filmBUZZ is the first full-service entertainment market research firm to focus exclusively on independent motion pictures. Established in 2002, filmBUZZ is uniquely positioned to offer its services at events where filmmakers and distributors converge—film festivals.

Why Film Festivals?

Festivals drive buzz. As loyal moviegoers and drivers of film “buzz”, festival attendees are key influencers in the success of independent films. Independent producers often submit their films to film festivals to generate awareness of their movies and to gauge the reaction among this influential group. Distributors often attend film festivals looking for films with strong potential.

Theatrical, home video, and broadcast executives are often forced to make choices based on personal taste and word of mouth rather than collective opinion. In an industry where few research efforts focus on content acquisition, filmBUZZ provides a standardized and strategic way of assessing a film’s potential through empirical data that reflects a film’s “buzz.”

Festivals are where talent is discovered. The recent success of many independent films indicates that mainstream audiences do embrace independent films. However, the challenge remains to uncover the best of these films from the thousands that are produced each year. At both small and large film festivals, filmBUZZ highlights those motion pictures that appeal to audience members. With innovative research techniques, filmBUZZ exists to help filmmakers position their films for sale and to assist distributors in acquiring and marketing the best product.

Festivals reduce overhead costs. Unlike traditional audience research efforts, festival research eliminates the cost of screening rooms and reduces the expense of recruiting respondents. filmBUZZ understands that independent producers and distributors do not typically have the budgets for large scale market research efforts and passes its cost savings along to its customers. As a result, filmBUZZ market research is extremely affordable.

Opportunities Outside Festivals

filmBUZZ knows that filmmaking is an ongoing creative process that may not coincide perfectly with the schedule of film festivals. Accordingly, filmBUZZ provides additional services for filmmakers and distributors seeking to gather information on their films either before or after a festival. filmBUZZ can conduct audience screenings and market research in various markets throughout the United States.