The Sideletters
The Sideletters is a weekly B2B podcast covering film, technology, and the future of business in Europe. Aimed at professionals and decision-makers in the creative industries, it analyzes market trends, cinema and streaming developments, business strategies, and emerging technologies. The show is hosted from Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, and Warsaw, offering a pan-European perspective. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
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One Woman, One Lion, One Loud Debate: Venice's Gender Math. Plus: How a Coyote Beat Warners | #032
Only 1 of ~20 Venice competition films was directed by a woman. And she won the Golden Lion. Joanna Szymanska, Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine and Fabian Massah break down the numbers and the backlash.Woman Unknown, directed by Denmark's May el-Toukhy, just won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the only woman-directed film in a competition of roughly 20 titles. Under jury president Maggie
Malika Rabahallah on FilmFest Hamburg, US Production Incentive & Germany's Election Shock | #031
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 Jen
What Makes Film Interesting for Equity Investors? Plus: Meta's $18B Child Safety Settlement | #030
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
Open Air Cinema Founder Everbright Everready on Innovation & VJ Culture, Sarajevo Recap, Explorer Konferenz Outlook | #029
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,
Maša Marković, Head of Industry in Sarajevo: How CineLink Builds Tomorrow's Film Talent | #028
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
Is Cinema Really Back? Box Office Truths, the Warner-Paramount Saga & the EU AI Act | #027
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, complet
CLASSIC | "You Are the Industry" w/ EAVE's Tina Trapp
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.
Film Business in Africa w/ Osoo Omondi | #026
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
The Fight for Gender Parity in Film w/ WIFT's Lisa Herbers. The Odyssey. Netflix's Value Proposition | #025
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 Nola
Netflix Chases YouTube, EAVE's New Leadership & The Future of Letterboxd | #024
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 s
Streamer Investment Obligation Discussions Heating Up & Karlovy Vary Industry Insights with Hugo Rosák | #023
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
A24's AI Deal, Big Tech's Grip on Indie Film, & The World Cup Economy | #022
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
Big Tech Meets Independent Film, TV's New Play, The Digital Circus Phenomenon & a European Social Network | #021
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
Challenging Projections: The New Content Economy with Johanna Koljonen | #020
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
Wave or Drop? The Creator Economy, Crew Pay & Europe's Position, with Torsten Frehse (Neue Visionen / European Work in Progress) | #019
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
Wenders, Box Office Hits by YouTube Creators & Netflix's Power Play | #018
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
Guillaume Esmiol about the Evolution of the Marché du Film. Plus: Cannes Winners, Enhanced Games, and the Vatican’s take on AI | #017
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 larg
Full Package: Agora EU, Canal+ Blacklists, Producers Mental Health, and the "Netflix Effect" | #016
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
Cannes Episode. Supporting the Next Generation: Inside La Fabrique with Thibaut Bracq, plus Statements from Emerging Producers | #015
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
SPECIAL - Inside the Marché du Film: Alexandra Zakharchenko on How the World's Leading Film Market Connects the Global Industry | #014
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 p
Movie Production Cycles vs. Cultural Shifts, Oscars Rewrite Rules, Streamers Go Theatrical, and NATO Reaches Out to Filmmakers | #013
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
Kjersti Mo: How Norway built a Golden Era of Cinema. Plus: the RTL/Sky Merger, WGA’s New Deal, and a YouTube phenomenon in Poland | #012
How is one small country building a golden era of cinema while larger markets struggle? Kjersti Mo, CEO of the Norwegian Film Institute since 2019, shares the strategy behind Norway's recent Oscar wins, Berlin and Cannes successes, and multiple European Film Awards. Her insights reveal a roadmap for sustainable, culturally relevant audiovisual production in the age of consolidation, streaming, and
How European Producers Use Automation, AI & Self-Hosted Infrastructure to Stay Independent. Plus AgoraEU & UK‘s return | #011
In this deep-dive episode, Joanna and Fabian pull back the curtain on how they actually run their production companies in the age of AI. They’re sharing insights, and discussing specific tools, workflows, and philosophies driving their daily work. From practical implementation of AI agents, automation platforms, to self-hosted European infrastructure - an essential guide for creative professionals
Cannes: Producer Leonardo Mecchi on Brazilian Cinema, plus: CinemaCon and Cannes Competition Selection | #010
With Cannes 2026 fresh off the announcement and CinemaCon underway, The Sideletters explore the festival landscape, US box office recovery, and dive deep into global co-productions with Brazilian producer Leonardo Mecchi, whose film Elephants in the Fog just landed in Un Certain Regard at Cannes. Discover how cross-border co-productions work, what it takes to build equitable partnerships across ec
France vs Germany: Why German Producers Wish They Had the French Film Financing System | #009
In this deep-dive B2B episode, Jennifer Sabbah-Imagine and Fabian Massah compare the theatrical film financing structures of Europe's two largest cinema markets: France and Germany. Discover and discuss with us!Key Topics: • French Cinema Financing: The CNC, broadcaster obligations, Sophica vehicles, and regional funds • German Cinema Financing: ARD/ZDF duopoly, and the Rundfunkräte governance cha
Europe's Series Revolution: A New Co-Production Convention & Why OpenAI Axed Sora | #008
Europe just got a brand new rulebook for TV series co-production. And OpenAI quietly killed Sora, its much hyped video-generating product. In this episode of The Sideletters, Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine, Fabian Massah and Joanna Szymanska dig into two stories that signal a major shift for the European creative industry.First: Jennifer breaks down what the Council of Europe's new Convention on Co-prod
Culture as Currency: Why Europe's Creative Power Matters | #007
Is culture just a nice-to-have for society, or a superpower driving economic and social progress? In this episode of The Sideletters, Joanna Szymanska and Fabian Massah dig into UNESCO's International Decade of Culture and the Reshaping Policies for Creativity report to challenge how we measure success in the creative industries.You'll hear candid insights on why box office numbers don't tell the
Séries Mania Forum‘s head Francesco Capurro & Joanna‘s take on the Oscars AI predictions | #006
In Episode #006 of The Sideletters, we explore the forces reshaping European series production with Francesco Capurro, Director of Series Mania Forum, and on what to expect at this year’s edition. He also speaks about why co-productions aren't optional anymore, they're essential, about the new EU legal framework that is unlocking international partnerships, and the European vs. the American models
"You Are the Industry": EAVE's Tina Trapp on Producer Empowerment in the Age of Consolidation | #005
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, Creat
What Does an AI-Native Production Company Actually Look Like? w/ Katharina Gellein Viken, Metrotone | #004
In Episode #004 of The Sideletters, Joanna and Jennifer sit down with Katharina Gellein Viken, CEO of Metrotone and creator of the Raynmaker Project, to discuss what it actually looks like to build an AI-native production company in Europe.Kat's journey - from producing Norway's Strictly Come Dancing to rebuilding her company around AIHow a small production company turned "disadvantage" into compe
"Everything is Political": Berlinale Controversy, Netflix vs Paramount, McKinsey on AI in Film & TV, and the Césars | #003
Episode #003 of The Sideletters tackles the uproars on the Berlinale jury statement, major industry consolidation moves, and César Awards predictions.This Week:The "stay out of politics" remark that sparked industry backlash - and how legacy and social media picked it up, and certain politicians weaponized it within hoursParamount’s and Netflix's aggressive play for Warner Bros. assets and what it
Live from the EFM: Joanna’s Dispatch, Who will save our Industry?, Yohann Comte on Charades’ Sales Strategy & Why Cinema Matters | #002
Episode #002 of The Sideletters comes to you live from the European Film Market and Berlinale 2026!This week, Fabian Massah and Joanna Szymanska report directly from the EFM, with Joanna - whose film “Dust” premiered in Competition - delivering a personal dispatch from the market floor, and Fabian sitting down with Yohann Comte, co-founder and chairman of French sales company Charades.Joanna refle
Inside the EFM 2026 w/ Tanja Meissner, The New German Film Law | #001
Finally, white smoke in Berlin! After years of uncertainty, the new German Film Law is here. In this episode, we break down what the new 8% investment obligation means for Netflix, RTL, and ZDF - and why the numbers might not be as scary for them as they look. And above all: What does it mean for producers?Then, we head to Potsdamer Platz. With the European Film Market (EFM) kicking off this week,
The "Death" of Indie Film? Melania, YouTubers & A European Reality Check | #000
Is the independent film model broken, or is it just changing hands? In this pilot episode of The Sideletters, we look at the numbers that confused the industry this week.While Sharon Waxman (The Wrap/NYT) writes about the "Death of Indie Film" post-Sundance, two "independent" films just stormed the US Box Office top 3: The controversial Melania documentary and the YouTube-creator-led horror Iron L
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