The Rome Film Fest's Business Street is not aspiring to become the new Mifed. That was the message at the AFM this week by Sylvain Auzou, The Business Street Manager. Some have been suggesting that Rome could eventually become a replacement for the old Mifed (which ended in 2004) but Auzou insisted that this was not the intention.
'People don't need it,' Auzou stated. 'There are three or four big markets in the year: Toronto, AFM, Berlin and Cannes and one more would be too much.'
This year's Business Street took place between October 18-21. The aim in 2008 is to extend the four-day industry focus by half a day. It is also likely that Rome will shift dates to an earlier slot in the autumn. Auzou would favour dates in the second week of October, just before Mipcom (October 13-17 2008) but further away from next year's AFM, which is due to be held from November 5-12 2008, a week later than this year's event.
'What is most important is to be far away from Toronto and far enough away from the AFM,' Auzou suggested.
Whether or not there is a change in dates, Auzou says that the Business Street will retain its informal atmosphere, without official market booths.
'The concept of the informal market went very well and seems to suit the industry at this moment in the year. We want to carry on this way,' Auzou said. He suggested that Rome works both as a place where deals can be finalized after the autumn festivals and as a 'rehearsal' for the AFM.
There were 250 international buyers attending Business Street this year as
well as 60 sellers from 40 different companies. The event was supported both by the Festival and by Rome's Chamber of Commerce.
'People don't need it,' Auzou stated. 'There are three or four big markets in the year: Toronto, AFM, Berlin and Cannes and one more would be too much.'
This year's Business Street took place between October 18-21. The aim in 2008 is to extend the four-day industry focus by half a day. It is also likely that Rome will shift dates to an earlier slot in the autumn. Auzou would favour dates in the second week of October, just before Mipcom (October 13-17 2008) but further away from next year's AFM, which is due to be held from November 5-12 2008, a week later than this year's event.
'What is most important is to be far away from Toronto and far enough away from the AFM,' Auzou suggested.
Whether or not there is a change in dates, Auzou says that the Business Street will retain its informal atmosphere, without official market booths.
'The concept of the informal market went very well and seems to suit the industry at this moment in the year. We want to carry on this way,' Auzou said. He suggested that Rome works both as a place where deals can be finalized after the autumn festivals and as a 'rehearsal' for the AFM.
There were 250 international buyers attending Business Street this year as
well as 60 sellers from 40 different companies. The event was supported both by the Festival and by Rome's Chamber of Commerce.
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