by Marla Lewin

Attendance of Americans and other foreign buyers is down again at Cannes this year. Mostly French people seem to be filling the Palais and theatres for screenings. There are still international press and buyers present but activity in the market is very subdued. There are a few companies who seem to be making sales, many people with booths in the market have left early, those who stayed were complaining it is very slow. Some though are seeing progress and finding opportunities.  We expect to see a further shakeout of sales companies.

There are a few new companies claiming they are operating as “non profit” entities. This seems to be a way to get foundation and charitable funding to run their operations and pay their salaries. As few are making a profit from digital download sales it is impossible to evaluate this scheme. It however sounds like naming your sales company Zero Sales because you don’t expect to be able to sell your product.

There is still an opportunity for quality foreign films to work in the US market with proper traditional distribution, in the hands of experts, and appropriate spends for Publicity and Marketing.