The ZFF Summit Climber is designed as a mentored approach with a support programme. Content transfer as well as creation of networking opportunities play an equally important role in this programme. A particular focus for participants will be on transatlantic economic and financing structures. The programme imparts a comprehensive understanding of transatlantic financing structures and offers a unique opportunity to expand North American and European networks through contact with Zurich Summit guests. The participants can deepen their knowledge about development strategies for post-pandemic recovery in film sales and distribution, strengthen their collaboration with producers, and learn the rules and guidelines of transatlantic collaboration.

Key Topics

• Transatlantic finance, sales, distribution, and production
• Financing and packaging e.g. transatlantic financing structures, rules of engagement for transatlantic collaboration among other things
• Creating Networking opportunities

Programme features

• Attendance of the Zurich Summit key sessions and programme at The Dolder Grand
• Breakout sessions about "How to package & finance films in North America & Europe" with high-profile Speaker
• Group sessions and briefing/debriefing
• Mentoring support during the programme from Julia Short and Beatrice Neumann 
• Social & Networking Events

Timing overview

• Day 1 – Arrival by 2pm for the afternoon welcoming and networking programme
• Day 2 – Attendance of the Zurich Summit conference's key sessions and of the participants only break-out sessions
• Day 3 – Zurich Summit Tennis Tournament and Zurich Summit Dinner and other programme
• Day 4 – Departure

We bring the next generation of sales and distribution executives to the Zurich Summit.

Financing is one of the top gaps in the knowledge of even very experienced executives and knowledge much asked for in training need. The collaboration with Zurich Summit will make it possible to the ZFF Summit Climber to close that gap given the calibre of attendees and the collaboration with CAA. Obtaining this kind of knowledge will give the selected participants much desired knowledge and a competitive edge compared to their peers. Zurich Film Festival and International Screen Institute want to maximise the benefits of the excellent opportunities the Zurich Summit presents and use it as a stepping off point for the learnings they want to effect for the participants.

Differentiate yourself from other junior executives and gain competitive advantage by joining the ZFF Summit Climber.

The programme will provide you with:

• A comprehensive understanding of transatlantic financing structures
• An appropriation of the rules of engagement for transatlantic collaboration
• A unique opportunity to expand your North American and European network, facilitated by introduction to Summit attendees
• Knowledge to develop strategies for post-pandemic recovery in sales and distribution
• Input on how to collaborate with producers

What is the ZFF Summit Climber?
The ZFF Summit Climber is a talent development programme of the Zurich Film Festival supported by the International Screen Institute. The three-day programme is aimed at emerging sales and acquisition executives. During the ZFF Summit Climber, the selected participants will, among other things, have the unique opportunity to meet with well-known personalities of the film industry and gain insights into their creative process.

Who organizes the ZFF Summit Climber?
The ZFF Summit Climber is initiated by the Zurich Film Festival together with the International Screen Institute.

When will the ZFF Summit Climber 2023 take place? 
The ZFF Summit Climber will take place from September 29 - October 1, 2023 as part of the Zurich Film Festival (September 28 - October 8, 2023).

What does participation in the ZFF Summit Climber include?

• Participation in the three-day ZFF Summit Climber program.
• Mentoring support from Julia Short and Beatrice Neumann during the program
• ZFF Industry Business accreditation for the 19th Zurich Film Festival
• First class accommodation during the program (3 nights)
• Breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
• Invitations to numerous industry and high-end networking events

What does participation in the ZFF Summit Climber include?
The effective program varies from year to year in order to adapt to the selected participants. However, in 2022 it consisted of the following parts: Zurich Summit Conference, Breakout Sessions, Group sessions, mentoring support, Jury member of a pitching event, Zurich Summit Charity Tennis Tournament, Zurich Summit Dinner and numerous other networking events.

Who can apply?
Anyone - regardless of age, gender, race or origin, place of residence, religion or belief - can apply, provided the following criteria are met: The person applying works in acquisitions, distribution or film sales and has at least 2 years of professional experience in that role. Furthermore, the person applying must be fluent in English and have met the formal criteria of the application process.

Can I apply as a producer?
No, the ZFF Summit Climber is reserved for junior executives from Distribution, Acquisitions and Film Sales. Producers can apply for the ZFF Academy.

Is there an age limit?
No. There is no age limit.

I have already applied once and my application was unsuccessful, can I apply again?
Yes, you can re-submit an application, but please note that participation in the ZFF Summit Climber is limited to one time only.

How can I apply?
The application process consists of two steps:

1. Prepare the necessary documents to fill out the online form.
2. Fill out the online form.

What should be considered in your motivation letter?
You must indicate your motivation directly in the online application form. It is a good idea to plan ahead and type your answers in advance in a separate document. You can then copy them directly into the application form. Please be careful not to exceed the maximum number of characters. We will strictly read only the allowed number. A good advice is: we don't expect you to write a novel, just try to be personal.

How many participants will be selected from the applications?
8 participants will be selected from all complete applications received.

How long does the selection process take?
Shortly after we have received your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by e-mail. It is expected that by the end of August, all those who have submitted a valid application will receive feedback on the selection.