The independent film sector is at a critical juncture where it simply cannot afford to shy away from taking risks. This pivotal insight emerges from the StepIn 2025 Report, which was unveiled on Thursday by Locarno Pro, the industry initiative of the renowned Locarno Film Festival. The report, aptly titled "Embracing the Risk(s), But How?" emphasizes that the future of cinema hinges on its capacity to redefine risk within the industry. Rather than viewing it as a potential setback, the report argues that risk should be seen as a catalyst for creativity, meaningful impact, and audience expansion. The consensus among participants was clear: the independent film landscape must embrace risk-taking as an essential component of its survival and growth.
StepIn functions as a dynamic think tank that brings together a diverse array of stakeholders in the film industry, including distributors, exhibitors, producers, sales agents, film institutions, financiers, streaming services, broadcasters, and representatives from film festivals and markets. These professionals engage in focused discussions about the current state of the film industry in a series of closed sessions. This year, Marcello Paolillo took the helm as project manager for the 14th edition, with ACCoppens from The Catalysts facilitating the discussions.
The program for StepIn this year revolved around four key themes: the balance of public and private financing in independent production; the contemporary landscape of independent distribution, focusing on the art of risk-taking and its management; the relationship between festivals and the media; and the pursuit of a genuinely inclusive audiovisual industry.
The discussions yielded a variety of actionable recommendations. Among these were the establishment of public-private partnerships aimed at bolstering production companies, which would enable them to undertake higher-budget projects without losing talent to competing markets. Additionally, the report advocates for recognizing entertainment as a legitimate asset class by educating European investors. It also suggests that the industry should consider imposing obligations on streaming platforms to reinvest a portion of their locally generated revenue back into national ecosystems. Expanding revenue streams through AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand), PVOD (Premium Video on Demand), and self-distribution was also highlighted as a crucial strategy. Furthermore, the report calls for greater transparency in streaming data and encourages a rethinking of ticket pricing strategies to attract younger audiences through flexible pricing models, memberships, and discounted days. Importantly, it stresses that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be framed as a means of generating revenue and growing audiences, rather than merely a compliance exercise for businesses.
The StepIn report culminated in a series of bold recommendations, including the need to abandon the obsession with "safe" choices, which are often misleading; to fully embrace change; to recognize that financing and distribution are interdependent—if one falters, the other will inevitably follow; to prioritize transparency as a vital element of the industry; and to foster collaboration over competition when it comes to building audiences.
Interestingly, the report also addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI), stating that it should not be considered a taboo subject. The report elaborates that when utilized effectively, AI can serve as a powerful tool for developing data-driven strategies tailored to specific audience segments. The combination of algorithmic insights and human emotional intelligence is presented as a winning formula for minimizing risks and achieving success in both production and distribution.
Among the notable figures from the film industry who participated in Locarno Pro this summer were Ed Guiney, producer of acclaimed films like "Poor Things" and "My Father’s Shadow," as well as Yorgos Lanthimos’ long-time collaborator, Tricia Tuttle, the director of the Berlin Film Festival, and Stuart Ford, chairman and CEO of AGC Studios. A particularly engaging discussion featured the free-spirited Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude and Guiney, who delved into the intricate dynamics between directors and producers, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filmmaking process. Additionally, comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid, known for her roles in "You Don’t Mess With the Zohan" and "General Hospital," sparked meaningful conversations in a session titled "Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Making Movies That Save Lives."
But here's where it gets controversial: Are we truly ready to embrace the risks that come with innovation in the film industry? Or do we still cling to the comfort of traditional methods? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
