17/04/2025 - The second edition of the Entertainment Tech Hub brings together returning and new players, fresh technologies and a renewed commitment to industry-wide collaboration

Following its inaugural edition in 2024, CONNECT – The Entertainment Tech Hub is set to return to the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival from 13-21 May. Taking place once again at the Riviera Palais, the initiative is spearheaded by Backup Media in collaboration with Cannes’ Marché du Film and Cannes Next, offering a space where the entertainment industry’s tech-forward players can gather to explore digital innovation and collaborative potential.

Positioned at the intersection of cinema, media and technology, CONNECT has grown into a meeting point for companies pushing the boundaries of film and TV through tools and platforms that address production, distribution, rights management, sustainability, data analysis and audience engagement.

“The success of the first CONNECT proved that the industry is eager for a dedicated space where innovation meets collaboration,” said Jean-Baptiste Babin, co-CEO of Backup Media. “This year, we are thrilled to bring in new faces, new ideas and an expanded range of events to take CONNECT even further.”

Among the companies returning to CONNECT this year are MovieChainer, Backup Media’s project and revenue management software used by producers, sales agents and studios; FilmChain, a UK-founded digital collection agency offering real-time payments and transparency across rights holders; Blue Efficience, a French firm specialising in detecting and removing pirated audiovisual content online; Gruvi, a media and insights agency using AI tools to analyse film market behaviour and predict performance; and Flying Secoya, a consultancy providing environmental and social responsibility strategies for the audiovisual industry.

CONNECT 2025 also welcomes several newcomers, reflecting the sector’s broadening scope. BetaSeries, a European analytics platform serving TV series fans and media professionals, offers tools for audience trend forecasting and catalogue optimisation. UWA (UHD World Association), a non-profit association consisting of nearly 400 members, will introduce its Vivid royalty-free UHD video and audio standard aimed at improving user experience across content platforms. Pzaz, a UK-based streaming service launched in 2021, focuses on independent and culturally diverse entertainment programming. Furthermore, Olyn, a media-fintech startup, provides direct-to-audience monetisation and distribution solutions for filmmakers, enabling them to retain control of their data and revenue streams.

“Being part of CONNECT at the Cannes Film Festival provides UWA with a unique platform to showcase Vivid, our video standard and technology that delivers captivating, high-impact and immersive user experiences,” said Rémi Tereszkiewicz, CMO Europe at UWA. “As a royalty-free solution, HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid are poised to reshape industry norms. We are thrilled to participate in an event that brings together the most innovative leaders in film and television.”

CONNECT’s programme this year includes live demonstrations, networking events and curated discussions. Highlights include an opening reception on 16 May and a special panel on the same day titled “The Importance of Norms in the Film & TV Industry”, with further speaker announcements expected soon.

“As we forge ahead in our quest to revolutionise the film and TV industry with cutting-edge technologies, it is paramount to strengthen our collaboration with each other and to foster a welcoming environment in which our clients and partners can network,” added Maria Tanjala, co-CEO of FilmChain.

With its growing roster of participants and its emphasis on open dialogue, CONNECT 2025 is set to deepen its role as a platform for industry professionals navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of entertainment technology.