Breaking Through The Lens

From Idea to Deal: Film Development Strategy

Knowing when to approach financiers, how to position your film, and negotiate with confidence can make all the difference between a project that moves forward or stays stuck in development.

This virtual BTTL Masterclass is led by Heidi Lindén, an international development strategist with more than 20 years’ experience helping creator-producers develop and finance their projects, and move into production. Having advised more than 500 executives and creators, Heidi brings a rare understanding of both creative development and the commercial realities that determine whether a project gets financed. Her advisory clients include talent, producers and financiers from productions such as Succession, Ozark, and The White Lotus.

This 2-hour session explores:
• Financing in today’s market: how to think strategically about selling your script or IP and identifying the route that best fits your project.
• Developing with purpose: how expert input can strengthen your concept and financing proposition without trapping it
• Building the right team: why locking too many elements before funding can actually restrict your options
• Defining your audience: the importance of planning your PR strategy early on
• Protecting time, money and relationships: evaluating risk, avoiding expensive common mistakes and being realistic about promises
• Navigating deals and negotiations: with greater clarity and confidence.

About Heidi Lindén:
Through ACM Partners, Heidi works hands-on across project development, financing strategy, international co-productions, A-list talent attachment, sales and negotiation, connecting producers with the right strategic partners and long-term collaborators. Heidi has delivered more than 150 masterclasses internationally for studios, broadcasters, guilds, production companies, film schools, financing forums and major industry markets including Berlinale EFM, Series Mania and the Cannes Marché du Film.