Cannes Market - What’s New This Year
There's a stronger showing from EU member countries with a 100% increase in the Cannes Market this year. Market Director Jerôme Paillard also reports a 25% surge from Asia and the market website is now a year-round tool for doing film business. The market is open until 27th May.
Director of the Cannes Film Market Jerôme Paillard says there are several changes to be aware of.
FILM TOOL FOR ALL SEASONS
It's hard to introduce novelties each year. Most of all, we want to consolidate what already exists, such as the Producers Network, which was set up in 2004. However, the real novelty is our website, a tool that operates throughout the year. In terms of organisation, we've made some changes with the screening rooms, with four new cinemas at the Grey d'Albion Hotel that hold from 30-90 seats. We have, in fact, re-organized all of the screening facilities without changing the 30 available screens"
"Asia is showing a strong increase (+23%) compared to the average 8-10% shift from one year to the next," Paillard reports "Asian countries with a strong presence this year are China, India, Thailand and Indonesia."
Representation from Europe is stronger this year, both from Eastern Europe and the EU.
DOUBLING UP OF EUROPEANS
"At the European level, we are enjoying a higher presence of new EU members, twice as many this year, with 300 participants. This is a strong sign of development of those countries' film industries. As for the US presence, it remains stable both in terms of the number of participants and screenings."
Paillard remains upbeat about the international film industry - things are looking up, he maintains: "The economic environment in the film world is not as sluggish as in recent years, and no country is in crisis. 2006 will be the year of Asia enjoying a steady growth."
PUTTING OUT TO SEA
To meet the increasing demand for space in the Cannes Market's Village area, executive director Jérôme Paillard plans to extend it - into the Mediterranean.
"There is a little piece of island just a few metres out from the beach - it would be the ideal venue for the market club, which has also become very popular. And then we can probably squeeze another three pavilions into the area," he explained.
"The Village, which we opened last year, is now well-established," he said. "There are four new inhabitants: Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong and India. The Germans, who were rather reluctant to move in, are more thrilled than ever."
With 1,905 companies and 6,164 participants registered, Paillard and his 279 staff have recorded the highest figures in the market's history, with territories such as Japan and Korea contributing strongly to the rise.
WEBLINKS: www.cannesmarket.com
The Essential Guide to Cannes:
www.netribution.co.uk/2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=209