The cure lies in the dark
Genre & Target Audience
GENRE POSITIONING
Primary Genre: Romantic Drama with Historical and Mystical Elements
"THIS HAPPENED YESTERDAY"
occupies a unique position in the European film landscape - a sophisticated romantic drama that combines the time-spanning narrative appeal of "The Lake House" with the artistic sensibility of "Midnight in Paris" and the visual grandeur of "Ladyhawke." This genre positioning targets the underserved adult audience seeking emotional depth beyond typical commercial offerings.
Market Differentiation: unlike conventional romantic dramas, our film offers dual-timeline storytelling that provides both intimate character study and spectacular period drama, creating multiple entry points for diverse audience segments.
PRIMARY TARGET AUDIENCE
Core Demographic: Adults 35-65
Gender Split: 60% female, 40% male
Income Level: Middle to upper-middle class (€35,000+ annually)
Education: College-educated, culturally engaged
Viewing Habits: Frequent cinema attendees, premium streaming subscribers, festival film enthusiasts
Gender Split: 60% female, 40% male
Income Level: Middle to upper-middle class (€35,000+ annually)
Education: College-educated, culturally engaged
Viewing Habits: Frequent cinema attendees, premium streaming subscribers, festival film enthusiasts
Psychographic Profile:
Values authentic storytelling and emotional sophistication
Appreciates European cinema's artistic tradition
Seeks meaningful entertainment that explores life's deeper questions
Interested in historical narratives and spiritual themes
Active on cultural social media platforms
Appreciates European cinema's artistic tradition
Seeks meaningful entertainment that explores life's deeper questions
Interested in historical narratives and spiritual themes
Active on cultural social media platforms
Secondary Audiences
Art House Cinema Enthusiasts (25-55)
Festival circuit followers
Independent cinema supporters
Critics and industry professionals
Cultural influencers and tastemakers
Historical Drama Aficionados (30-70)
Festival circuit followers
Independent cinema supporters
Critics and industry professionals
Cultural influencers and tastemakers
Historical Drama Aficionados (30-70)
Period piece devotees
Medieval history enthusiasts
Costume drama fans
European heritage tourists
Christopher Lambert International Fanbase (35-65)
Medieval history enthusiasts
Costume drama fans
European heritage tourists
Christopher Lambert International Fanbase (35-65)
Loyal following across Europe and North America
Nostalgic for sophisticated 80s/90s cinema
Appreciates actor's artistic evolution
Nostalgic for sophisticated 80s/90s cinema
Appreciates actor's artistic evolution
Geographic Market Analysis
Primary Markets (70% revenue potential):
France: Domestic romantic drama audience, Lambert recognition
Italy: Co-production appeal, Mediterranean locations
Germany: Strong art house market, historical drama appreciation
UK: Anglophone crossover potential, period drama tradition
Italy: Co-production appeal, Mediterranean locations
Germany: Strong art house market, historical drama appreciation
UK: Anglophone crossover potential, period drama tradition
Secondary Markets (25% revenue potential):
North America: Lambert fanbase, art house theatrical + premium VOD
Eastern Europe: Historical themes resonance, growing cinema markets
Scandinavia: Sophisticated adult audience, festival film appreciation
Eastern Europe: Historical themes resonance, growing cinema markets
Scandinavia: Sophisticated adult audience, festival film appreciation
Emerging Markets (5% revenue potential):
Asia-Pacific: Growing European cinema interest
Latin America: Romantic drama appeal
Latin America: Romantic drama appeal
Competitive Landscape
Recent Comparable Performances:
"The Shape of Water" (2017): $195M worldwide - fantasy romance success
"Allied" (2016): $119M worldwide - period romance with star power
"The Danish Girl" (2015): $64M worldwide - art house crossover appeal
"The Shape of Water" (2017): $195M worldwide - fantasy romance success
"Allied" (2016): $119M worldwide - period romance with star power
"The Danish Girl" (2015): $64M worldwide - art house crossover appeal
Market Timing Advantages:
Post-pandemic appetite for escapist, emotionally rich content
Growing streaming demand for European productions
Festival circuit's renewed focus on sophisticated adult dramas
Limited competition in mystical romance subgenre
Growing streaming demand for European productions
Festival circuit's renewed focus on sophisticated adult dramas
Limited competition in mystical romance subgenre
Marketing Positioning
For Romantic Drama Fans: "A timeless love story that transcends centuries"
For Historical Drama Enthusiasts: "Authentic medieval France brought to breathtaking life"
For Christopher Lambert Admirers: "A career-defining performance showcasing artistic maturity"
For Art House Audiences: "Visual poetry exploring life's deepest mysteries"
For International Buyers: "European co-production with global commercial appeal"
For Historical Drama Enthusiasts: "Authentic medieval France brought to breathtaking life"
For Christopher Lambert Admirers: "A career-defining performance showcasing artistic maturity"
For Art House Audiences: "Visual poetry exploring life's deepest mysteries"
For International Buyers: "European co-production with global commercial appeal"
Distribution Strategy Alignment
Theatrical Release (January-March 2028):
Premium positioning during awards season afterglow
Counter-programming to blockbuster releases
Art house and mainstream crossover potential
Counter-programming to blockbuster releases
Art house and mainstream crossover potential
Festival Strategy:
Venice/Toronto premiere for prestige and critical acclaim
European festival circuit for territorial sales
Awards season positioning for extended theatrical life
European festival circuit for territorial sales
Awards season positioning for extended theatrical life
Streaming/ VOD:
Premium platform partnerships in each territory
International streaming rights for global reach
Extended digital life leveraging critical acclaim
International streaming rights for global reach
Extended digital life leveraging critical acclaim
Commercial Viability
The €6M budget positions the film perfectly for its target market - substantial enough for production values that satisfy international audiences, yet modest enough to achieve profitability through multiple revenue streams. With Christopher Lambert's international recognition, authentic European locations, and sophisticated storytelling, "This Happened Yesterday" addresses a proven market demand while offering the artistic distinction that elevates commercial performance.
Revenue Projections:
Theatrical: €15-20M worldwide potential
Streaming/VOD: €8-12M across platforms
International Sales: €5-8M territory licensing
Ancillary: €2-3M (soundtrack, merchandise, tourism tie-ins)
Streaming/VOD: €8-12M across platforms
International Sales: €5-8M territory licensing
Ancillary: €2-3M (soundtrack, merchandise, tourism tie-ins)
This comprehensive audience strategy ensures multiple pathways to commercial success while maintaining the artistic integrity that attracts both critics and culturally sophisticated viewers across European and international markets.
Contacts for business proposals
