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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Paulette in Cannes
by Paulette James (below)
This was my first proper trip to the Cannes Film Festival. I'd entered my short film Enter The Preacher into the Short Film Corner, to promote it to buyers. I expected a crazy, frantic place with everyone super-busy rushing to meetings. But it felt more like a working holiday. So - best to go with the flow, take things as they come, open to any opportunity and live the moment.
Cannes is my Mecca, and this was my first pilgrimage. I heard that the first weekend was the best, so Thursday 14 May to Monday 18 May was my taster trip. I'd been planning this journey longer than I realised - painstakingly collecting Airmiles over the years till, at the right time, I had enough points for a free return flight to Nice. The other 1,500 points for my partner Paolo Caletti's flight came by applying for an Airmiles credit card. The only requirement was one night's hotel stay in Nice. It's way too far from Cannes, and I nearly missed a breakfast meeting on the Friday morning because I didn't know there was a rail strike till I reached the station. The bus takes an hour and half to Cannes, so I took a 70 Euro taxi. You need to be within walking distance of the Festival, so we moved to Cannes La Bocca. It's only a twenty-minute bus ride at worst. Even that is too far if you want a quick nap after a late-night / early-morning screening or you need to change for a premiere. My accreditation was through the Short Film Corner. There's no selection process. Anyone can submit a short film and you receive two passes, but they do try and limit numbers. About 1,900 short films were submitted this year. This accreditation was high up on the pass hierarchy and allowed us to reserve tickets on-line for the invitation-only screenings, ie the red carpet ones. After a late night, I stayed up an extra hour till 3am until tickets for the premiere of Don't Look Back starring Monica Bellucci became available. By chance, when collecting the tickets the next day, we were able to reserve seats for A Prophet directed by Jacques Audiard, and Vengeance starring Johnny Hallyday. We didn't know who Johnny Hallyday was, which made it more enjoyable. So, on Saturday at 18:30, we had our first of three red-carpet experiences. We were advised to take our time, show off for the photographers and enjoy it - but we speed-walked out of embarrassment with our heads down. I loved A Prophet. It was long and I was beginning to get toilet anxiety, but it was fresh and a charismatic performance from Tahar Rahim. Six hours later and after a few beers, we were back on the red carpet for a 00:30 screening. The walk was slower second time round, and we took pictures. The director and actors entered the 2,300 capacity cinema last and everyone applauded them. I was confused by Don't Look Back: napping through most of the film didn't help. Reached the hotel at 4am for a quick sleep, then back for the 08:30am screening of Vengeance. The ticket said formal dress, but most people were very casual. Three films in 24 hours was my lot. Time to meet people. Apart from watching films, the main reason to go to Cannes is the people. Film is a people industry, so it's essential that you find the right crew to work with. My approach was to talk to everyone. You can't tell who anyone is by the way they dress, so it's to your advantage to be open. I went to a few Raindance networking events before the trip and contacted Skillset. Once in Cannes, it was amazing how many people I already knew. Within minutes I bumped into an American filmmaker I'd met at the Berlin Talent Campus, and the PR woman of the film Adulthood - which I produced a music video for. Business cards are essential. The UK Pavilion is a great place to hang out, attend events by Oscar-winning directors of photography and funding people. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to see many of the other Pavilions. The Short Film Corner also has events and a Happy Hour at 5pm each day, which is a great time to catch up with colleagues. We had an eye-wateringly expensive gin and tonic at the Carlton Hotel which turned into a delightful opportunity, because we met some experienced Cannes players who took us under their wing - we'll definitely see them next year. I pitched a few ideas, but the advice was to have a tight script before looking for funding. However, I then met a film financer who suggested contacting them when I had a first draft. We didn't go to any swanky parties, but we weren't really trying too. The only perk would have been free drink - 6 Euros a beer and 16 Euros a gin and tonic felt beyond extortion. We hung out at the Petit Majestic or with the Cannes In A Van guys. They gave us free beer and wine during the screening our film on La Croisette out of the back of their van. They also screened feature The Age Of Stupid out of the van, followed by a Q & A with director Franny Armstrong.Like most things in life, Cannes is what you make it. The opportunity is there to get exactly what you want. Even before we got there, I wished we were staying longer. You need at least a week to settle in, meet people and then make meetings. My first trip was an introduction - next year I'll be more prepared and ready to do business. See you there!
PS - Hot, beautiful weather
END
(c) Paulette James 2009
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Paulette James (above) is a director and writer living in London. She directed Enter The Preacher - Fringe Report Awards 2009 - Best Comedy Film. Photographs of Paulette James and colleagues accepting the award are here
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012