British film and the Next hub keep film-makers up-to-date at Cannes 2017
For the past ten years, I have been saying that the film industry has been sleepwalking. It has largely ignored the significance of the move towards digital and sometimes seemed passively aggressive to harbingers of bad omens.
But now more than ever, knowledge is power. Your network is vitally important, but if the network is clutching to the nineties, it will surely sink you.
This brings me to the increasing number of round-tables, discussions and seminars run at the Cannes Film Market each year. Foremost among these has been the UK Film Centre‘s programme of events and the more recent Next innovation hub (see below).
Key talks I would attend are “How to develop film projects to attract world-class talent” and “How to capture the 16-30 year-old audience”. That seems like a good place to start! The Brexit briefing is also of considerable importance.
Scroll down for more about Next.
Thursday 18th
Films without Borders (screening)
Friday 19th
Brexit Briefing
Talent Talk: The Killing Of A Sacred Deer
Feels Like The First Time:
How to get your first feature on the international festival circuit
(In association with British Council)
Saturday 20th
UK & Brazil:
The future of collaboration
The Power of Film:
The role of storytellers as cultural diplomats
Talent Talk: Sea Sorrow
Talent Talk: How To Talk To Girls At Parties
Sunday 21st
Talent Talk: A Prayer Before Dawn
Star Power:
How to develop film projects to attract world-class talent
(In association with Screen International)
Beyond 25%: maximising the UK tax credit
(In association with the British Film Commission)
Monday 22nd
The Practical Guide to Closing your Film
(In association with European Film Bonds)
Hunt for the younger people:
How to capture the 16-30 year-old audience
Tuesday 23rd
Talent Talk: I Am Not A Witch
Thursday 25th
ShortsTV ‘The Pitch’ Live Final
Friday 26th
The Palm Dog Awards
Next Innovation at Cannes
Another very important hub of knowledge is the Next innovation section, this year located inside the Palais (level -1, aisle 14). Spend some time there. You’ll get an idea of the trends that are affecting the business, and also meet companies that are preparing for the new challenges.This year, there is much talk of 360° documentaries, virtual reality, extending the cinema experience and more.
Get the full Next 2017 programme here.