Cannes 2015: Going international-er (by Willi Haninger)

I actually planned to write something about the markets I attended during the last year – but Willi Haninger, my production partner for Vitro was faster. Here’s his account of the Cannes film market:

*Phew*: Cannes film market is over. Ten days and 42 meetings later Juliane and I have learned a few things:

• After five days everyone is ready to drop. Meeting or not.
• That our commercial concept is received well by distributors and financiers. Yay!
• Steak ‘n Shake in Cannes is a blessing. Thank you Roger Ebert!
• There is one major box to tick before things get really interesting: the director. Talking to distributors narrowed our list down, now it’s off to writing emails. Lots of emails.
• Germany finally got tax incentives as one of the last countries in Europe.
• We need to sort out which constellation of co-producing nations makes sense… the options so far: South Africa, Italy, UK, Ireland, Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, Spain.
• In a meeting, never sit with your back to a window. The other people in the room might not be paying attention to what you are saying, because there is a shirtless guy in the building at the other side of the street, making a show of opening his window and stretching his lean figure in the morning sun. France, man!
• Use the back streets, never the Croisette.
• Don’t forget to eat during the day and then turn up for a cocktail party.
• Don’t buy the 380€ ticket when you get access to most areas for free.

All in all, Cannes was a great market: (a lot) less organized than EFM, but certainly more international and exciting. And I don’t think I need to mention the scenery 🙂

We moved forward with “The Fall of Men” and made meaningful connections. Next step: AFM in November. Looking forward to it!