Leading Film Execs Explain Lure of Europe for Hollywood Talent at Zurich Summit

As a seasoned industry observer with years of experience under my belt, I find it fascinating to witness the evolving dynamics between Europe and Hollywood. The strategic partnerships between European production houses like Mediawan and Plan B exemplify this shift, where both parties seek to leverage each other’s strengths for mutual growth.

Today, there are increased possibilities for collaborative projects between Hollywood and Europe, as indicated by key representatives in the European film industry at the Zurich Summit held this past weekend. This is largely due to several influential factors.

At the Zurich Film Festival’s industry forum, representatives including Vincent Maraval from Goodfellas, Elisabeth d’Arvieu as CEO of Mediawan, Martin Bachmann of Constantin, Christian Vesper at Fremantle, and Karl Spoerri from Zurich Avenue discussed the numerous benefits and exclusive prospects that Europe presents.

Collaboration between the European industry and American filmmakers seeking unique projects has long been a common occurrence, but the present circumstances are providing even more possibilities for such partnerships, according to Maraval.

U.S. studios are showing increasing signs of conservatism, a fact that was noted. For contemporary creators who may be feeling stifled or seeking greater creative liberty, it’s becoming increasingly simple to work and explore opportunities abroad.

It’s also becoming more costly to produce movies in the U.S., as he pointed out. This trend is causing many independent Hollywood producers to seek alternatives and travel overseas to find production solutions for their films. Nowadays, they are frequently teaming up with international companies such as Mediawan, Federation, Fremantle, and Constantin.

There seems to be an increasing number of possibilities arising. Previously, as independents, we relied heavily on what the studios provided because there wasn’t much else to work with. Now, there’s more room for us to operate. We cater to individuals who feel their vision or creation may not come to life within the traditional studio system or Hollywood industry.

Initially, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez,” the latest hit from Goodfellas, might have appeared hard to convince others about, but Maraval didn’t find it challenging at all.

This production is a Spanish musical directed by a French individual, featuring a transgender lead character. As an independent entity, we find ourselves compelled to venture into areas where others often do not tread.

Films like these often draw high-caliber actors who struggle to find such roles in Hollywood, according to Maraval. “The film ‘Emilia Pérez,’ starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez,” is one example. Similarly, Audrey Diwan’s erotic drama “Emmanuelle,” another offering from Goodfellas, boasts Naomi Watts.

Actresses such as Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, or Naomi Watts often take roles in specific films primarily due to the director’s involvement, and also because such opportunities are not frequently presented within their current field of work.

Actors working on European films might receive lower pay compared to their counterparts in Hollywood, but they’re motivated by a desire to challenge themselves artistically, as Maraval pointed out.

Zoe Saldaña is not only an exceptional dancer and singer, but surprisingly, no one has ever offered her a role in which she could showcase both talents on screen. Typically, she’s known for her roles as characters who are blue or green. However, this time around, she got to play herself, allowing her the opportunity to dance and sing. It was an exceptional offer for her.

With Hollywood studios averse to taking risks, “the scope is wider for us to do films,” he added.

Over time, Maraval has found success by taking on projects that other people chose not to pursue.

In ‘March of the Penguins,’ they remarked it was a wildlife documentary suitable for television but not cinema. Similar skepticism surrounded ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’, stating documentaries were not meant for the big screen. The same doubts were cast upon ‘Spirited Away’, claiming Japanese animation wouldn’t succeed.

American film directors can find excellent chances to work in Europe by collaborating with European companies on co-productions. This approach allows both parties to leverage their individual strengths while also accessing “soft money,” a term often used for government or private funding that doesn’t require repayment.

In contrast to the U.S., which operates on a more liberal, free-market basis for gambling, Europe employs a blended approach. This difference necessitates creative problem-solving strategies that may elude self-contained solutions in Hollywood.

D’Arvieu shared similar thoughts. The purchase of Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B, by Mediawan in 2022 reflects a rising trend among U.S. companies to expand into Europe, which coincides with Mediawan’s desire to penetrate the American market.

She noted that they were particularly drawn towards the European work style, which deviated from the conventional U.S. studio approach,” she elaborated.

As a fellow enthusiast, I can’t help but admire their insightful perspective on Europe’s potential for creative endeavors. With an abundance of stunning shooting locations at our disposal, a wealth of talented individuals, and a regulatory system that fosters creation while allowing creators to maintain ownership of their work, it seems we share the same strategic vision.

The deal, she noted, was propelled forward by a shared ambition – one that aimed to establish Mediawan in the U.S., while also granting Plan B access to European production.

Plan B has decided to create the family film “Weekend Warriors,” which is based on the popular German production “Weekend Rebels.” Additionally, they are developing a movie in Spain with one of Mediawan’s other firms and collaborating with a French sister company to produce a series in France and the United Kingdom, according to d’Arvieu.

To begin with, it’s worth mentioning that Constantin has had a significant presence in the U.S. for quite some time now. This involvement isn’t limited to purchasing rights, but extends to the creation of projects as well. For instance, the ongoing “Resident Evil” series is one of the productions that came from under his wing, as pointed out by Bachmann.

As a movie enthusiast, I had the pleasure of reviewing “September 5,” a gripping news crew thriller that was jointly produced by a Munich-based company and Swiss director Tim Fehlbaum. This film has been making waves in various festivals, including Venice, Telluride, and now Zurich.

The company is also involved in making the upcoming sci-fi action film titled “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” directed by Gore Verbinski and featuring Sam Rockwell. Notably, it has collaborated with Roland Emmerich on his historical series “Those About to Die” set in ancient Rome, through its partnership with High End Productions.

More recently, Constantin has obtained the rights for Colleen Hoover’s hit novel “Regretting You,” and they are currently working on its adaptation. Josh Boone, known for “The Fault in Our Stars,” is slated to take on the directorial role.

Bachmann noted, ‘Talent is abundant right now.’ For instance, Edward Berger, famous for ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ has recently worked on ‘Conclave’ as well, and that movie will be screened in Zurich.

Streamers provide a platform where talent can be easily spotted without the need for a trip to Hollywood, as he pointed out.

Bachmann shared that due to a lack of interest from German filmmakers, Emmerich was compelled to depart from Germany. Eventually, he kick-started his career in Los Angeles with the release of “Universal Soldier” in 1992.

Previously, you were required to relocate to Los Angeles. However, that’s no longer a necessity. Nowadays, films and filmmakers are increasingly recognized for their overall portfolio of work.

As I find myself immersed in the vibrant scene of Zurich Avenue, I’m proud to contribute to its growing reputation as a perfect Swiss collaborator for international film productions.

At the moment, the company is working on the initial stages of filming “Switzerland,” a movie directed by Anton Corbijn, which features Helen Mirren portraying renowned author Patricia Highsmith.

Spoerri stated, ‘This tale unfolds in this location, but Switzerland presents quite a difficult setting for filming due to its high costs, and there aren’t many incentives offered.’

Even with the hurdles, it’s possible to make productions run efficiently. This is something we enjoy doing since we believe Zurich, in particular, has great potential for growth and development, being somewhat underutilized.

2024-10-06 22:47

Leading Film Execs Explain Lure of Europe for Hollywood Talent at Zurich Summit

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