Mario J. Novoa’s Post

The Stage Is Set: Puerto Rico Beckons to Film & TV Production Industry Like actors on an audition, nations, states and regions around the world are competing for a share of the global explosion of film and TV production work. Puerto Rico is ready for its callback. For work on films, TV series, music videos, video games and film festivals, the Puerto Rico Incentives Code (Act 60) offers tax credits that include up to 40% for production expenses paid to Puerto Rico residents; up to 20% for production expenses related to payments to non-resident workers; and up to an additional 15% of production expenses paid to Puerto Rico residents (with a $4 million maximum) for co-productions with local producers. Among the findings in a September 2021 report from local firm Estudios Técnicos: A total of 72 productions and post-production events occurred in Puerto Rico between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with a combined investment of $376 million; 9,648 direct, indirect and induced jobs; and total direct and spillover economic output of well over $1 billion. Big studios such as Warner Brothers, NBC Universal and Sony are all on board. Her team is ready to release RFIs and RFPs for soundstage proposals. https://lnkd.in/gH8ry8TG

Before stepping into the world of independent cinema, many film lovers found themselves stuck in the same cycle—watching the same mainstream blockbusters and craving something fresh and genuine. The indie film scene was often seen as hard to navigate, with many talented filmmakers struggling to showcase their unique stories due to limited distribution options. It was frustrating to realize how many brilliant narratives were hidden away, unable to find their audience. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is transforming beautifully. With the rise of streaming services, indie films now have a vibrant platform to shine. No longer confined to niche festivals or limited screenings, these gems can now reach audiences across the globe, offering a rich tapestry of diverse stories and perspectives that resonate with so many. 🎬✨ What led to this positive change? Firstly, the digital revolution has made filmmaking more accessible and affordable, enabling even those with limited resources to create art. Streaming platforms are championing these creators, allowing them to bypass traditional hurdles that once kept their works in the shadows. The combination of authentic storytelling and innovative approaches has opened doors, and audiences are eagerly tuning in. For those eager to dive into the world of independent film, my top tips are: 1. Explore film festivals online; many are now virtual and showcase fresh talent. 2. Subscribe to streaming services that prioritize indie films—these often curate collections that highlight diverse voices. 3. Support independent filmmakers on social media; your engagement can make a huge difference in their visibility. Reflecting on all this, it’s clear that indie films play a crucial role in broadening our cultural perspectives. Every story shared is a step toward embracing the beautiful diversity of humanity while encouraging more creators to bring their visions to life. Let's celebrate this movement and keep the passion for independent cinema alive! 🌍❤️ #IndependentFilm #FilmCommunity #StreamingRevolution #IndieFilmmakers

Submitting any of my produced narrative films to the (worldwide) festival circuit over 8 years initially came without a clear focus or professional strategy; Save for the arbitrary "spray and pray" method or taking my shot at Academy Qualifying (USA and Canada) festivals. I also never had a budget for submissions fees which do add up quickly. Eventually I did realize that some festival directors and programming committee members will provide waiver codes for satisfying a condition such as being a BIPOC filmmaker, or a local filmmaker of a region, city or state that the festival screening event takes place in. Though those are few and far between in my experiences. What I did eventually face and embrace is the distribution aspect of a completed independent film for eventually generating some form of revenues, while having my work available to much broader viewing audiences - primarily on online streaming channels and platforms. There are many of these channels to choose from today, and distribution companies like Filmhub make it very convenient and affordable for budget conscious or cash strapped filmmakers (myself included) to have their shorts, documentaries and features accepted for monetizing on major and smaller streaming services and channels worldwide. My latest completed film for 2024, "A.I." had a short-lived festival run due to lack of funds for submission fees but still managed to get accepted in two film screening events in my hometown Region of Waterloo But the end game has always been to reach a broader online audience for my new film with confirmed distribution on a streaming platform. That day has come through talent agent and film distribution manager, Lisa Simpson - Elevated Artists Entertainment LLC Her ElevationMovies.net streaming service recently launched earlier in August with two of my short narrative films available to watch now, "Embodiment" and the aforementioned "A.I." #film #distribution #streaming #service #subscription #independent #filmmaker #filmmaking #writer #director #producer #online #short #feature #documentary #narrative #fiction #revenue #monetizing #cinema #genre #ai

As the film industry continues to evolve, it was great to be part of the "Developing New Audiences for Independent Film" panel in Cannes. The panel spotlighted standout initiatives across Europe, with the aim of showcasing creative excellence and promoting international engagement and collaboration: Sarah Calderón shared insights about the European Film Challenge, an initiative for young audiences across 14 European countries that encourages viewers to watch 10 European films within 10 weeks. Participants who complete the challenge receive prizes and group recognition, fostering the next generation of cinephiles. Jérémy Zelnik introduced us to Futura Cinema, a French incubation program developed in partnership with several film festivals, centers, and residencies. The 2024 edition focuses on how innovations from other sectors—such as museums, the music industry, publishing, and education—can inspire those involved in cinema and film distribution. This program is a great example of how the film industry can learn from other creative sectors. Manon Dulauroy discussed Piece of Magic Entertainment and its strategy for attracting new audiences by bringing concerts, comedy, and gaming to the big screen, as well as eventising releases for films like Godzilla Minus One. This approach highlighted how the shared experience of cinema can appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional film fans. I then had the opportunity to talk about Escapes, a brand created by elevenfiftyfive to attract new audiences to cinemas. Sharing the result of the first two events from this multi-year project: 16,098 tickets claimed 50% were first-time visitors to that cinema 82% said they would return to buy a ticket within 3 months 43% doing so within a month 6,966 sign up to cinema marketing comms. A special thanks to Silvia Angrisani for curating the panel, and Ben Luxford for hosting. #UKPavilion #Cannes2024 

The Influence of Experimental European Films on Entertainment 🎬🇪🇺 Experimental European films have significantly impacted the entertainment industry, introducing new techniques and unconventional narratives that challenge traditional cinema. These films inspire filmmakers worldwide by pushing artistic boundaries, offering fresh perspectives, and expanding creative possibilities across genres. #EuropeanCinema #FilmInnovation #Entertainment https://lnkd.in/da-ezjeN

🎬 Attention Filmmakers! Dive into the World of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) 🎬 As filmmakers, we all know that bringing our creative vision to life involves more than just shooting and editing. It’s about ensuring our films are experienced in the highest quality possible. Enter the Digital Cinema Package (DCP), a game-changer in the film industry! Why DCP? 📽️ Cinema-Ready Quality: DCP ensures your film is presented with crystal-clear picture and immersive sound, just as you intended. 📽️ Standardized Format: Used globally, DCP is the industry standard for digital projection in cinemas, ensuring compatibility and consistency. 📽️ Secure & Reliable: With advanced encryption options, your work is protected against unauthorized access, maintaining the integrity of your content. Key Benefits for Filmmakers: Enhanced Viewing Experience: High-resolution visuals and superior audio bring your story to life on the big screen. Wide Distribution: Facilitates screenings at festivals, theaters, and special events worldwide without technical hitches. Professionalism: A polished DCP can make a significant impact on distributors and audiences, showcasing your film in the best possible light. #Filmmaking #DigitalCinemaPackage #DCP #FilmIndustry #MovieMaking #CinematicExperience #FilmDistribution #Filmmakers #CinemaQuality

£1bn boost from Scottish shores in film & TV? Unveiling Screen Scotland's 6-year game-changer plan! Read on to find out how...👇 Screen Scotland unveils a 6-year strategy for film and TV sectors, targeting a £1bn boost to the economy through new Scottish work. This initiative builds on momentum since Screen Scotland's creation in 2018, focusing on skill development, talent nurturing and infrastructure enhancement. Isabel Davis, Executive Director, highlights the international recognition of Scottish films and TV series, attributing the success to a collaboration-driven programme and strategic funding. David Smith, Director, emphasises the significant change in global sectors and asserts Screen Scotland's commitment to ensuring Scotland's mark in the film and TV industry. Under the new strategy, they are investing more in creative origination and training programmes. Key focus areas: - Amplifying ambition and scale of content from Scotland through targeted funding, editorial support, and training for Scotland-based talent. - Creating a sustainable production hub in Scotland, fostering a year-round pipeline of productions. - Ensuring nationwide cinema access, supporting various operators, film festivals and nurturing talent. - Transforming screen education, aiming to involve every student in Scotland in film or programme making. This reshaping is part of a draft Film and Screen Curriculum being tested in Scottish schools via Screen Scotland's pilot project.

My new report on global theatrical distribution of European films is finally out! 🤠 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e9TkHvcG Some key findings: 🔸 Admissions to European films are increasingly concentrated locally: 92% of tickets sold in Europe, 68% in national markets in 2023. 🔸 Excluding the pandemic years, the number of European films available in theatres worldwide has steadily increased over the past decade, reaching more than 3 300 films in 2023. 🔸 Although admissions to European films have decreased and remain 35% below the pre-pandemic average, the share of global admissions to European films has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5% and 10% over the past 10 years. 🔸 French films are the most successful European films in circulation: between 2014 and 2023, French films accounted for 20% of European films on release and 33% of admissions to European films. 🔸 European “blockbusters” are becoming rarer: the number of films achieving more than one million admissions has dropped by 43% compared to pre-pandemic years. In 2023, only 41 films reached this milestone. 🔸 Animation films perform better internationally than fiction films and documentaries. If we only consider export admissions, animation films represented half of the top 10 European films in 2023, and the top 2 spots. Are you in Tallinn? I will present the new report tomorrow 22.11 at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (Nordic Hotel Forum, 14:00 (UTC+2) ).

Short films are a compelling cinematic expression that condenses storytelling into a brief yet impactful format. The process encompasses development, where a concise and engaging script is crafted, followed by meticulous pre-production planning that involves organizing the crew and resources. During production, efficiency and creativity are paramount as scenes are filmed. In post-production, the film is refined through editing and integrating sound, effects, and music. Finally, distribution involves strategic showcasing at festivals and online platforms to reach a wide audience. This format challenges filmmakers to convey powerful narratives within a limited timeframe, emphasizing precision and creativity. #crossroadcreatives #anilpbajaj #anilbajaj #shortfilms

🎥 Unlock the secrets of cinema regulation! The European Audiovisual Observatory | Observatoire européen de l'audiovisuel recent report elaborates on key regulation tools shaping the cinema sector with respect to public film policies, cultural diversity, programming commitments, screen quotas, release windows of films and theatrical exclusivity, etc. Curious about how these regulations impact your business? Contact Alexis Fierens or me for expert legal advice. #MediaLaw #FilmIndustry #Streaming #Cinema #EuropeanContent #DLAPiper Report below 👇