Discussion 360°
Co-production. Getting money on your side
august 27 / 16:45 – 18:00
Tarkovsky Hall
Financing your film in today’s world can be a challenge for independent producers: commissioning from public and private broadcasters and streamers is reduced year by year. As a result, more and more producers are looking to form alliances with international counterparts to ensure their projects reach a wider audience and secure the recoupment of their investment. They are also trying to create projects with higher global travelability, as the ongoing digitalization and growth of the streaming business can open new, untapped markets that were not previously considered targets.

Governments play a vital role in this process: established support systems, rebates, co-production treaties, and incentives contribute to producers’ choice of international partners. On the other hand, a smart system can not only attract international productions but also benefit the film industry, tourism, and the overall image of the country. In this session, we will look at co-production as a tool to achieve producers’ ambitions and explore several case studies of successful co-productions.
Moderator:
  • Mr Vadim Vereshchagin
    producer, Central Partnership (Russia)
    Vadim Vereshchagin has been the CEO of the film company "Central Partnership" since 2018. He has extensive experience in film distribution and has held leadership positions at "Central Partnership," United International Pictures Russia, and "East-West." He graduated from the Financial Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation. In 2018, he received a commendation from the President of the Russian Federation for his contribution to the development of cultural ties between Russia and China. As a producer, he has been involved in the creation of films such as "Serf," "Text," "Streltsov," "The Righteous," and many others.
Speakers:
  • Ms Gayathiri Guliani
    founder, Kleos Entertainment Group (India)
    A media maven of unparalleled stature, she has crafted impactful partnerships with industry giants like Sony Pictures, Disney Star, and Viacom. With over 25 years in the media industry, she has distributed over 55 films and sold more than 2,500 hours of content globally, reshaping Indian cinema's footprint by opening new markets such as China, Taiwan, and Russia. She earned recognition from the Cultural Minister for her efforts. Her accolades include Global Woman Leader and Woman of Excellence. Currently, she is producing the first Taiwan-India co-production, "Demon Hunters," which ranked among the top 3 projects at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
  • Mr Pantham Thongsangl
    Vice President, The ONE Enterprise Public Company Limited (Thailand)
    Pantham is the Managing Director (MD) of Tifa Studios. He started his career as a film producer and director. His works have gained recognition on the international festival circuit. "Mid Road Gang," which he directed and produced, won Best Picture at the Giffoni International Film Festival, and "Tropical Malady," which he co-produced, won the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival. More recently, he has transitioned to producing and directing television drama series for major Thai television stations.
  • Mr Fadi Ismail
    director, DKL Studio (UAE)
    Fadi Ismail is the founder of DKL Studio, a Dubai-based content development and production company launched in 2019. A veteran in content creation, production, and distribution with over 30 years of experience, Ismail has led the company in producing three Saudi films and three drama series. These have aired on regional and international streaming services like Shahid, Netflix, and Amazon.
    DKL Studio’s vision is to take Arab drama and film content global. By developing concepts from Arab writers and IPs, DKL Studio aims to elevate Arab storytelling, making it more compelling and captivating for a global audience.
  • Mr Enyi Omeruah
    producer, EK782 films (Nigeria)
    Enyi Omeruah, principal partner of EK 782 Films, is a prominent figure in the Nigerian film and television industry. With a background in music management and literary talent management, Enyi has executive-produced several successful Nigerian feature films, including "Banana Island Ghost," "God Calling," "Makate Must Sell," and "Ajuwaya." He also served as VP of Acquisitions and Development, West Africa at AAA Entertainment. As co-founder of ChudorMMC, a literary talent management company, Enyi champions the growth of African creatives. He holds a BSc in Accounting and an MBA from Widener University.
  • Mr Harry Hofmeyr
    independent producer, AC Agency (South Africa)
    Harry Hofmeyr is a multi-faceted professional with extensive experience in television, film, and media. His career encompasses strategic consulting, directing, producing, writing, and journalism. With a vast network across South Africa, Africa, the UK, and France, he connects talent and resources for various projects. Currently, Hofmeyr focuses on content distribution, facilitating deals between international buyers and local production companies. He also serves as a supervising producer, mitigating risks for stakeholders. His expertise extends to broadcast scheduling, linear and OTT channel management, script development, and production planning.
  • Mr JP Jacobsen
    producer, Visionarios (Brazil)
    JP Jacobsen is a trilingual Brazilian producer developing projects with BF Films, including "Lost at Sea," "Volcano," and "Schizophrenic." In Los Angeles, JP earned a master's degree in film production at USC, the world's top film school. His graduation short film won at the International Children’s Film Festival and was chosen as Indiewire's Project of the Month. Back in Brazil, he directed documentaries and projects for brands like VISA, CLARO, and SAAB. He is notable for the "True Collaboration" branded doc series for Gripen NG, the first Brazilian supersonic fighter jet.
  • Mr Mikhail Vrubel
    producer, Vodorod pictures (Russia)