Russian United Film Collection

Vasily Shilnikov
Director
Film Fund of Film Studio Souzmultfilm
Russia

Can you tell us about your activities?

Film Fund of Film Studio Souzmultfilm possesses more than 1500 cartoons and puppet animated films. Our main responsibility is to protect copyrights and to promote our collection in all corners of the globe. At present, we are in the process of becoming a United Enterprise. In the near future, Film Fund will join the largest Russian Film Studios Film Fund of Lenfilm, Film Fund of Sverdlovsk Film Studio and others, except Mosfilm. It will be the largest film holding in Russia, the exclusive rights holder of animated cartoons, feature films and documentary.

Even now, our catalogue offers a wide selection ranging from animated cartoons known for their non-violence content and spiritual value to highly inspiring feature films and documentary films telling people about their history, outstanding persons and educating the young. These films are the part of the national property and cultural heritage Of Russia, which is why our main goal is to preserve the collection and give it a second birth. Most of our films have received new, fully restored images and sound, which meet international standards.

Can you tell us about your sales strategies for 2009?

We have already established close business contacts with major television channels in Russia and distributors around the world, and our main concern is to cultivate these relationships and nourish them with quality content. Our sales strategy in 2009 emphasizes the great choice in programming. Film Fund sees itself as a real partner, helping a buyer to find the programs that deliver both in terms of audience reach and in terms of quality. We are a State Enterprise, controlled by The Russian Ministry of Culture, that is why it is extremely important for us focus on strong strategic partners from different countries around the globe. Companies who possess potential and the ability to explore foreign markets with us, as well as representing our interests in their local markets.

What countries are important for your sales?

Basically, Eastern Europe is the region where we close the biggest amount of deals. Due to the similarity of our cultures and interest, our films are extremely popular in this region. We also actively operate in the Baltic States. We would very much like to work very closely with the major broadcasters and distributors in Western Europe, it will help us to understand what works and what does not work so well, it is really a great experience. More than that we are now in the process of exploring new markets across the globe due to our extensive collection and diverse selection of rights.

What are your titles for MIPTV 2009?

We have more than 100 titles that always perform well on international television channels, such as "I'll get you!", "Unusual match", «The Three from the Sour-Cream Village" and many others.

Among others, we have in our line up Feature films of Gorky Film Studio, Documentary and Films for Children produced by Centre of Documentary Films.