Cannes or Bust » scriptwriters

Scriptwriters to make a mark at Cannes 2012

Cannes or Bust — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:09:53 +0000

A bunch of French scriptwriters have been running special events at the Cannes Film Festival for several years, and will be back with lots of activities in 2012. The “Maison des Scénaristes” brings together filmmakers, producers and broadcasters around scriptwriting. From a villa about 15 mins from the Palais, they host discussions, script services, cocktails (including a daily cocktail on a trimaran in the bay at sunset) and even some lodgings.

Scriptwriters at Cannes 2012

This year the Maison will be selecting scripts for pitching sessions, organising professional lunches and their now-famous “nuit blanche du scénario” during which a number of scripts are taken apart and reworked in a group session. Although the group is largely made up of French writers and professionals, it’s worth remembering that France is Europe’s most dynamic market by far.

The event has two honorary sponsors, the writer/producer Noëlle Deschmaps and actress Julie Gayet. The project is also supported by the CNC and the Writer’s Guild of America. Get all the details at the Maison des Scénaristes.

Check for hotels at Cannes 2012 now

Presenting projects at Cannes (in French)

Cannes or Bust — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:03:17 +0000

Anyone attending the Cannes fest with a project might be interested in reading about Tunerz. This is a project I put together with Gaétan Cardella last year, where we presented an outline and some collateral to a number of partners. It’s interesting as we are mining a niche, Europe’s tuning scene, that offers lots of promotional potential. We have been keeping a captain’s log of the project in French at the following site, Tunerz the Movie.

We talk about writing and presenting stuff at Cannes. We’ll also have updates before the event kicks off, as we are currently rewriting. Incidentally, we’re actively looking for co-producers. So if you think it’s worth meeting at Cannes, feel free to drop a line via the Contact page. We have very precise ideas about the market and promotion.

Iron Maiden singer to unveil film at Cannes

Cannes or Bust — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:27:57 +0000

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 film 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.

UK seminar for filmmakers

Cannes or Bust — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:14:25 +0000

Two heavyweights are coming together to enable UK filmmakers to prepare for Cannes. Chris Jones, himself a filmmaker and author of the highly recommended “Guerrilla Film Makers Handbook”, and Ben Craig, who runs CannesGuide.com and writes the equally-recommended “Virgin’s Guide to Cannes” (right), will host an event at the Ealing Studios on March 20. I quote: “Ben’s seminar will offer detailed, practical and pragmatic techniques and tips so that YOU can maximise your impact and minimise your spend. And don’t think that Cannes is just for producers and directors, the savvy actors, writers, editors, DP’s and other crew members are all there too, rubbing shoulders with the power players and making new relationships that can lead to amazing new opportunities.”

The entry of £15 includes a copy of the “Virgins Guide”. This event is highly recommended. For details, visit Living Spirit.
Source: Screenplay Europe

Scriptwriters make noise at Cannes

Cannes or Bust — Thu, 18 May 2006 12:09:41 +0000

Following the lead of 101 Scénaristes last year, Cannes will feature a number of scriptwriting initiatives. The largest will probably be the Journées du Scénario/Writers’ Days being run by France’s enterprising UGS. They have set up a database of available scripts and will run a Script Market, sailing events and lots of talks and round tables. Unfortunately, the market is only open to produced writers, but will doubtless be an exciting event. Catherine Deneuve has accepted to be the “godmother”, or patron, of the whole thing.

Staying in France, the Adami is running a second Speed Dating session on Monday 22. The idea is simple: put a bunch of writers, actors, producers and musicians in the same space for about an hour and hope that connections are made. Adami is particularly good at finding and supporting young actors.

Writer/director Karan Johar (“Khabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham”) will be talking at the UK Film Centre on Friday May 19, followed by Ken Loach the next day. The London Script Consultancy will hold its second Panasonic International Filmmakers’ Pitch. But admissions closed May 15.

Last but not least, Cannes will also see the unveiling of the first issue of “Le Scénario Français” a new quarterly in French (mostly) that features articles and pitches – including contributions from yours truly.

Relevant links:
UGS-Online
Adami
UK Film Centre
Le Scénario Français

If you hear of any other events, please leave a message. Article lifted from Screenplay Europe