04/05/2006

The 47th Film Market, which will take place from May 17-27 as part of the Cannes Films Festival, is expected to beat all previous records.

According to statistics Market organisers released to Cineuropa, participants (international sales agents, distributors, producers and financiers) are expected to reach a record 10,000. On April 14, 7,420 professionals were registered, compared to 6,792 in 2005, an increase of 8%. Also in mid-April, 86 countries had confirmed their participation, compared to 73 last year on the same date, and 2,990 companies were registered, compared to 2,541 in 2005. The US leads the pack with 17% of participants, followed closely by France and England, which represent 14% and 13% of registrations, respectively. Asia’s presence has grown to an important16% – a 23% increase on last year.

Organised by Jérôme Paillard, the most important international market for film industry professionals, which will bring together 400 exhibitors, is offering over 1,400 screenings and 3,970 films were proposed to buyers on April 14, compared to 2,860 last year. That 50% of these films are completed and the other half are in production is proof that the Cannes Market today plays a decisive role in securing financial and artistic backing for films.

It is also becoming increasingly involved in the creative process, being the most important international market in terms of negotiating contracts for international co-productions. Playing an integral role in this is the Producers Network, founded in 2004, which has gone from strength to strength. This year, 500 producers from the world over will meet each morning around the 16 round tables for discussion. For information on the films screened at the Market and the calendar of screenings, please visit the market’s database at its Internet site.

(Translated from French)