We interviewed film festival consultant Eric Vollweiler, who has been advising festivals on sponsorships, advertising and PR for over 15 years.
As you know, Film Fest Report is dedicated to supporting film festivals and their effort to promote filmmakers’ works all around the world. On top of the services we provide to festivals, we’re glad to feature some key people to give you insights on how to organize the best event possible. Therefore, we’re happy to introduce you to Eric Vollweiler.
Eric Vollweiler is a producer and marketing consultant on film festivals and entertainment events. He has been working on festivals and events for over 15 years all over the United States, Canada and presently Europe. Eric’s focus is selling sponsorships, advertising, booking entertainment professionals for panels, social media and public relations. He is therefore the ideal world-class expert in film festival organization we needed to answer our questions about how to close sponsorship deals for your film festivals.
“I love being one of the team members that makes a film festival successful!”
Hi Eric! What led you to the world of film festivals and what has kept you in it for 15 years already? Why has it become your world?
When I was attending Emerson College in Boston in 2000 there was an opportunity to volunteer on a fundraiser for the Nantucket Film Festival and I was offered to manage the volunteers. My next volunteer work was at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival where I was a crowd liaison at the Egyptian Theater. I learned that film festivals brought like-minded people and diverse lovers of film together. The film festival to me meant a celebration of the filmmakers and performers being honored for his or her hard work and dedication to the art. I love being one of the team members that makes a film festival successful.
How has your job evolved in 15 years?
My job has become easier by defining different types of sponsors and advertisers. When marketing a film festival you’re able to think outside of the box when it comes to sponsors and advertisers. Some examples include airlines, grocery chains, hospitals and real estate.
“I am proud to raise money to support independent film.”
What makes you proud in your job as a film festival consultant?
My focus is selling sponsorships, advertising, booking entertainment professionals for panels, filmmaker prizes and social media. I am proud to raise money to support independent film. Also, creating connections to some of the top entertainment people in the industry.
On a general rule, what gets sponsors attracted to film festivals? Why do film festivals prove to be relevant events for sponsors to take part?
In general film festivals cater to a higher income level audience. When approaching a sponsor or advertiser, I always remind them that their products and services are seen as enjoyable, educational and in a fun atmosphere where audiences can let go. The audience at a film festival is more open to viewing the sponsors or advertisers brands.
How would you advise a new film festival trying to figure out how to finance its first ever edition?
First, when creating a sponsorship deck or advertising deck, stay on the lower end because you don’t know your demographics yet. Some other ways to finance your film festival includes fundraisers during the year and crowdfunding campaigns. Once your workers and volunteers are established is to have them promote the film festival. Film submissions, passes, tickets and merchandising are other ways.
Do you have any good practice to share in terms of how film festivals can make deals with sponsors?
First, understanding the demographics of your audience who will be attending. Creating different sponsorship opportunities that are different from other film festivals. When selling sponsorships, to educate your workers and volunteers that it is a numbers game and you can’t worry about rejection. Most important is that you are selling art/independent films.
“The pandemic has made it harder to sell sponsorships.”
How do you think the current pandemic is affecting the willingness of sponsors to finance film festivals?
The pandemic has made it harder to sell sponsorships. Businesses have been hit hard financially. I would focus on selling smaller sponsorships and advertising now. This is meant for the smaller and medium size film festivals.
“The one advantage of online film festivals is that sponsors can see an increase of audiences.”
In the current context, many film festivals have shifted to fully online events. How can an online film festival remain attractive for sponsors? And for the audience?
The one advantage of an online film festival is that sponsors can see an increase of audiences. This all depends on how the film festival is publicized and promoted. If the film festival and all the filmmakers and their crew are promoting the film festival, it will be a big success. Sponsors will also be interested in how the film festival programs, events and screenings are promoted.
Can you tell us more about the ambition of your new company Film Festival Sponsors?
Film Festival Sponsors came about from one of my Los Angeles sponsors of different film festivals invested into the company to create it. The investor saw my hard work and dedication to my jobs. Right now I have 2 other sales reps and by the time we launch we will bring on 5 all together. The focus is in the US, Canada and Europe film festivals and entertainment events.
