EFM Industry Debates eye funding, markets

'Iron Sky'Box office prospects in emerging markets and the growing power of crowd funding will be among the hot topics at the European Film Market Industry Debates at the Berlinale.In their sixth year, the debates, which take place Feb. 10-12, highlight current trends and future developments in the film industry.With box office, ancillaries and pre-sale values under pressure in traditional markets, the event will examine how the "new frontiers" of Brazil, Russia, India and China are contributing to the international financing landscape.Industry reps will also explore the benefits and pitfalls of going to the Internet for financing and look at different models of crowd funding from online sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo as well as European crowd-sourced success stories such as the sci-fi feature "Iron Sky," which preems in the Berlinale's Panorama section, and the erotic drama "Hotel Desire," both of which combined online investment with traditional film funding."Iron Sky" producer Tero Kaukomaa along with Jessica Caldwell and Rebecca Thomas, producer and director of "Electrick Children," which opens the Generation 14plus sidebar, will be among the panelists.Also in focus will be growing opportunities for world cinema on digital distribution platforms.The EFM Industry Debates, organized in cooperation with Variety and other trade publications, will be presented for the first time by the IFA Berlin consumer electronics trade fair, the event's new official host. Contact Ed Meza at ed.meza@mannaa.de