INVESTING IN HOLLYWOOD IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL MARKET FOR THE MOVIE    There is a very limited market, and modest potential revenue, to be earned from short films, documentaries, black-and-white films, and foreign language pictures. Distributors and exhibitors are still prejudiced against motion pictures shot on videotape. They prefer films shot on 35mm stock, although quality films shot on 16mm or Super16 mm stock can obtain distribution. Most top festivals still do not exhibit motion pictures on videotape. Certain themes, topics and genres can be difficult to sell. Religiously-themed pictures can easily offend audiences. Cerebral comedies can be difficult to export because their humor may not translate well. Movies with a great deal of violence may be shunned by European television, which is a prime market for independents. Films with explicit sex may not pass censorship boards in certain countries. Independent films without name actors are difficult to sell. Of course, name recognition varies around the world. The star of an American television series may be a big name in the United States but unknown abroad. On the other hand, some actors have a large following aboard, yet are relatively unknown in the United States. There are several publications that can be consulted to determine the commercial appeal of actors. The Ulmer Guide (julmer@primenet.com) surveys financiers, sales agents and other industry insiders. Also, the Hollywood Reporter (213) 525-2087 publishes its "Star Power" guide. back