Industry veterinarian Patrick Wachsberger had a short time for negativity this afternoon when he sat on a retrospective career conversation with Roeg Sutherland, co-head of the CAA media finance department, during the Creative Investors conference in San Sebastian.
“Let’s stay calm. Let’s be optimistic,” said Wachsberger when questioning current market changes, including the imminent threat of artificial intelligence. “Creativity is inhibited by fear. And I think that today is a very interesting moment. I don’t think we should be depressed by changes in the business. We have undergone so many changes. ”
The CEO of 193 also urged his colleagues producer and commercial agents to remain agile and to stay in touch with what the public wants, but never chasing the ideas of perceived success.
“As producers and sales agents, you need to understand what the public wants,” he said. “But do not start to follow the trends in the industry, because when your film is set up and finished, the public has changed.”
Wachsberger added: “It is very important today when you establish your budget to look at all angles, including foreign sales, discounts, equity and the relationship with talents and filmmakers.”
In the future, Wachsberger said he was now considering the production of foreign language titles as an equally attractive proposal for American titles based in the United States.
“In fact, we have just started production on a French language film based on the hero of the Resistance. Laszlo Nemes directs, and Gilles Lelouche plays,” he said, adding that he was also a platform agnostic.
“When you present your film on the market, you should not think that my film is a theatrical film or designed for a streamer. You must watch all the options when you make your financial plan.”
San Sebastian takes place until September 27.
