The 31st Annual Project forum during Independent Film Week kicked-off on September 19th and will go on until the 24th. Independent Film Week is the oldest forum in the US for the discovery of new projects in development and new voices on the independent film scene. It is qualitatively and quantitatively the best and biggest opportunity for an independent filmmaker to find a funder or producer.

10 Facts You Should Know About Independent Film Week’s “Project Forum”:

1. Annually, IFP invites approximately 100 new works-in-development to participate in Project Forum. Projects are accepted into one of two sections: No Borders International Co-Production Market or Spotlight on Documentaries.

2. Acceptance into this curated program is by invitation only, and free of charge to filmmakers. All projects are accepted based on artistic merit.

3. Roughly 18% of submitted projects are accepted. Priority is given to projects that have had little or no previous industry exposure in the U.S.

4. IFP accredits roughly 1,000 industry professionals to participate in project pitch meetings, speed dating meetings, roundtable discussions, attend screenings, social events and speak on panels. 50% of these individuals work at production companies, distributors, exhibitors, broadcasters or film festivals.

5. More than 2,600 one-on-one pitch meetings were arranged with buyers in 2008. Meetings are pre-scheduled in advance by IFP staff at the buyer/producer’s request after reviewing project dossiers and selecting potential projects of interest. Filmmakers and buyers are provided with meeting schedules in advance. All meetings and workshops take place in private venues.

6. The “Project  Forum” attracts US filmmakers from across the country. More than 50% of accepted filmmakers reside outside of tri-state NY. (International participation is restricted to those in No Borders.)

7. More than half of the accepted projects are documentaries in some stage of completion – from development through post-production.

8. Narrative projects are divided between works-in-progess by first-time narrative feature filmmakers at the rough cut stage and, and veteran producers with partially packaged and/or financed projects in development looking to raise the balance of their budgets.

9. The “Project Forum” is an effective venue for established filmmakers to re-connect with buyers and programmers and introduce new projects. Each year roughly 25% of accepted filmmakers are returning alumni representing new projects.

10. A primary outcome for all filmmakers is the facilitation of career-spanning relationships with potential financiers, festival programmers, buyers, collaborators and others. These  invaluable relationships continue well-beyond the six days of Independent Film Week.