Before I came to Cannes I wondered if I would ever have the chance to make it to any premieres. Thankfully, I have been invited to several, and they are more exciting than I had even imagined. Fans line the Promenade Robert Farve le Bret as the stars pull up and pose for paparazzi. When they stand right next to me on the red carpet, it takes everything in me not to scream and tackle them, or to at least take a selfie, but we are discouraged from doing so because it is “unprofessional” (I know right, but what’s classier than a selfie?). It all creates a chaotic but surreal experience, and even though I’m just a lucky intern who is there basically by chance, it’s very easy to get the “Look at me now haters, I made it” feeling (Who are my haters? What did I make? idk.). My favorite premiere so far has been “How to Train Your Dragon: 2” because there was a dragon mascot of Toothless on the red carpet and I witnessed the
America Ferrera fiasco!
Speaking of fiasco, we have the “Lost River” premiere (directed by Ryan Gosling) tonight! Critics have been saying it is very dark, so I might not like it….but Ryan Gosling IN the dark….now that I might- macaroons? Coming.

Every day the American Pavilion hosts panels with guests from all aspects of the film industry. Today we hosted Producer Jon Kilik, and I particularly found both his creative and business strategies to be particularly admirable. From the start of his successful career, he has maintained his dedication to authentic content, and has let that serve as a guide to make decisions on which projects to work on. “If you are true to your commitment as an artist and bring forth the best material from the talent or content, the work will follow.” With this mindset in place, he went to work with Director Spike Lee on “Do the Right Thing”, which premiered right here in Cannes exactly 25 years ago. But as his career progressed, maintaining his dedication to art became key, even if it didn’t lead to immediate success. “Spike saw my movie and took an interest in me and we started to work together, but I don’t think he paid me anything.” But this common vision that the two shared gave him the patience he needed and eventually led Kilik to work with Lee on over fourteen other films. “I maintained a relationship (with Lee). I didn’t work on getting the job.” And for Kilik, maintaining these types of relationships have proved to be the most beneficial thing. “I’ve been loyal to people beyond the norm. I am a believer in work and vision. You have your style and taste and you allow it to grow, and if you do it right that is what will drive your decisions and create art.” Kilik’s latest works as a producer include the Hunger Games series, and tonight’s premiere, “Foxcatcher” (Which we are off to in an hour!) Come hither Channing. Well, more importantly, come hither chocolate soufflé. AMIRITE.

The festival has begun and I am gradually getting my bearing on both the layout of the “International Village” (The collection of buildings in which the festival takes place) and the business operations that take place within it. The Pallait (French for theatre) is the seven story building with over thirty screening rooms including the Lumiere Theatre where the world premiers take place almost every night. The Marche (market) holds all of the film companies’ booths where they promote their collection of films made this year in hopes of being purchased by distributors. The success of these sales depends very heavily on the unspoken game of impressions and networking. Witnessing it for myself, I really am surprised how almost every social event is a strategic marketing tactic. Every night the beach is lined with exclusive parties and events. It creates such a magical atmosphere, and it is unlike anything else to witness such a glamorous side of the industry. But my favorite part of the day has been my time off in the afternoon where I can wonder the Pallait from screening to screening to see some of the most imaginative and resounding films I have ever seen. Inspiration is everywhere here, and it’s been fueling my creativity in a way that nothing else has before.

This week I will be working on publicity for the American Pavilion and will cover their events via social media. I love keeping my finger on the pulse of all the action so it should be helpful to get experience with it. During training we also heard from the fabulous Lucious Barre, a producer and Cannes-goer for over fifteen years, who talked on the preservation of quality film content amidst the rising trends of our image-oriented culture, and the types of problems that this culture brings to the industry. “Not every festival will embrace a film at its time,” he says. “And after the film agents we have the cults of celebrity.” In a somewhat unfortunate way, the presence of a recognizable celebrity within a film brings about an association towards the film and therefore a positive outcome in the market. This focus on the film’a marketability can draw away from the its actual content and credibility. Barre sees the pattern of this trend and says that, “we have now been looking for celebrities to inspire us and show us the way foreword” rather than the message itself. This ideal celebrity presence makes the film as worldly recognized as possible, and there is not a better environment to see this pattern than Cannes. However, the hope that Cannes provides gives an atmosphere that can distinguish content and manipulated marketing. “At Cannes we gather to see emerging trends, and if there’s any safe place where You can listen to others speak about their dreams, it’s Cannes” These dreams, he argues, ultimately create a cinematic masterpiece.

Day 1
Southern France. that’s about all I have to say for you to picture my beautiful surroundings right now. La Bocca, Straddling the Mediterranean Sea and the Riviera mountains, is the charming town where I’ll be housed for the next sixteen days. Our apartment is a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute bike or bus ride down the beach to Cannes. I’ve been here less than twenty four hours and I am happy to report that a Nutella-crepe-feast-fest, Baguette and brie picnic, and a fundamental French lesson are all off the list. However, this is most likely the last day that will be this relaxing before the rest of the American Pavilion interns and I get get right to work on the festival. The American Pavillion was founded over twenty years ago to create a destination for the film celebration and the film market aspects of the festival to collide. Since then, other countries have joined in on this concept and the pavilions for each designated country now form a community of white-top tents along the beach. But today they serve as much more than a meeting grounds. They are also the hub for relaxation, socialization, and entertainment for the Ampav members. Tomorrow we start training in preparation for the premiere. All Ampav interns are given access to select screenings, Screen Actors Guild round table talks, and a selection of press conferences. But this all comes second to an intern’s priority to fulfill their designated jobs. From film publicity to hospitality management, the Ampav interns cover a multitude of services to ensure the events run smoothly. Job assignments are assigned tomorrow, so I can’t wait to see how I will be contributing.
bonsoir for now

Avery