The Sideletters

Epizode

• 
  Malika Rabahallah on FilmFest Hamburg, US Production Incentive & Germany's Election Shock | #031 09.09.2026 56min

  This week Joanna and Fabian discuss: An extremist party just won big in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt region, and public broadcasters are already bracing for what comes next. The US is fast-tracking a national film tax incentive that could stack up to 60% with state rebates. And France and Korea used the Lumière Summit in the south of France to put audiovisual culture on the geopolitical agenda.Then Jennifer sits down with Malika Rabahallah, Director of Filmfest Hamburg (opening September 24), who has worked all three sides of the industry: producer, public funding commissioner, and now festival chief. She talks about:Programming a festival with no checklist and no theme. Why Filmfest Hamburg built a free-admission day for the whole city. What she's actually looking for on the market circuit (and why films are too long).Her case for more hope on screen: "Pessimism is a privilege".This year's line-up, including Helen Mirren receiving the festival's Douglas Sirk Award, a Barbie production-design masterclass, and a growing industry program built around the Explorer Konferenz that also hosts French filmmaking masters Éric Toledano and Olivier NakacheLinks:🔗 Lumière Summit (Variety)🔗 Tax Incentives (PDF of Deloitte Report, German language)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  What Makes Film Interesting for Equity Investors? Plus: Meta's $18B Child Safety Settlement | #030 02.09.2026 36min

  This week on The Sideletters, hosts Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine, Fabian Massah and Joanna Szymanska tackle the question every producer wants answered: what actually makes film and TV attractive to private capital?Sparked by Screen Scotland's new "Lights Camera Capital" initiative, pairing local producers with angel investors, the team digs into why equity money is suddenly flowing into an industry that's leaned on subsidies and pre-sales for decades. They unpack why vertical drama has become the hottest ticket for investors, how data access is de-risking the business for capital, and why producers may finally be learning to speak the investors' language, including a first look at how vertical drama's budget splits (development, production, marketing) are rewriting the producer's role.Plus: Meta's record $18 billion settlement with 48 US states over child-addictive platform design. The hosts break down the new safety measures (screen-time limits, night mode, no notifications during school hours), ask whether this is the US finally catching up with Europe's Digital Services Act, and what it could mean for marketing family entertainment.Links:Meta settlement: Wall Street JournalScreen Scotland: Screen Daily👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Open Air Cinema Founder Everbright Everready on Innovation & VJ Culture, Sarajevo Recap, Explorer Konferenz Outlook | #029 26.08.2026 59min

  Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah recap the standout moments from Sarajevo CineLink, including Celine Sciamma's Sister Sister Initiative, preview Oct. 1st Explorer Konferenz at the FilmFest Hamburg Industry Days, and sit down with Everbright Everready, founder of Tanzanian startup Bright and Ready Labs and winner of this year's EFM Startup Award.Everbright walks us through Open Air Fest, her open-air cinema venture in Dar es Salaam that legalizes and monetizes East Africa's amazing VJ (video jockey) culture. We dig into her business model: mobile-money ticketing, revenue-sharing with filmmakers and VJs, brand sponsorships, and how she's building a loyal community from scratch with almost no starting capital.Links:🔗 Sister Sister (Cineuropa)🔗 Bright & Ready Labs (Instagram)🔗 Explorer Konferenz👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Maša Marković, Head of Industry in Sarajevo: How CineLink Builds Tomorrow's Film Talent | #028 19.08.2026 55min

  Joanna Szymanska sits down live at CineLink Industry Days with Maša Marković, Head of Industry at the Sarajevo Film Festival. They dig into how CineLink builds a 20-year talent pipeline from film school to Cannes and back, why the industry needs better success metrics than box office numbers, the rise of microdramas as a format for public broadcasters, and why Southeast Europe's film industry might be "under-distributed" rather than oversaturated.But before that:Germany's biggest film funding schemes just ran dry, months earlier than expected. Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine and Fabian Massah unpack why the DFFF and GMPF incentives have already hit their cap, what it means for producers, crews and suppliers across the German film industry, and how France's "automatic funding" model offers a more predictable alternative.And a discussion inspired by the Locarno Film Festival’s panel which asked whether classic film critics can still compete for attention against influencers and user-generated reviews - and why independent criticism still matters for how audiences discover films.Links:🔗 Acquired podcast Disney🔗 Cinelink Magazine🔗 Locarno’s Panel “A World WIthout Film Critics”🔗 Germany’s Production Incentive at its limit (The Spot / German language)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Is Cinema Really Back? Box Office Truths, the Warner-Paramount Saga & the EU AI Act | #027 12.08.2026 52min

  Everyone's saying "cinema is back". But is it? In this episode of The Sideletters, Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah dig behind the headlines to find out what's really happening at the box office.We open with a wrap-up on the Wim Wenders–Nastassja Kinski controversy, now resolved with a joint statement and an apology, before turning to the never-ending Warner Bros.–Paramount merger drama, complete with daily penalty fees running into the hundreds of millions and a trial now pushed to 2027. We also unpack the EU AI Act's new transparency rules, which came into force this August, and what they actually mean for filmmakers, podcasters, and anyone generating content with AI.Then it's the big topic: Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey have pushed box office numbers to record highs, but ticket sales are still far below 2019 levels. We break down what's driving the "recovery": premium formats, a re-release boom, and a growing gap for mid-budget films. And we ask what this means for producers, marketing budgets, and the future of European cinema.Links:🔗 The Governance of Competitiveness in the European Film Industry (publication)  https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-14889-6_1👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  CLASSIC | "You Are the Industry" w/ EAVE's Tina Trapp 05.08.2026 32min

  It's summer. This week we want to give you a one of our earlier episodes which is already a classic. We'll be back next week with a new recording. Enjoy!In Episode #005 of The Sideletters, Joanna and Jennifer have a conversation with Kristina Trapp, CEO of EAVE (European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs), on 35 years of training international producers and why success isn't just about money. How EAVE's Impact Think Tank imagines a better industry through equity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Plus: an exclusive outlook on upcoming workshops, Creative Europe MEDIA's critical role, and why producers in war-torn countries without funding inspire her most.Trapp's message: "You are not only working in this industry, you are the industry. You are agents of change."Also in this episode:Fabian's deep dive on the Great Consolidation (Paramount-Warner Bros, Showmax shutdown, Banijay-All3Media merger) and what previous consolidation eras teach independent producers about positioning for what comes after.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg)→ EAVE👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.
• 
  Film Business in Africa w/ Osoo Omondi | #026 29.07.2026 42min

  Fabian Massah sits down with Nairobi-based producer and entrepreneur Osoo Omondi. Ahead of the release of his groundbreaking book, "Film Business in Africa", Osoo challenges the outdated perceptions of the African market and explains why African stories are the ultimate unexploited, renewable resource in the global industry.We explore the urgent need to build an architecture for local IP ownership and unpack the diverse regional markets across the continent, from the entrepreneurial engine of Nollywood to the technical infrastructure of East Africa to the regulatory frameworks in South Africa. Osoo also breaks down the "poverty porn trap" of NGO-funded cinema, reframes piracy as distorted market intelligence, and discusses how AI intersects with data ownership and cultural preservation.Links:🔗  Osoo Omondi (LinkedIn)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  The Fight for Gender Parity in Film w/ WIFT's Lisa Herbers. The Odyssey. Netflix's Value Proposition | #025 22.07.2026 58min

  In this episode, Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah explore:• Netflix's "What We Watched" Report (H1 2026): A deep dive into the latest engagement numbers. With more choices leading to "comfort food" viewing, has Netflix lost its curatorial edge? We discuss the platform's evolving DNA, the decline of the middle ground, and how Apple TV+ and Prime Video are stepping up to compete.• Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey: The massive summer blockbuster is out and breaking box office records. We share our spoiler-free thoughts, discuss the eventification of cinema, and spark a debate: Could this film be a frontrunner for the European Film Awards?• Gender Parity in the Film Industry: Despite the "50/50 by 2020" movement, recent data shows a concerning backward trend for female directors, particularly in high-budget categories. We are joined by special guest Lisa Herbert (Producer at JUNA Film and board member of WIFT Germany) to break down the systemic blockages, harmful stereotypes, and why giving women the reins on bigger budgets isn't just equitable, it’s better for business.Links:🔗  WIFT Germany🔗  WIFT International🔗  What We Watched 1H 2026 (Netflix)🔗  What We Watched 1H 2025 (Netflix)🔗  Podcast on The Odyssey (NYT)🔗  Who Owns The Odyssey? (New Yorker)🔗  Krnov 70mm Film Festival👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Netflix Chases YouTube, EAVE's New Leadership & The Future of Letterboxd | #024 15.07.2026 32min

  This week, Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine and Fabian Massah break down the latest shifts in the audiovisual industry.EAVE's New Era: Jennifer discusses her exciting new role taking over as Co-Head of Studies for the prestigious EAVE Producers Workshop, her vision for equitable co-productions, and empowering the next generation of independent producers.Then it’s Netflix vs. YouTube: Netflix is pivoting strategy by adding short-form and lifestyle videos. Is this a genius move to capture attention, or a "cheap content" panic? And more importantly: Why is Europe still waiting for its own competitive, independent video platform?Letterboxd for sale: With the independent film community Letterboxd in $250M sale talks with giants like Paramount and Netflix, we debate the future of independent film discovery. Will a corporate takeover ruin its editorial independence? We look at how monopolies shape content discovery and potential European alternatives.Links:🔗  Netflix going after YouTube (Matt Belloni / Puck)🔗 Letterboxd for sale (Inidewire)🔗  EAVE👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Streamer Investment Obligation Discussions Heating Up & Karlovy Vary Industry Insights with Hugo Rosák | #023 08.07.2026 38min

  Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah dive deep into the heated debate surrounding streamer investment obligations in Europe. With tech giants like Netflix and Amazon pushing back against regulations in Germany and France, what does this mean for the local creative economy? Is it an unfair tax on success, or a necessary contribution from an "extraction business" to fuel cultural diversity?At the same time, there is an engagement problem especially with 2nd and 3rd seasons. We discuss why they are still producing them. And that actually leads to the question: How do streamers measure the economic value of their production in investments in their balance sheets?Later in the episode, Joanna sits down with Hugo Rosák, Head of Industry at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF). They discuss the festival's ongoing mission to spotlight Central and Eastern European talent, foster cross-border co-productions, and the new "Book to Screen" initiative. Plus, they explore how independent producers can build resilience in an ever-shifting market.Links:🔗  Streamers engagement problem (Lucas Shaw - Bloomberg)🔗  KVIFF Industry Programme👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  A24's AI Deal, Big Tech's Grip on Indie Film, & The World Cup Economy | #022 01.07.2026 52min

  This week, we're starting with some exciting news close to home: our own Jennifer is taking over as co-head of studies at the prestigious EAVE Producers Workshop. 👏Plus: We dive deep into A24's controversial $75M deal with Google’s DeepMind and what it tells us about Big Tech’s tightening grip on indie film. We also dissect Amazon MGM’s sudden cancellation of Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman movie and its move to Neon. We cover the growing battle over digital services taxes between Europe and the US, Comcast's strategic split of NBCUniversal, and wrap up with a look at the unprecedented scale of the FIFA World Cup and why live sports remain the ultimate draw for streamers.Links:🔗 Comcast’s Split (Variety)🔗 Luca Guadagnino on the Amazon MGM deal on his film (The Wrap)🔗 Jennifer’s new role at EAVE (Screen)🔗 Trump’s Tariff threats (The Guardian)🔗 FIFA World Cup Numbers (Nielsen)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Big Tech Meets Independent Film, TV's New Play, The Digital Circus Phenomenon & a European Social Network | #021 24.06.2026 43min

  In this episode of The Sideletters, Jennifer, Joanna and Fabian discussEuropean Social Media: Is WSocial the new European alternative to X? We discuss the push for digital sovereignty and new platforms emerging in the EU.A24 & Google's DeepMind: With Google investing $75 million in the indie darling A24, what does the future of AI-powered filmmaking tools look like? Are the tech giants coming for indie cinema?Instagram vs. Netflix: Meta is bringing Instagram to your living room TV. Could this episodic format challenge the streaming giants for sofa viewing?TF1 & Netflix Partnership: A landmark distribution deal in France. What happens when public broadcasters hand over their distribution to streamers, and how does it affect the ecosystem?Film Revenue & Waterfalls: We break down the complex reality of backend deals, inspired by a viral analysis of box office receipts, and explore new equity models for risk-sharing among film crews and producers.The Amazing Digital Circus: How an indie YouTube animated series from Glitch Productions dominated global box offices, proving that original creator-led IP can rival traditional studio blockbusters.Links:🔗 Mynette Louie breaking down (possible) Obsession waterfall🔗 The Amazing Digital Circus🔗 Netflix / TF1 Deal (Deadline)🔗 Google Investing 75m USD in A24 (Variety)🔗 W Social👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Challenging Projections: The New Content Economy with Johanna Koljonen | #020 17.06.2026 54min

  We dive into the ever-shifting landscape of the European creative industries, starting with two major stories: the sobering Europe 2031 report on AI and digital sovereignty (including the recent Anthropic model shutdown for European users),and the $250M launch of Compound Creative Holdings by CAA and TPG. Then stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation on what we need to focus on: We sit down with media analyst and futurist Johanna Koljonen, author of the renowned Nostradamus Report. We discuss its 2026 edition, "Challenging Projections," exploring how film, TV, streaming, and the creator economy have merged into one connected ecosystem. Johanna challenges the European "snobbery" dividing art from commerce, urging the industry to build meaningful direct connections with audiences, stop acting out of fear, and start tracking essential data to measure true cultural impact.Links:🔗 The 2026 Nostradamus Report🔗 Europe 2031🔗 Variety on CAA, TPG 250m EUR fund👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Wave or Drop? The Creator Economy, Crew Pay & Europe's Position, with Torsten Frehse (Neue Visionen / European Work in Progress) | #019 10.06.2026 1h 2min

  The Backrooms / Obsession debate gets sharper. And one of Europe's most experienced distributors asks the question nobody can answer: is all this hype a wave, or just a drop?Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine, Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah cut through the noise, and sit down with Torsten Frehse, CEO of Neue Visionen and founder of European Work in Progress.In this episode of The Sideletters:💥 Backrooms vs. Obsession: Disruption or Just a Great Story? Backrooms is now at $200M, Obsession at $175M, and climbing. While Backrooms opened huge, then dropped, Obsession has stronger ratings and week-on-week audience growth through word of mouth. Is that really a shift in the business model, as some argue?💸 Who Gets Paid When a $750K Film Makes $150M? The art director on Obsession claims she was paid $300/day, around $7,000 total. The film has grossed over $150 million. We break it down: how do back-end deals actually work in Germany and France. What does Germany's transparency law require producers to disclose? And could a film cooperative model, where every crew member becomes a co-owner, be a real alternative? Plus: a new Polish industry salary report reveals that crew members earn decent wages, but 50% are still unhappy.🎬 Guest Interview: Torsten Frehse, CEO Neue Visionen & founder of European Work in Progress One of Germany's most successful independent distributors and the founder of European Work in Progress (EWIP) joins Fabian to talk about the market's 9th edition, now anchored in Hamburg as part of the Filmfest Hamburg Industry Days. Around 25 European features in post-production are pitched each year to leading sales agents, distributors, and festival curators, with awards worth €100,000. The 2025 cohort produced the Cannes Certain Regard Jury Prize winner Elephants In The Fog, plus another film selected in Cannes, and a further title showing this month at Tribeca.Links:🔗 European Work In Progress - Call for Projects🔗 The Wrap on Obsession’s Art Director speaking out🔗 Article on Crew Salaries Report (in Polish language)🔗 ⁠Crew Salaries Report (PDF) (in Polish language)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Wenders, Box Office Hits by YouTube Creators & Netflix's Power Play | #018 03.06.2026 40min

  German film had its biggest awards night, and it got complicated. Two young YouTube creators just shattered US box office records. And Netflix is quietly trying to rewrite European media law. All in one week. In this episode of The Sideletters, Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah unpack what's really moving the creative industries in Europe right now:🏆 The Lola Awards & the Wenders Controversy Sound of Falling swept Germany's most prestigious film awards. But the night's most talked-about moment came when honorary Lola recipient Wim Wenders addressed a very uncomfortable question on stage: actress Nastassia Kinski has been asking him for years to cut a scene from his 1974 film Wrong Move, a scene in which she appeared as a 13-year-old. Wenders asked the audience: Would cutting it set a precedent? Fabian and Joanna dig into the bigger question: How should the creative industry handle the ethics of its own heritage?Note: This topic includes a brief description of a disturbing scene involving a minor. The hosts flag this at the top of the episode.📱 YouTube Creators Are Winning Hollywood. What Does Europe Do? Kane Parsons (aka Kane Pixels) just opened Backrooms, released by A24, to $81M domestically in its first weekend. The biggest-ever debut for a non-sequel, non-IP horror film. The original "IP"? A single creepy photo on 4chan. Meanwhile, 26-year-old TikTok creator Cory Baker's Obsession, shot for $750K, has grossed over $100M. A new talent pipeline is reshaping Hollywood, one built on audience trust, not development deals. Does Europe have an equivalent? And if not, why not?⚖️ Streamers vs. Europe: The Direct Investment Battle Gets Serious Germany just tabled an 8% streaming reinvestment obligation. Belgium took Netflix to its Constitutional Court, and the AVMS directive revision is open for consultation right now. This is the moment for European professionals to have a say.🖥️ EU Tech Sovereignty Package. What to Watch. The European Commission is about to publish its cloud and AI development act, with a goal of tripling EU data center capacity within five to seven years. We're gonna follow this.Links:🔗 WSJ on “Backrooms” and “Obsession”🔗 THR on “Backrooms” and “Obsession”🔗 about “Crocodile“ (2026)🔗 Süddeutsche Zeitung about Wim Wenders/Nastassja Kinski controversy (in German language)👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn. The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Guillaume Esmiol about the Evolution of the Marché du Film. Plus: Cannes Winners, Enhanced Games, and the Vatican’s take on AI | #017 27.05.2026 34min

  The dust has settled on the Croisette, and Episode 17 of The Sideletters delivers a wrap-up of Cannes 2026. Joanna and Fabian discuss the major winners, including a historic Golden Palm, a landmark award for African cinema, an outstanding deal, before diving into an insightful interview that Jennifer had with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. Discover how the world's largest film market continues bridging the gap between traditional markets, the creator economy, investors and the integration of AI in our industry.Plus:Why the Enhanced Games did not turn out to be the media phenomenon it wanted to be.And even the Vatican wants to say something about AI.Links:🔗 Cannes Winners 2026🔗 Enhanced Games🔗 Pope Leo’s Magnifica Humanitas👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Full Package: Agora EU, Canal+ Blacklists, Producers Mental Health, and the "Netflix Effect" | #016 20.05.2026 44min

  While the Cannes Film Festival 2026 buzzes on the Croisette, Joanna Szymańska and Fabian Massah analyze the industry from an observer's distance. This episode tackles the major political and structural shifts that impact European production. From the much-discussed AgoraEU mega-program to Canal+ leadership's shock announcement of blacklisting industry professionals, we dive deep into why cultural sovereignty, a new report from EAVE on producers‘ mental health are now at a critical breaking point and into Netflix's recent "Global Economic Cultural Engine" report and the massive expansion of their ad-supported tier. Is Netflix saving the industry or merely recreating "old TV"?Links:🔗 Screen quotes Henna Virkkunen🔗 The Guardian on Canal+ vs 600 industry professionals🔗 EAVE Report on Producers Mental Health🔗 WSJ on Streamers taking over Ad Market👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Cannes Episode. Supporting the Next Generation: Inside La Fabrique with Thibaut Bracq, plus Statements from Emerging Producers | #015 13.05.2026 51min

  Join us as Thibaut Bracq, Head of La Fabrique, a game-changing program at Cannes that supports emerging filmmakers and producers from around the globe, reveals the secrets to launching your first feature film at the world's biggest film market.In this episode, Thibaut shares, what industry professionals look for in emerging projects, how La Fabrique selects 10 projects from 150+ applications, why bold cinema attracts major players, and pitching & networking strategies that actually work at Cannes.Plus, more about the future of the industry:Joanna caught statements from Lodz Film School students who will be in Cannes for the first time. Pretty insightful. Thanks to Ola Nowakowska, Marta Witkowska and Julia Pietrasik.And our support of the open letter “Cinema needs Europe. Europe need Cinema.” - signed by more than 5,000 professionals including Juliette Binoche, Sandra Hüller, Joachim Trier - calling on the EU to continue dedicated support of the movie sector within the MEDIA frameworks.Links:🔗 Sign the Open Letter: Cinema needs Europe. Europe Needs Cinema.🔗 La Fabrique Cinéma👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  SPECIAL - Inside the Marché du Film: Alexandra Zakharchenko on How the World's Leading Film Market Connects the Global Industry | #014 11.05.2026 27min

  On the eve of Cannes 2026, The Sideletters go behind the scenes with Alexandra Zakharchenko, head of industry programs at the Marché du Film, the beating heart of the global film business.In this special episode, Alexandra reveals how the Marché connects thousands of producers, distributors, investors, and creators annually, explains the innovative Investor Circle program that bridges public and private financing, highlights emerging regions (sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan), and discusses what independent cinema actually needs to thrive in 2026 and beyond…and at the end, we found a unique German language expression that describes it very well 🙂Links:🔗 Marché du Film Industry Programs👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).
• 
  Movie Production Cycles vs. Cultural Shifts, Oscars Rewrite Rules, Streamers Go Theatrical, and NATO Reaches Out to Filmmakers | #013 06.05.2026 46min

  With major industry shifts happening simultaneously - the Academy rewrites Best International Feature rules, Netflix commits to theatrical windows for Greta Gerwig's Narnia, and NATO holds closed-door meetings with European filmmakers - we discuss the fundamental question: How relevant is cinema?This episode explores how development cycles lag behind cultural moments, why festival-qualifying films now bypass national committees, what streamer theatrical commitments actually mean for windows and revenues, and whether military-cultural partnerships constitute narrative influence or healthy consultation.Links:🔗 Greenlight Analytics on Production Cycles out of Sync with Culture🔗 New Academy Awards Rules for International Film🔗 The Guardian on NATO meetings with European Filmmakers👉 Connect with The Sideletters community on LinkedIn.The Sideletters is a weekly European B2B conversation on film, tech & future business. New episodes every Wednesday.Hosted by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Paris), Joanna Szymanska (Warsaw) and Fabian Massah (Berlin/Hamburg).