Reflections On Cannes film Festival

Photo credit: Jack Pollington

Indie film maker and producer Jack Pollington share his top tips on going to Cannes

What makes Cannes an engaging place for indie filmmakers?

I recommend Cannes to indie producers and filmmakers because it is the heart of the independent film scene. I use Cannes as a way to reconnect with old friends and colleagues I may not have seen in a while, an opportunity to let people know what I’m working and meet new faces.

In particular the international pavilions have a great atmosphere and throw some of the best (and easiest to access) parties. You can get in here with just the industry accreditation and it is the perfect place to meet with peers from other nations. This is a great way to expand your network to include professionals from other countries who you might otherwise not meet.

Top 3 things to plan ahead of going to Cannes

1.Make sure you know why you’re going to Cannes, and make an appropriate plan. Ask yourself, who are you going there to meet and why? Is it producers for your project? Sales agents? Do you have a finished film that you’re looking to find a distributor for? You can (and should) use sites like Cinando and LinkedIn to find people's contact information and politely request short meetings ahead of time.

2.Bring materials with you. This can be as simple as a pitch deck to show on a laptop or tablet - but you can also print off decks or flyers (I have had great success with this!). Plus don’t forget some business cards.

3. Book early! Cannes has a reputation for being very expensive - and it can be! But over the last few years I have managed it on an indie producer's budget. It is possible to find cheap flights to Nice via EasyJet, and affordable accommodation outside of Cannes centre; try looking in La Bocca or Le Cannet (or even further afield in Antibes). Free bus travel is available with accreditation so getting around is very easy!

Top three things to avoid?

1.I always advise first time festival goers to avoid unnecessarily spending money on the “Marché” Badge. As an independent filmmaker, you can apply for a “Professional Accreditation” which costs only a €20 environmental contribution (before the late deadline). This badge gives you the opportunity to book tickets to any film screening across all categories, and grants you access to the international pavilions, the Marché du Film, the Marriott and Mondrian hotels (for meetings), and to some industry events/parties. Which is everything you need really! 

2.Not preparing your schedule properly! I try to make sure I am clear on times and meeting places for all of my meetings and note the time zone difference.

3.Not seeing any films. Of course, people go to the festival for a number of different reasons, but you would be surprised by how many producers go every year and don’t see anything!

Key things to do or consider when going to Cannes

Go to “Le Petit Majestic” for a drink in the evening. This is where everyone hangs out! Order 2 drinks at once as getting served can take a while!

Go to the “Cineum”. This cinema is outside of Cannes towards La Bocca, but it’s worth the 20 minutes on the bus. Here you can get tickets to screenings much more easily, even those in competition. If you can make a day of it and see multiple back to back, that’s even better!

Go to the “Brasserie Le Triomphe” for cheap, quick, and easy food. This restaurant near the train station is a friendly place for a quick bit of breakfast or lunch. You could even take a meeting there to look like a real local!

Favourite bit of being at Cannes?

Bumping into people on the street! Cannes has that festival energy and at times it can feel as if the whole industry is there. Everyone is in the sun, enjoying a few drinks, and (hopefully) in a good mood, which means it’s easy to meet with people and come away with new connections. This can of course feel daunting the first time you attend, but as your network grows and faces become familiar, I hope you will find the festival a very welcoming place.