Cannes or Bust!

Cannes Lions: What are you missing?

2008-06-15T21:51:00.003+02:00

The annual advertising get-together is often portrayed as a gigantic piss-up (excuse my French). But there are nonetheless lots of events there worth a spin. I just checked out the seminar programme here. A few things caught my eye: notably the much-maligned Rupert Murdoch in conversation with Y&R; a talk titled "A day in the life of a mobile phone in Seoul" (I'm presuming there's more to this than it seems); and a wonderful talk entitled "Don't create an ad, start a conversation", signed Nick Moore, EVP, Chief Creative Officer - Wunderman.

I love this idea, but I'm a little wary of the blurb: "The days of the brand monologue are over. Today the consumer is an active participant, passionately engaged in conversations with the brands they love and hate. So today’s ideas have to do more than drive an ad: they have to be capable of reacting in real time to everything the customer says and does."

That's nice enough if your audience is passionately engaged. But let's not forget that the advertising business also relies on generating new traffic and sales. And who has the time and budget to "react in real time to everything"?

Having said that, if I was in town, I'd check this out.

And now... a Roman Holiday for Cannes

2008-06-04T15:33:00.004+02:00

Rome was very definitely one of the world's movie-making capitals for some time, and still is home to the Cinecitta facilities and numerous movie companies. So it's nice to see that it is still keeping up with things. In addition to hosting a good festival in September, the city is about to show a selection of films from this year's Cannes festival between June 5-12 in various cinemas across town. Ten Cannes classics will also be shown, with talks by film-makers, actors and professionals (and there are no lack of those in Rome itself).

For details, visit Cannes a Roma (in Italian). Our thanks to Wanted in Rome for the tip.

Post-Cannes networking event in London

2008-05-29T09:23:00.002+02:00

Cannes is about meeting people. So it's interesting to see that a post-Cannes networking event is to be held in London by the PIM Club (People in Media). Here's the blurb: "If you are in Cannes, if you didn't make it this year or if you work within the media industry this is a great opportunity to meet people who are making their media dreams come true! Come and network with people for advice, contacts or even getting your next contract and big break - it's happened several times at the PIM Club.

Post Cannes Networking Evening
Tuesday 3rd June, 7.pm - 10.30pm
7pm - Arrival & mingling
8pm - 9pm - Speed networking - a great way to make many more contacts
9pm onwards continue mingling and making lot's of contacts."

To sign up, visit the PIM Club.

Cannes kicks out the glam

2008-05-21T09:50:00.003+02:00

A dominant tone in many of the most talked-about films at this year's Cannes is one of social realism. From the Dardenne brothers' "Silence of Lorna" to Walter Selles' "Linha de Passa" (shot in Brazilian slums), there is a strong touch of social realism. This was also true even in one of the mainstays of popular cinema: the gangster flick. Matteo Garrone's "Gomorra" takes a hard look at the Neapolitan crime syndicate, using Roberto Saviano's book as the source material. Saviano is under police protection.

As usual, however, the queues outside the Palais looking for invitations were all for Indiana Jones and Clint Eastwood's "The Changeling".

Wish you were here?

2008-05-16T09:20:00.002+02:00

There won't be much in the way of news over the coming few days, as I will be in Cannes for the film market. I'll be shopping two projects, "Protag" and "Tunerz", being developed with a director and producer respectively.

Wish me luck.

UK film centre posts Cannes events

2008-05-13T12:05:00.003+02:00

The UK film centre is always a hive of activities during the film festival. This year's events include a wide range of conference and talks. These include talks about micro-budgets, distribution and the Internet, secrets of co-production and a screenwriter's workshop (from EON, no less. If you have to ask who they are, maybe you shouldn't come).

There is also wi-fi access, a bar and a busy beach terrace.

For details, click on UK Film.

Stuck for a room for the festival?

2008-04-22T23:16:00.002+02:00

I'm a little surprised, but there are still some rooms available in and around Cannes for the festival. I did a quick check and came up with three within 5 kilometers. Your best bets are in either Mandelieu or Juan-les-Pins. Click on this hotel selection for an example. But don't be surprised if the link draws a blank first time as rooms are booked. You might have to spread the range further. Good luck.

Quentin Tarantino to give Cannes masterclass

2008-04-15T09:32:00.002+02:00

Quentin Tarantino is to give a masterclass at Cannes this year. The maker of "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill" is following in the footsteps of Martin Scorsese, Stephen Frears and Sydney Pollack by taking to the stage to talk about film-making. As anyone that watches YouTube knows, Mr T can be outspoken and passionate. So this should be a stimulating event.

This is not the first time Tarantino has spoken at Cannes, as he took to the stage of the open-air cinema a few years back to introduce some classics films.

The Cannes festival and Film Market will be held May 14-25.

Pan-African film fest, April 18-23

2008-04-10T22:04:00.003+02:00

The other film festival in Cannes, the International Pan-African Film festival, will kick off this year on April 18 with a special reception on the beach of the Noga Hotel. Guests this year include Marie-Ange Banbancourt, Emile Abossolo MBO, Roger Cantin, Wyoma, Oxaï Roura and Serge Diantantu. The line-up includes films from across the African diaspora (notably a strong selection from the US), as well as featuring fashion, music events and workshops on the island of Sainte Marguerite.

MIPTV: International Entertainment Industry at the EMC Kick-Off

2008-04-08T08:32:00.002+02:00

On Monday 7 April, the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the Entertainment Master Class (EMC) held a reception at MipTV in Cannes to celebrate the official kick-off of the EMC format academy. Guests expected to attend included Julie Bristow (CBC Television, Kanada), Ben Hall (BBC Worldwide), Guillaume de Fondaumière (Quantic Dream), Dr. Thomas Bellut (ZDF), Frank Hoffmann (VOX), Jan Mojto (EOS Entertainment), Dr. Matthias Esche (Bavaria Film International) and many more. EMC is a prestigious event that focuses on building expertise in TV formats within Europe.

Attending screenings at Cannes

2008-03-21T14:15:00.003+01:00

One of the most recurrent questions we receive this time of the year is, “How can I attend screenings at Cannes?” If you’ve looked around the net, you probably came up with a blank on this one. So here’s the inside deal: there are ways, but it’s not quite the glamorous process you think it is.

The Cannes festival is basically two things: a promotional showcase and a trade market. If you are neither press nor industry, nothing is done to make life easy for you. You should know that even within the accredited press, for example, there is a strict pecking order. Some journalists are definitely favoured over others.

So the simple movie fan that wants to catch a few films has little chance. It is possible to catch movies outside the Palais, usually at smaller venues. The city of Cannes insisted that the festival make some tickets available, and set up the Cannes Cinema body (link below) to handle this. So it is possible to obtain tickets. But the Cannes Cinema site specifies that they are primarily for people with some sort of non-professional connection to movies, such as films clubs, teachers, etc. I know there is some lee-way on this.

If you can’t face the prospect of trying to justify your existence, you could always try your luck picking up tickets early in the morning at the Cannes Cinema booth (in the Pantiero zone) or at the Raimu, Licorne and Studio 13 cinemas. These screenings are not in the main theatre, but do include films from the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, Official Selection, Un certain regard and Cannes Classics selection. You can’t really choose what to see, as these are basically leftover seats.

Tickets for the Semaine international de la critique can (if you’re lucky and early enough) be picked up at the Espace Miramar (35, rue Pasteur) or with a Cannes Cinéphile badge. Remember, conditions apply and exceptions are regularly made. To quote the Stones, you can’t always get what you want.

Confusing? Just wait until you hit town! Getting to see anything involves a lot of walking from one source of information to another, getting up early and queuing. But you are at Cannes, and might just spot someone half-famous in the street.

The other opportunity is to check the Cinéma de la Plage. I’ve seen quite a few films here, and I think it’s a fun event. A giant screen is placed on the beach close to the Palais and shows a broad selection of art-house films and old classics. Tickets are available from the Cannes Tourist Office on the day.

Having a badge, I have never had to go through most of this process. So I’m hoping that someone with more experience will chip in with some useful information. Good luck!

Link: Cannes Cinema (for the Cinéphile badge).

This article is featured on The Carnival of Cinema.

"We're all white, middle-aged men anyway"

2008-03-17T22:14:00.004+01:00

Mipim is not really my scene. But the recent article in Britain's The Lawyer still seemed vaguely familiar from having attended so many different Cannes events. On the one hand, you have the sharp players that have everything worked out and know when to schmooze in town and when to whisk the right people out of sight for a quiet "chat". On the other, the people straight off the boat that end up in the bar way too late. If you ever think of bringing a company to Cannes - whether it be for Midem or Mipcom - this gives an idea of how business is done outside the Palais (but don't forget the foot soldiers that can pick up plenty of business inside the Palais - this article doesn't even mention them). Check it out on The Lawyer.

Quote of the week: a certain Tim Jones was invited, but ended up wearing the badge of another Tim Jones. "It doesn't matter, we're all white, middle-aged men anyway." The funny thing is, if you replace the pin-stripes in the article by leather jackets, he could be describing Midem or the festival.

Iron Maiden singer to unveil film at Cannes

2008-03-16T17:06:00.003+01:00

Looks like it's that time of the year already, when the offbeat and unusual get their headlines by virtue of turning up at Cannes. According to a report in the BBC, Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson will unveil a flm at this year's Cannes festival. "Chemical Wedding" stars Simon Callow as Professor Haddo, the reincarnation of British occultist Aleister Crowley, once described as Britain's most evil man. Julian Doyle, who directed the video for the band's 1988 single 'Can I Play with Madness', co-wrote the script with Dickinson and is directing. The reaction from test screenings are that it is very much in the vein of the Hammer Horror films.

Stuck for a room for Mipim? Try a boat

2008-03-11T23:17:00.003+01:00

I couldn't help noticing that Reed Midem are offering rooms aboard a liner for Mipim this year. I'm not too sure what to think. Given the extraordinary number of people that attend Mipim, it makes sense to stay in the bay rather than in places as far away as Nice. Plus, boats are romantic (kind of). I've joined Stella Artois when they had luxury liners in the bay. What can I say? One gets used to 5-star treatment after a while! Plus, it really is nice to wake up aboard a boat. The MV Rhapsody is not quite 5-star. But it's still worth considering, with prices from €350 per night per cabin. For details, visit the Mipim Boat.

5 UK property professionals to cycle to Cannes

2008-03-01T12:53:00.003+01:00

If ever there was an initiative that itself deserves the title "Cannes or Bust", it must be this. Five property professionals from Liverpool in the UK are to cycle to Cannes for Mipim instead of flying. The goal is to raise £500,000 for charity. Covering the 1,500 kms will take them six days. The five are James Tottle (Savills), Barry Crichton (Drivers Jonas), Jon Matthews (HKR), Mark Whittaker (Peel Holdings) and Chris Brown (Igloo Regeneration).

If anyone has a link to this initiative, please post it below.

Advertisers and brands show increased interest in MIPTV

2008-02-29T12:55:00.003+01:00

MIPTV, the international content fair, was traditionally the hunting ground for everything to to with TV programming. But as other "content" fairs have seen over the past few years, there is increasing spillover from other industries - notably advertising. “The growth of advertising agencies and brands participating at Mip TV Featuring Milia 2008 reflects their sincere desire to join the entertainment content production and distribution players—at a development stage—as strategic partners,” said Paul Johnson of Reed Midem, the convention’s organizer. Companies that have confirmed their presence so far include media groups TBWA, Havas Entertainment, Euro RSCG and Ogilvy, as well as global brands Dove, Nike, American Express, Fanta, Ford, BP and Kodak.

Many are looking to the new formats as a way of reaching new audiences using mobile platforms, while investigating cross-marketing possibilities. A number of conferences will be devoted to the subject, under the "Audiences on the move" banner. Amongst the speakers will be Richard Dickson of Mattel. MIPTV will be held April 7-11. For details about the conference programme, see MIPTV.

McGuinness and that Midem speech

2008-02-04T10:13:00.000+01:00

The ripples made by U2 manager Paul McGuinness when he called on the Internet providers to share some of the monumental profits he claims are being made on the back of cretive people (notably musicians, although movie makers will soon feel the pinch as well) have travelled the world. The speech's title was clear: "The Online Bonanza: Who Is Making The Money And Why Aren't They Sharing It?" The background is falling music revenue of between 10-17% per year. At the same time, ISPs are openly using the downloading of music as a feature in their ads. So McGuinness wants them to start sharing the profits.

One of the ideas has been a sort of levy on Internet subscriptions. This has met with some resistance, despite the fact that people have accepted levies on blank tapes, CDs and even video recorders in previous years. I pay authors' rights on my cable subscription. Putting one of an ISP is not such a big jump.

Talking to a movie director recently, I said that some people were complaining that as they didn't download music, they shouldn't be asked to pay more for Internet subscriptions. His reply: "That reminds me of the people that say, 'I don't drive at night, why should I have to pay for street lighting?'".

French music sales down (again)

2008-01-24T17:41:00.000+01:00

On the eve of Midem in Cannes, the French industry body has released worrying figures. "The 2007 fall is between 15 percent and 20 percent probably around 17 percent, with the market for gross sales worth less than 800 million euros," Christophe Lameignere and Herve Rony, respectively chairman and managing director of the country's recording industry body, SNEP, told AFP. This represents a staggering 50% drop since 2002. The drop-off is accounted for by a drop in ringtone sales. In all, the Internet represents just 10% of sales. Although this is increasing, it is doing so less than in previous years.

Former Pink Floyd manager calls for new music business approach

2008-01-16T10:13:00.000+01:00

On the eve of Midem former Pink Floyd, Marc Bolan and Baaba Maal manager Peter Jenner has called for a new approach to the music business. On the MidemNet blog, Jenner explained the changes that the industry is going through as a move towards "a mass of international niche markets, rather than a world of national mass markets". He called on all the various players (such as labels, managers, publishers and broadband companies) to put aside their differences. "The historical antipathy and baggage that all the sectors carry around with them, combined with their desire to protect their existing businesses, has had the affect of completely frustrating anyone in the new digital distribution business trying to build a new 21st century business legally," he says. This was clear 10 years ago already when the first Internet players began approaching the music business and were largely rebuffed. Mobile companies also spent a lot of time and energy trying to find ways of working with the business, expressing considerable frustration when the tricky issue of rights was raised. Yet these same issues are still largely unresolved, as the regional pricing structures on iTunes demonstrate.

Jenner's solution is not a new one, but is becoming increasingly likely. Given that there is a very definite swing away from paying directly for music, whether it be for downloads or CDs, Jenner echoes many industry insiders in calling for "a solution based on actual consumer behaviour... one that allows access to music in a way that addresses how people engage with music today. A seemingly reasonable solution looks to be a system where each customer with a broadband subscription... would pay a small monthly fee to compensate creators and rights-holders for any unauthorised use of music that might occur via their subscription." He suggests about £2/€2.67 a month. I think the way he puts it as compensation rather than acquisition is wrong, but it is probably the most feasible solution on the table today. One of the unsung heroes of downloading, eMusic.com, is a subscription service, for example.

For the complete article, visit Midemnet Blog.

RailEurope and TGV simplify trains to Cannes

2008-01-11T12:29:00.000+01:00

TGV has decided to simplify things for people travelling in Europe by train. The Raileurope service will now fall under the banner of TGV, the high-speed network that connects France, Belgium, Germany and Holland. I just had a quick look at the prices from Paris, which range from €43 to about €92 one-way depending on time and the availability of promo prices. The journey takes about 5 hours but has the enormous advantage of bringing you straight to Cannes station, a 10-minute walk to the Palais. So you skip the 40-minute trip from the airport and the extra expense. If you have never taken one, the high-speed trains are a great way to travel. Check for available times here

Smoking ban in Cannes?

2008-01-02T18:51:00.000+01:00

Heaven for some, hell for others, the smoking ban in cafés, restaurants, "bar-tabacs" and casinos that was introduced in France on January 1 obviously affects Cannes as well. The big question is how vigilantly will it be applied? French cafes and restaurants globally tend to be pretty smoker-friendly. But if a country as strong-headed as Ireland has learnt to comply, I can't see why France can't. On the practical side, Cannes has many terraces that smokers can use. Some of the bars spill into the streets anyway. So smokers can rest assured that there should still be a way to catch a quick puff.

In case you get involved in a discussion with restaurant owners, here are two figures worth remembering: the fine for smoking can be up to €450; and the fine for the owner is €750. Don't expect too much indulgence from them.

Tony Visconti and Laurence Bell to keynote talent event at Midem

2007-12-31T12:05:00.000+01:00

Midem has decided to showcase even more new talent this year through the Talent Only event. Laurence Bell, head of Domino Records, which signed hit bands such as Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys, and Tony Visconti, famed producer of acts including David Bowie, T-Rex and Les Rita Mitsuoko, will be the headline attractions at MIDEM Talent Only during a keynote event on 29 January.

“Thanks to an unrivalled eye for talent spotting, Laurence Bell has succeeded in creating one of the best and most respected independent labels,” said Dominique Leguern, Director of MIDEM. “Tony Visconti has become a legend since producing some of the most emblematic albums of the glam-rock period including those of David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Tony Visconti and Laurence Bell, together for a keynote as part of the MIDEM Talent Only, will be a highpoint for all industry executives concerned with the discovery and development of talent.”

Wi-Fi connections in Cannes

2007-12-19T12:24:00.000+01:00

It's almost unthinkable to be in Cannes for a few days and not have access to your e-mails. Midem obviously has Internet connections for visitors, although you usually have to stand in a queue. If you want a more accessible connection, you should think about taking a WiFi subscription. SFR is the supplier within the Palais, but I've had no luck finding out how much it costs. The site simply says that you turn your computer on, find the network and follow the payment process (without actually giving a price). The SFR site provides no details. The hotels obviously also have connections you can use. But if you're staying outside town, that doesn't help much during the day.

Amongst the prepaid solutions, the easiest one I could find information about is Orange. They offer 1, 3, 10 and 30 hour packages you can buy in Relay newsagents or online from the Orange site (in French but quite clear). I'll probably opt for the 3-hour option for €10 (with 50% extra for €1 if you purchase before January 15), which should be enough to grab e-mails, work offline and then send them out afterwards. If you have experience using other prepaid WiFi solutions in France, why not drop a line about it in the comments?

Midem deadline fast approaching

2007-12-11T10:26:00.000+01:00

If you're thinking about attending Midem in Cannes this year, don't wait too long to decide. The Early Bird deadline is on December 21. The price of €805 represents a 25% discount over the walk-in rate. I also did a quick check with hotels and airlines. Most of the hotels in the inner "banana" (the area closest to the Palais in Cannes) are booked. However there are still rooms available in the "residences" outside town at reasonable prices. Shuttle buses are available to reach these. Some cheap flights can still be booked (although I only checked the European airlines flying to Nice airport).

Good luck - and maybe see you down there. For more info and bookings, visit Midem.com.

Rupert Murdoch to address Cannes Lions

2007-12-09T09:48:00.000+01:00

With a portfolio that goes from the New York Post to MySpace, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation has managed to maintain a leading role in media across many platforms. The ad agency Young & Rubicam has invited Murdoch to address the Cannes Lions, most likely on how the media industry is changing and in particular the rise of new media.