Hi!

I'm new to the world of filmmaking and am looking for some advice. We just finished shooting a short film that is a teen drama/comedy. Would like to use the short to sell our story as a feature or a TV series. I read that for the Cannes Market you need to have a sales agent to market and network for you. How do you find one? I can't seem to find any listings on the internet. Someone suggested an agent/entertainment attorney that has been in the industry. My concern is that they require a retainer and at attorney's rates, you could go through a retainer rather quickly without even knowing whether or not your product is marketable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure someone has a far better answer to this than I...but www.imdbpro.com has a pretty good collection of listings for that kind of thing.

A sales agent helps you sell your film to distributors. They take
a percentage of the sale. I think you're right regarding Cannes.
Since the market aspect (not the festival) is a place where
filmmakers and studios sell their product, a sales agent is
necessary.

It sounds like you want to use the short film to get another
gig - either a feature or a TV series. That's a very different
thing - something a sales agent doesn't usually do. You will
need to create your own buzz by entering festivals and generating
an audience. If it's good enough then a studio will make an offer.

But it doesn't hurt to approach sales agents. Since the good ones
work only on commission they will only take on your project if
they believe they can make money.

Now the "How to find one?" question. They don't usually advertise
- at least the good ones don't - they go to festivals and attend
screenings looking for movies they think have potential. However,
many distribution and production companies act as sales agents.
Check the Hollywood Distribution Directory at http://www.hcdonline.com/