Networking at Film Markets: A Student’s Guide to Cracking International Sales (Lessons from ‘Legacy’)

Hook: Why you feel invisible at film markets — and how HanWay’s pickup of Legacy changes the playbook

Every student who’s ever queued at a film market feels the same squeeze: thousands of titles, hundreds of buyers, and ten minutes to prove your film is worth attention. You’re competing with established producers and seasoned sales agents. That’s why HanWay’s 2026 boarding of David Slade’s horror feature Legacy—complete with exclusive footage shown to buyers at the European Film Market—matters. It shows what today’s sales reps pay for: a marketable hook, cinematic proof, attached talent, and a clear international strategy. For students and interns wanting to break into international sales, that acquisition is a living case study on how to prepare materials, structure pitches, and network like a pro.

The new rules of international sales in 2026 (quick overview)

Before we dive into hands-on tactics, understand the landscape as of early 2026:

• Genre-first buying: Horror, thrillers, and focused genre films continue to perform strongly for theatrical and AVOD/FAST windows globally.
• Data-driven offers: Sales teams use streaming and box-office analytics to estimate territory demand—buyers expect comps and numbers.
• Hybrid market formats: Physical meetings matter, but virtual screenings, secure screeners, and buyer portals remain standard after pandemic-driven shifts.
• AI-assisted prep: AI tools help produce lookbooks, translate one-sheets, and auto-create subtitle drafts—use them, but validate for quality.
• Talent and IP matter: An established director (like David Slade) and recognized cast (Lucy Hale, Jack Whitehall, Anjelica Huston) significantly increase marketability—sales reps often value attachments over a perfect script alone.

Lesson from HanWay: Why they boarded Legacy and what that means for your project

HanWay’s decision to board Legacy provides concrete signals about buyer priorities. Here’s why that move is instructive:

1. Director pedigree: David Slade has a festival and genre track record—sales teams bank on recognizable creative voices.
2. Marketable cast: Names with international recognition amplify buyer interest and pre-sales potential.
3. Genre hook: Horror sells internationally—low production costs, high festival appetite, and strong digital performance.
4. Visual proof: HanWay chose to show exclusive footage at EFM—this signals that a high-quality sizzle reel or excerpt can swing deals.
5. Timing & strategy: Boarding ahead of wide festival exposure gives a sales rep time to pre-sell territories and line up festival premieres.

What sales agents actually look for (insider checklist)

When you meet a sales rep or drop materials into a buyer portal, they’re scanning for the following. Treat this as your market checklist:

• Clear logline: One sentence that explains genre, stakes, and unique selling point.
• Proof of concept: Sizzle reel, trailer, or 3–5 minute excerpt with high production values.
• Attachments: Director, lead cast, or notable producers—names that help in key territories.
• Festival strategy: Planned premieres and festival submissions; some buyers value festival-ready films.
• Comp titles + data: Comparable films with box office/streaming performance in target territories.
• Delivery & budget transparency: Expected delivery date, current financing gap, and total budget.
• Rights & paperwork: Chain of title, rights clearances, and option agreements—buyers won’t spend time on legal messes.
• Marketing & localization plan: How you’ll position the film in non-English territories (key for international sales).

Market materials: Build the kit that moves deals (templates & timing)

Below are practical items to prepare—prioritize quality over quantity. If you can only finish three items before a market, make them the top three.

Core documents (must-haves)

• One-sheet / sales sheet: Single-page PDF: logline, one image, key cast/crew, runtime, genre, and contact details. Add three comps and a short festival plan. Keep file size small but image quality high.
• Sizzle reel / 90–180s excerpt: Festival and buyer-focused; highlight tone, production value, and the central hook. Provide a secure screening link on a private platform with password protection and time-limited access.
• Lookbook / visual treatment: 6–12 pages showing tone, location photos, color palette, and character visuals. Use high-resolution stills or mood boards.
• Director CV & statement: Short bio, prior credits, relevant festival accolades, and a one-paragraph artistic statement focused on audience and marketability.
• Budget summary & financing plan: One-page budget breakdown and current financing gap. Include any confirmed pre-sales or domestic deals.

Nice-to-haves (pack if you can)

• Full script (PDF with page numbers)
• Legal chain-of-title summary
• Marketing and festival strategy plan (1 page)
• Subtitling/localization approach
• Attachments letters (intent to cast/produce)

Timing: when to have these ready

• 6–12 months pre-market: Draft one-sheet, script, director CV, budget summary.
• 3 months pre-market: Finish lookbook and sizzle reel; secure passworded screener platform.
• 2–4 weeks pre-market: Export market-ready PDFs, compress files, and test links on multiple devices.

Pitching at the market: scripts you can use (elevator, 1-min, 5-min)

Have pre-memorized scripts for different meeting lengths. Use these to reduce nerves and make your minutes count.

Elevator (30 seconds)

“Legacy is a psychological horror about a single-family curse that resurfaces at a reunion, starring Lucy Hale and Jack Whitehall—think Hereditary meets A Simple Favor. Directed by David Slade, it’s a festival-friendly, globally-sellable genre title with strong digital and AVOD potential.”

One-minute pitch

1. One-sentence logline (genre + hook).
2. Two sentences on director and cast credentials.
3. One sentence on commercial potential and target windows (theatrical/streaming/TVOD).
4. Closing ask: “I’d like to share an exclusive 90-second clip and talk about pre-sales strategy for X territories.”

Five-minute pitch (meetings with a rep)

1. Start with a compact logline and sizzle link.
2. Describe audience, comps, and projected territories. Use numbers if you have them.
3. Share festival strategy and expected delivery date.
4. Explain financing gaps and how a sales agent can partner to close them.
5. Ask for feedback and next steps: “Would you consider viewing the full screener or discussing representation terms?”

Networking blueprint: how students win attention at film markets

Markets are both marathon and speed-dating. Your goal: leave a memorable, professional impression and a tangible next step.

Before the market

• Research: Identify which sales agents and buyers attended the last three markets (use LinkedIn, IMDbPro, and market apps). For example, check HanWay’s recent activity and buyer lists.
• Schedule strategically: Request short meetings—10–15 minutes—through official apps or by email. Provide links to your one-sheet and 90-second clip in the request.
• Mentor & intern outreach: Secure an internship or assistant role at a sales agency booth. Even two days working the booth gets you front-row access to meetings and informal networking.

At the market

• Be presentable: Professional but authentic. Carry a compact folder with printed one-sheets and a QR code to your online kit—avoid handing out low-quality business cards.
• Use the app: Join buyer sessions, attend panel Q&As, and add people on the market’s networking platform. Follow up immediately after conversations.
• Targeted outreach: Approach sales reps after buyer screenings with a concise comment about the film and a question about their current slate. This opens doors to future meetings.
• Coffee & bar etiquette: Casual chats at cafés and mixers lead to real opportunities. Bring a single ask (e.g., “Can we schedule a 15-minute meeting to show a clip?”).

After the market

• Follow up within 48 hours: Send a personalized email with a tailored next step—e.g., offering the 90-second clip, or a one-sheet plus budget summary.
• Track replies: Use a spreadsheet or CRM to log responses, next steps, and territory interests.
• Close the loop: If you promised a screener or updated budget, deliver it on time. Reliability builds trust—sales reps notice.

Internships & entry pathways: how to get inside a sales agency

An internship at a sales agent or distributor is the fastest way to learn the mechanics and meet buyers. Here’s how to stand out when applying:

• Tailor your CV: Highlight festival, festival-volunteer, AV distribution, subtitling, or marketing experience. Include measurable results (e.g., “managed screener distribution to 120 buyers at XXX market”).
• Prepare a 1-page portfolio: One-sheets you’ve created, social campaigns you’ve supported, and any reporting on buyer interest.
• Network first: Message current or former interns on LinkedIn for informational interviews—ask one focused question and offer to help with a small task to show initiative.
• Volunteer at markets: Even two days of volunteering opens doors. Agencies look at volunteers who show up early, work late, and solve problems.

Real-world examples & micro-case study: applying HanWay’s approach to your short or feature

Let’s map HanWay’s likely approach to a student project so you can replicate it:

1. Find the hook: If your short has a unique visual gimmick or contemporary social resonance, make that the lead—e.g., “A claustrophobic, smartphone-shot horror short that flips the found-footage trope.”
2. Produce a 90s proof: Edit a high-quality 90–180 second reel. Use clean audio, color grade, and a tight cut that shows the film’s promise.
3. Attach names early: Even regional names or festival favourite actors help. Note any awards or festival selection history clearly on the one-sheet.
4. Build comps: Collect 2–3 comparable short/feature titles with measurable festival or digital performance and show why your film fits their audience.
5. Offer exclusivity windows: Be ready to grant short exclusive access to a sales rep to show to key buyers—this is how sales agents justify time and effort.

Negotiation basics: what students must understand before saying yes

If a sales agent shows interest, you’ll face basic commercial choices. Know these head terms:

• Territory scope: Worldwide, regional, or selected territories—sales agents often seek worldwide rights to market more aggressively.
• Commission: Standard agent commission ranges (typically 20–35%). Negotiate for transparency on expenses.
• Minimum guarantees: A firm MG is rare for student films, but any MG or pre-sale should be documented.
• Reporting and accounting: Ask for quarterly sales reports and clear accounting intervals.
• Delivery obligations: Deadlines for final masters, subtitle files, and marketing assets—make sure you can meet them.

Digital and AI tools to accelerate your market prep (2026 primer)

Use modern tools but never outsource judgment. Recommended categories:

• Secure screener platforms: Medici, Vimeo Pro with domain restriction, or ScreenEngine portals.
• AI-assisted lookbooks: Rapid layout tools to assemble mood boards—then refine by hand.
• Data analytics: Tools that provide streaming comps and regional demand insights—use them in your comps section.
• Translation & subtitle tools: AI drafts for subtitling—always have a native speaker review.

Top mistakes students make at markets (and how to avoid them)

• Poorly mixed clips: A great story loses buyers if the clip’s audio is muddy. Test on multiple devices.
• No comps or data: Saying “it’s unique” won’t cut it—buyers want to map to known audiences.
• Overpromising: Don’t promise deliveries or attachments you can’t confirm.
• Weak follow-up: If you don’t deliver promised materials within 48 hours, interest cools fast.

Actionable checklist: What to do in the 30 days before a market

1. Finalize one-sheet and compress for email (PDF under 3MB).
2. Complete a 90–180s sizzle reel and upload to a secure platform.
3. Create a lookbook and director CV (single PDFs).
4. Identify 12 sales agents and 20 buyers; send tailored meeting requests.
5. Prepare elevator and 5-minute pitch scripts; rehearse with peers.
6. Print 25 one-sheets; prepare QR codes linked to your online kit.
7. Set a follow-up template email and schedule post-market tasks into your calendar.

Final takeaways — what students should internalize from HanWay’s Legacy play

• Show, don’t tell: High-quality footage or sizzle plays louder than long essays.
• Attach value: Directors with a proven voice and recognizable talent materially increase sales potential.
• Be market-aware: Know your comps, distribution windows, and where your film fits in buyers’ portfolios.
• Network intentionally: Internships, booth work, and well-timed follow-up are the primary ways students convert meetings into opportunities.

Resources & next steps

Want a ready-to-use market kit? Download our student market materials checklist and editable one-sheet and sizzle templates at online-jobs.pro/film-market-kits (free for subscribers). If you’re hunting internships at sales agencies, sign up for our weekly jobs bulletin—early leads for booth assistant roles often appear 6–8 weeks before major markets.

Call to action

Start preparing now: pick one short from your portfolio, build a 90-second sizzle, and send three tailored meeting requests to sales agents you admire. If HanWay’s boarding of Legacy taught us anything, it’s that the right footage shown to the right buyer—at the right time—changes everything. Join our mailing list for market-ready templates, internship alerts, and personalized pitch reviews for students. Ready to be seen at the next market? Sign up and upload your one-sheet for a free critique.

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