A programme for the emerging professionals in the field of circulation
Created by the Locarno Film Festival in 2014, the Industry Academy is an intensive training program designed to train and support young film industry professionals working specifically in the area of independent film circulation, including online and traditional distribution, sales, film marketing, exhibition, and festival programming, among others. The workshop serves as a gateway for a new generation of professionals entering the independent film industry, fostering their development, helping them better understand the industry's challenges, and expanding their networks. The Locarno Industry Academy also aims to build bridges of collaboration across different markets in Europe, North America, Ibero-America, the Middle East, and South Africa.
In 2024, the program expands to Estonia, with the first Tallinn Industry Academy taking place from November 17–22 during Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE), the industry platform of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
The workshop is primarily suited for young professionals working with boutique (small and medium-sized) markets, who are interested in improving their skills and expanding their network of contacts in the fields of sales, marketing, distribution, exhibition, and programming/curating. It is particularly beneficial for those already working with an established company or having significant experience in the aforementioned fields.
Emerging professionals in the field of film circulation, preferably under 40 years of age, with a minimum of two years of experience in areas such as sales, marketing, promotion, online and traditional distribution, exhibition, programming, curatorship, and cultural management, and with an excellent command of English (both written and spoken) are eligible to apply.
The session will provide a group of 10 to 12 participants with mentoring from international professionals with extensive experience in the field of independent film circulation. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to meet other professionals from the audiovisual industry who will be present at activities organized by ITBE.
The program is an in-person workshop taking place from November 17 to 22 in Tallinn. November 17 is designated for arrival and the first plenary session, November 18-22 will consist of full-day workshops combined with Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event general sessions, film screenings, networking, and other parts of the ITBE program.
Please note that this training is not intended for producers or directors seeking to understand the world of film circulation, but rather is a specialized program designed for professionals working directly in the field of circulation: exhibitors, distributors, sales agents, online platform professionals, programmers, or festival team heads in areas related to film programming, among others. Each selected participant agrees to attend the entire activity for which they were selected, and to accept the pedagogical framework and the agenda of sessions proposed by the team.
Applicants must fill out the Application Form and provide all requested information and documents by the deadline of September 23, 2024. Late applications will not be considered. The final selection of participants will be announced by October 1 at the latest, both directly to the participants and publicly via the festival/industry press. Submission of the application will be considered acceptance of the special conditions.
Once selected, participation is subject to payment of a non-refundable Participation Fee of 150 euros. The Participation Fee includes accreditation to Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, mentorship, accommodation for up to six nights (in twin rooms), lunches on the main days of participation, film screenings at Black Nights Film Festival, and the opportunity to take part in other Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities. Participation in the program is compulsory from November 17-20; the rest is subject to your personal availability.
Ukrainian professionals are exempt from the Participation Fee.
Please note that round-trip airfare is to be paid by the participants and is not included in the Participation Fee. Participants are encouraged to contact their local film fund or institute for assistance with transportation costs.
For additional information about the workshop please contact Eda Koppel, eda.koppel@poff.ee
All properly completed applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee, composed of experts appointed by the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management.
The main selection criteria are professional background and motivation for career development. Each application will be considered with the same criteria of respect, fairness and transparency.
Up to 12 international participants will be selected to participate in the programme.
Each applicant chosen to participate in the programme is required to cooperate with the employees and persons of responsibility at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event throughout the entire course. If the participant violates any of their obligations stated in the Rules & Regulations, which they accepted by submitting the Application Form, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management may disqualify the participant from further participation in the event.
Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event as the industry platform of the Tallinn Black Nights Festival is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and programmes. We believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that values diversity and promotes mutual respect and understanding. We promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including the planning, organization, and delivery of events and activities, and believe that diversity is a strength and that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities.
We expect all participants in our events and activities to behave in a respectful and professional manner, and to refrain from any behaviour that is discriminatory, harassing, or offensive. This includes but is not limited to behaviour that is based on a person's gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics. We will not tolerate any behaviour that violates our policy and reserve the right to take appropriate action, including expulsion from the event.
The Applicant guarantees that all the presented information in the submitted application is correct. Regarding all matters not expressly settled by these Regulations, the current regulations of Estonia and its entities and good business practices are to be applied. Any amendments and supplements to these Regulations shall be made by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management. By submitting an Application, the Applicant agrees to all provisions of these Regulations. These Regulations come into effect from the day of their publishing on the webpage https://industry.poff.ee/, and are effective beginning on the 21st of August 2024.
Approved by Marge Liiske,
Head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event