Masterclass with Tricia Tuttle
Pathways: Careers and Festivals for Emerging Creatives

The Migros Culture Percentage Story Lab held a masterclass at the 78th Locarno Film Festival. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle engaged with the attentive audience, sharing insights and advice. The open discussion was moderated by Story Lab director Tenzin Roder. Drawing on her vast experience as a festival director and talent fosterer, Tricia Tuttle highlighted the opportunities that festivals offer for networking and career development.

The focus has been on how young creatives can get noticed. How can aspiring filmmakers, writers and producers stand out from the crowd in a competitive market? “Instead of just targeting a wider audience, make authentic films,” advises Tuttle. Uniqueness is the best way to get your film shown at film festivals. These are still essential in the age of streaming, as they provide a platform for launching careers and making valuable connections. Labs and workshops can also help get your project noticed early on. “The best networking is talking about films you’ve seen,” emphasises Tuttle, so it’s important to prioritise watching films at festivals. What should young filmmakers pay attention to in terms of content and story development? Tricia Tuttle encourages a careful process that takes the rush out of it: “You only get one chance to make your first feature film, so take your time with the development.”

About Tricia Tuttle

Since April 2024, Tricia Tuttle has been responsible for the artistic and organizational direction of the Berlin International Film Festival.
Tricia Tuttle brings over 25 years of experience in the fields of film festivals and education. She
has held senior positions at the British Film Institute (BFI), the British Academy of Film and
Television Arts (BAFTA), and the National Film and Television School (NFTS). Most recently, she
served as the Director of the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) as well as the Head of BFI Flare:
London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.

Impressions

The Migros Culture Percentage Story Lab is a partner of “BaseCamp” for the fourth time. Launched in 2019, this project offers young film-makers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Locarno Film Festival for eleven days and make new contacts within the industry. This year’s edition of the programme, called “This Must Be The Place”, brings together 200 up-and-coming international talents. The filmmakers supported by the Migros Culture Percentage Story Lab have the opportunity to be part of the programme every year.