Jérôme Paillard: Executive Director of the Marché du Film
Interview by Stuart Alson
Jérôme Paillard joined the Festival de Cannes in November, 1995, as Executive Director of the Marché du Film to oversee the development and management of what is now heralded as the world’s leading film market. Marché du Film provides the top echelon of the entertainment industry with a forum to conduct business during the 12 days of the Festival de Cannes. Today, it is the primary gathering place and source of information for more than 10,000 registrants. The Marché du Film is also responsible for cinando.com, the year-round Internet service for professionals; for the Producers Network, a program for producers of feature films; and the Short Film Corner, a meeting place dedicated to short films.
IFQ: How long have you served as Executive Director of the Marché du Film?
Jérôme Paillard: 15 years.
IFQ: When did the Marché du Film get started?
JP: The Marché du Film started in 1959.
IFQ: Are there a lot of companies exhibiting in the market?
JP: We work to accommodate as many people as possible. Cannes is a quite specific market. We have companies, not only in the Palais, but in hotels and apartments. We always have people waiting to be in the Palais. So to answer your question, we are always full, which is good.
IFQ: How’s the market itself worldwide?
JP: I think it’s very interesting. I was in Berlin a few months ago. The positive point is that the feeling of everyone was different than last year. The problem last year was that people really had no vision on what was up front. Even if, of course, the market is not so good now, at least people have some visibility. Everyone realizes that the economic crisis was not the only thing affecting the market. The model of distribution is changing. DVD is going down, and other forms are going up. VOD is not yet where it needs to be. It is a process. The economy will swing back. The advertising model that’s always been used for TV will work on the Internet. The credit markets will open up again for co-productions. It’s not a question about economic crisis. It’s more of a question of new models and the methods of delivery. I think production may change, the number of films produced may change, and distribution models may change. I’m sure we will see more and more of those films trying to find direct distribution through new media, TV show production, or digital production.
IFQ: Is the market prepared for 3-D screenings this year?
JP: Yes. This year we have ten theaters ready for 3-D. We, of course, see that there are more and more requests for 3-D screenings—not many completed films, but the promos are in 3-D, so that’s quite exciting. But, of course, we work to be as far as possibly advanced for our clients. So, yes, we have ten digital and 3-D theaters.
IFQ: Are you going to add new media? Like cell phones?
JP: Actually, we did cell phones years ago. We will see what happens with the new iPad, but it will take time. Of course, we are very careful what happens with the Internet and new technology, and the Europe Cross Platform products. We offer roundtables to network about that.
IFQ: What advice would you give to directors and producers to increase their chances of success in Cannes?
JP: First, try to be selected into one of the sections and meet as many of the right people as possible. That’s why we offer different programs such as the Producers Network and roundtables. It’s a direction where we work a lot with cinando.com, our social network tool on the Internet. We just launched a new screening room on www.cinando.com. Sales companies and producers can upload their digital films and secure them. You can send out an invitation and the person can see the film. Deals have been done because of films being on there.
IFQ: So, instead of mailing screeners, potential buyers can watch the films on cinando.com?
JP: Exactly. It’s the idea to replace the screeners. In order to watch the film, you have to have permission or request permission.
IFQ: Any comments about the Market this year?
JP: Two things: The Producer’s Network, which is continuing, and that we are continuing to do our documentary branch that we started two years ago. We have one branch for filmmakers, producers and distributors of documentaries.
IFQ: Where and when is it?
JP: It’s by invitation only, but people can ask about it. It will be on Tuesday, May the 18, at 12:00 p.m.
IFQ: Is this a place where filmmakers can find buyers for their documentaries?
JP: It’s not really a marketplace. It’s more of a networking place.
IFQ: What’s the best way to sell a documentary?
JP: In the Market, as usual. The best way is to have a sales company. I see that more and more sales companies are representing documentaries, which is a good point for documentaries.
IFQ: Concluding the interview, they say that Cannes is the sister city of Beverly Hills. Have you ever heard of this and what are your thoughts?
JP: Yes. I’ve known that for a long time. They are two of the most important cities for film in the world, and both have palm trees!
IFQ: Have you heard about the new Beverly Hills Film, TV and New Media Festival?
JP: No. When is it?
IFQ: It’s in October.
JP: Great!
*Photo Credit: Marche du Film