of legitimacy and distinct success metrics. Key Finding: No single market dominates all four; strategic focus is paramount. Your Opportunity: Identify the model that aligns with your goals and resources.

Decoding Domestic Audiences: When doing business Go beyond assumptions. Our report delves into how domestic audiences perceive films from their own small markets, exploring the complex interplay of budget perception, talent recognition, story relevance, and the power of social influence. Key Finding: Audiences acknowledge production limitations but demand high quality, especially compelling narratives and strong acting. Your Opportunity: Understand what resonates – and what doesn't – with your target audience.

Export: The Path to Growth: Our report provides a deep dive into the export dynamics of European films, comparing small market performance to larger European powerhouses (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, Poland). It pinpoints key export drivers, including co-productions, genre appeal, and the crucial role of language. Key Finding: Strategic partnerships, especially within Europe, are vital for international reach. Specific genres (adventure, horror, sci-fi) from small markets demonstrate higher international potential. Your Opportunity: Leverage these insights to expand your global footprint.

The Skills Revolution: Based on exclusive survey data from European Film Academy members, the report exposes a critical skills gap, particularly in access to training and career advancement. While festivals and markets serve as vital networking and learning hubs, cost remains a significant barrier. Key Finding: A staggering 80% of industry professionals crave new skills, but lack consistent training opportunities. Your Opportunity: Invest in your team, and advocate for accessible, industry-relevant training.

Meet the Authors

This volume is collaborative effort by Europe's leading researchers and industry practitioners and includes contributions from the following authors:

Fatih Abay, Cathrin Bengesser, Manuel José Damásio, Tobias Frühmorgen, Indrek Ibrus, Ivana Kostovska, Kirsten Langgaard, Jakob Isak Nielsen, Dr Niall O'Leary, Jeppe Olesen, Ulrike Rohn, Sten-Kristian Saluveer, Marta Materska-Samek, R. Julius Talvik, and Vejune Zemaityte.

Dive in and enjoy!

We hope that this first edition of the SOEF report is your gateway to a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our industry. We encourage you to dive into these insights, explore the data, and – most importantly – begin implementing these findings within your own organizations and strategies.

We believe that by working together, sharing knowledge, and embracing innovation, we can collectively elevate the competitiveness of the European film industry, particularly within our vital small markets.

Happy exploring and reading,

State of European Film Vol. 1 authors & the CresCine consortium