01/04/2005 - The deadline for the applications to the upcoming Cannes Film Market is getting closer. It remains the most important event for the international film industry, as showed last year’s record attendance

The deadline for the applications to the upcoming Cannes Film Market (11th-21st May) is getting closer, since it is the 10th of April. The Film Market in Cannes remains the most important event for the international film industry, as showed last year’s record attendance (8814 participants, 2612 companies, and 383 showrooms from 74 countries). The 2004 Film Market consisted in 1432 screenings, 545 of which were world premieres ; this profusion of films allowed professionals from all over the world to choose the best deals. So will this year’s Market. The only novelty is the new policy in terms of price of access which should allow more people to afford it. The cost of the subscription is now calculated per person, not per group. More information and the application forms can be found on Film Market.

The above-mentioned deadline also applies to professionals who wish to participate to the second Producers Network. Last year, this event attracted 486 producers from all over the world. This programme was created in order to encourage international coproductions not only by giving all producers an opportunity to meet but also by helping them develop projects. Any producer is eligible to participate provided he is an independant producer who has had at least one feature film distributed in the past three years. Only two producers per company are allowed to apply. All participants can attend the daily breakfasts to meet other professionals (distributors, sales companies, financers, experts, festival organisers...). The participants’ names will be put on a special catalogue ; they will also benefit from free legal advice, and a special private area within the Market to meet and find information.
Finally, professionals specialised in short film can apply to the
Short Film Corner until the 15th of April. This section of the festival allows them to promote short films and shed more light on major directors and producers in that area.
Website: Marché du Film de Cannes

(Translated from French)