ZFF launches talent development programme

The Zurich Film Festival enables eight young industry talents to learn from Hollywood’s finest. As part of the new ZFF Summit Climber programme organised in partnership with the International Screen Institute, the up-and-comers get to learn from Hollywood heavyweights like Alana Mayo, President of Orion Pictures, Tom Quinn, CEO of NEON, and Roeg Sutherland, Co-CEO of CAA Media Finance how to successfully finance, produce and distribute films in Hollywood. The inaugural edition of the ZFF Summit Climber will be held as part of the Zurich Summit from September 23-26, 2022. Applications are being accepted immediately.

The mentored three-day training programme ZFF Summit Climber takes place during the Zurich Summit, the Zurich Film Festival’s prestigious boutique conference that takes place at hotel The Dolder Grand. The aim of the new talent development programme is to use the framework of the conference and the festival to transfer knowledge about transatlantic economic and financing structures to selected participants. Additionally, the programme, in partnership with the International Screen Institute, also offers participants a unique opportunity to expand their European and North American film network.

“The ZFF has been committed to promoting young talent since it was founded. Whether it’s the ZFF Academy or ZFF for Kids, they all boil down to one thing: Getting people excited about films and how they are made. We are expanding our commitment to include young talent in the business sector with the new ZFF Summit Climber programme because, now more than ever, outstanding films need outstanding marketing if they are to find their audience,” explained Christian Jungen, Artistic Director Zurich Film Festival. “As part of our new development programme, the young participants get to learn from the best Hollywood has to offer in this field.” Reta Guetg, Head of Industry Zurich Film Festival, adds, “The programme closes a gap for young talent in the distribution and financing sector. In keeping with our festival strategy, we also rely here on the boutique concept and our excellent relations with the North American film market.”

The Zurich Summit with its world-class line-up of international film producers, sales executives and creators from the film, TV and entertainment industries offers an environment for junior executives to acquire the kind of know-how that will give participants a competitive edge in the world of film financing. Industry leaders that have already confirmed their attendance at this year’s Zurich Summit include: Alana Mayo, President of Orion Pictures, Tom Quinn, CEO of NEON, and Roeg Sutherland, Co-Head of CAA Media Finance. The Zurich Film Festival and the International Screen Institute want to take advantage of the excellent opportunities offered by the Zurich Summit to create a stepping stone in the career development of future executives.

“We are delighted to be working with ZFF on this programme that has been designed to inform and extend knowledge in the areas of finance and distribution. We are looking for participants who are developing careers in sales and acquisitions and are firmly convinced that together with ZFF we make a great contribution to the promotion of young talent and are firmly convinced that together with ZFF we make a great contribution to the promotion of young talent,” state the International Screen Institute Head of Studies Julia Short and Course Director Beatrice Neumann.

The programme imparts a comprehensive understanding of transatlantic financing structures and offers a unique opportunity to expand North American and European networks through contact with Zurich Summit guests. The participants can deepen their knowledge about development strategies for post-pandemic recovery in film sales and distribution, strengthen their collaboration with producers, and learn the rules and guidelines of transatlantic collaboration. International junior executives who have at least two years of professional experience in the areas of sales and acquisition can apply online from now until 15 August. The ZFF and the International Screen Institute welcome applications from all age categories. An internal jury will select the eight participants.