Back from Cannes

Okay, I am well behind in my posts.
This past weekend I went out to Kent with Flora and JC for another workshop, but I haven't even report back from Cannes yet. First things first.
I went out with my friend Robert, who had a short film there and was trying to set up meetings with various producers and governmental bodies about a feature he is working on. We arrived mid-day and went straight to it, after a drink on the beach in the UK pavilion. I first scoped out the Marche, to see where my intended victims were located. About half of the sales agents I wanted to meet were located there. The other half were scattered about Cannes, mostly in the Grand Hotel. Once we were happy we knew the landscape we gathered up our bags and headed up to our digs, in Mougin.
In the next two days I introduced myself to as many sales agents as I could. I really just wanted to put a name to a face. I did not want to pitch the project to them, and most of them were not interested in hearing a pitch anyway. They had films to sell.
It was easy speaking to those in the Marche as they had booths, and were expecting to receive the public, but with those in hotel rooms it could be awkward. Some of the larger companies had receptionist, but most just had a hotel room. This was a little like cold-calling. But after a few apologies and few questions most were happy to speak for a few minutes.
My other mission was altogether more difficult. All the big festivals send programmers to the festival to see films and this is an ideal way to meet a number of them and begin to sell them the film. Ideally you set up a meeting beforehand, which they would probably refuse, or accept and then cancel, but it is a start. Some of the pavilions set up parties so the programmers could meet a group of people, but I was already on my way home. So no luck there, but again it is a start.
Next step is to follow up with emails to everyone I met. I am sure they won't remember meeting me but...
And soon, an update on the last workshop.

Off to Cannes

Yes, we had the workshop last weekend and it went quite well. I have already managed to edit most of the footage.
But I will wait to tell you all about it, as I am busy preparing for Cannes. This is really my first time there so it is a bit overwhelming. This is really just an opportunity to make contact with sales agents. I will also get a chance to see Lu again, who is now working in Berlin for a film producer.
When I return we are heading out the into forests for Kent to do another workshop.
More on that and everything else when I return next week.