Sales agents reveal drama films are losing ground, shifting focus to comedies and genre movies.
At the BFI London Film Festival, a panel of international sales agents revealed that drama films are becoming harder to finance and sell in today’s global market. The group, which included representatives from Bankside Films, Memento International, Alpha Violet, and Visit Films, discussed the current state of the film industry, pointing to a noticeable decline in demand for dramas.
Sophie Green, head of acquisitions and development at Bankside Films, summed up the situation by saying, “The big sort of takeaway at the moment from the market is anything but drama.” This sentiment was echoed by other panelists, who acknowledged that the genre, once a staple of independent cinema, is now facing significant challenges.
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Sata Cissokho from Memento International explained that while drama remains important, it has become increasingly difficult to secure financing and distribution. This shift has forced many sales agents to diversify their slates, opting for genre films, comedies, and other types of content that are easier to sell in today’s market.
The panelists agreed that for drama films to succeed, they need strong premieres at major festivals, critical praise, and awards buzz. Madeleine Tangney from Visit Films highlighted the importance of securing early interest from broadcasters and VOD platforms to convince distributors to take risks on dramas.
Despite the overall challenges, there have been some success stories. Virginie Devesa from Alpha Violet pointed to “Totem,” a Mexican drama that secured several distribution deals after its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. Tangney also noted the success of “40 Acres,” a Black-led dystopian thriller that has performed well in the U.S. market, showing that films with a unique angle can still find their audience.
The panelists emphasized the need for sales agents to get involved in projects early, often taking on executive producer roles to help shape financing and production strategies. As the industry continues to adapt to changing audience preferences, they also noted a shift back toward more traditional release strategies, even on streaming platforms.
