From the "People" Archives:

Buyer Profile: Bob Berney, Newmarket Films

Bob Berney of Newmarket Films

Bob Berney
President, founded company one year ago

BACKGROUND: Grew up in Oklahoma City, Okla., and went to the University of Texas at Austin (film school). Worked in movie theaters and campus film programs, getting started in the business in the exhibition side. Berney then worked for a distribution company called FilmDallas (part of New World Films), then worked at Triton Films, Orion Pictures, Banner Films, Inwood Films (his own company, which handled "Happiness" and "Memento" as projects). Then started IFC Films (theatrical company owned by the Independent Film Channel), then moved to Newmarket's new distribution company. He claims to be 33 years old, "along with most film executives who strangely all are the same age; and I have been since 1986."

MOST IMPORTANT FILM FESTIVALS: Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, with a bit of Venice, Berlin, and Telluride thrown in. Most of the key films I've acquired have been at those first three festivals. They are the main launching places for the important films. However, there is always a chance that programmers miss a great film and certainly there have been great discoveries at the other festivals.

FAVORITE FILMS OF THE LAST THREE YEARS: "Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Together" (Lukas Moodysson), "American Splendor," "City of God," "Memento," "Amores Perros," "O Brother, Where Art Thou"

RECENT FILMS INVOLVED WITH ACQUIRING: "Whale Rider," "Lilya 4-Ever," "Open Hearts," "Real Women Have Curves"

TYPES OF FILMS COMPANY LOOKS FOR: All genres are considers. A smart "genre" film with innovative style ("Memento"!) would be great! We look for films that can potentially cross over a bit from the strictly limited release and generate good ancillary revenue. That said, we always look at smaller films that are personal favorites or projects that are about important relationships with filmmakers.

HOW TO GET THE ATTENTION OF BUYERS: Primarily through the "festival circuit," along with producers reps, sales agents, etc.

WRONG WAY TO GET ATTENTION: Sending VHS tapes unsolicited (they get lost in the system).

GENERAL THOUGHTS: Keep to your vision of the film and don't over-analyze the acquisition part of the equation.