Tallinn Market Shifts Focus to 'Back to Basics'

The Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event market is marking its 25th edition this year, with a notable shift in focus towards 'back to basics' principles. According to head Marge Liiske, the market will prioritize distribution, sales, and digital marketing, as well as gaming and intellectual property.

The decision to focus on these areas comes after previous years' emphasis on other topics, including financing. Liiske notes that the industry is now looking to build on those foundations, providing producers with the necessary tools to increase the visibility of their films and reach wider audiences.

Gaming will also be a key area of focus at the market, with industry sessions exploring the differences in financing and storytelling between games and films/series. This is not the market's first foray into gaming, having previously explored the topic in 2016. However, difficulties in securing funding for European gaming development led to a pause in this area.

In contrast to previous years, the market will be taking a step back from its focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Despite having been at the forefront of AI discussions in recent years, Liiske indicates that the market will be doing less on this topic in its 25th edition. However, the market will still host the fifth and final module of the Mastering AI for European Film Professionals training course, organized by the National Film School of Denmark, Filmforward, ITBE, and The Norwegian Film School, with support from the Creative Europe MEDIA program.

## What it means for the industry The shift in focus at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event market reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the audiovisual industry. As the market enters its 25th edition, it is clear that the emphasis is on providing practical support and guidance to producers, rather than solely exploring emerging trends like AI. The renewed focus on gaming and intellectual property also highlights the growing importance of these areas in the industry.

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, which hosts the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event market, is also celebrating a milestone this year, marking its 30th edition. The festival has established itself as a key platform for film professionals and emerging talents, offering a range of panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.

As the industry continues to evolve, the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event market is well-positioned to provide a platform for professionals to share knowledge, build connections, and drive growth in the audiovisual sector.