Cannes 2011: From an indie filmmaker's POV

Remember when I asked for movie-types to get in touch if they were off to Cannes? Well, a Craigslist ad from an Alsatian-faced war criminal seeking a buxom young millionairess for friendship and fornication would have yielded a better response. And yet [warbles like Collins and Brookstein combined] against all odds [stops warbling], a few hardy souls dared enter my web of sin.

Four to be numerically exact, they being directors Keith Wright, Greg Ash, James Eaves, and actress Angela Peters. All are off to the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, all go with the tender hopes of their respective movies hinging entirely, wholly and completely on what they accomplish whilst out in that playground of the rich (uh, not really, to be honest, but I'm trying to imbue this article with a vague sense of drama).

Because, of course, alongside the main competitions of the festival, and the Hollywood studios' costly operation to buy up beach-front ad space by the mile, for the next two weeks Cannes is also the place to be for those independent movie-makers seeking a deep-pocketed patron who can imbue their next cinematic creature with the spark of life. Independent movie-makers just like Keith, Angela, Greg and James.

Each of that fantastic four was generous enough with their time to answer a few questions for me about their film and their plans for Cannes, with the answers to those printed just below. And as part of the ultimate master plan I concocted in my tactics cabin (first floor lav in the soot 'n' grim-encrusted Indie HQ), I will be aiming to catch up with all four of 'em whilst down in the south of France, to see how the 2011 festival experience is working out for them.

Now, meet the gang...

Indie filmmaker no. 1: Keith Wright, director

Name of your movie?

Harold's Going Stiff.

Log line of your movie?

'A nurse falls in love with a patient who is slowly becoming zombified.'

How long will you be in Cannes?

Six days.

Who are you going out there with?

Richard Guy (producer) and Sarah Spencer (who plays Penny, the nurse)

Have you been to the festival before, and if so what happened?

We previously went to Cannes to try and promote Harold's Going Stiff by showing a two-minute promo. We met with sales agents and distributors to try and build up some relationships and prepare the ground for submitting Harold once it was completed.

What are your aims/plans for Cannes this year?

Now that the film is completed, our primary aim will be to secure worldwide distribution for Harold's Going Stiff. We also have another project in development called Mother, which is a dark thriller about a woman who believes she is becoming possessed by her violent dead husband. We plan to pull together a short, 30-second promo in order to start creating a buzz for this. We've found it's important to have a number of projects on the go and something in the pipeline. Oh, and I'll probably eat lots of ice-cream.

Indie filmmaker no. 2: Greg Ash, director

Name of your movie?

Mr. Mzuza (screening in the Short Film Corner).

Log line of your movie?

'Alex, a frustrated writer, is having difficulty ending his long-term relationship. But when he discovers a local African spiritual healer, Mr. Mzuza, who specialises in breaking up unwanted relationships, he decides to pay him a visit in the hope of finding magical solution to his problem.'

How long will you be in Cannes?

Seven days.

Who are you going out there with?

My producer and business partner Matthew Adam.

Have you been to the festival before, and if so what happened?

We went last year as festival virgins. Although we had a short film in the Short Film Corner, we went with no real aims apart from having a good time. Saw some great films and met some fantastic people. Came home broke but inspired, and desperate to return every year.

What are your aims/plans for Cannes this year?

We will be screening Mr. Mzuza to various distributors in the hope of finalising some distribution deals for the short film, and rousing interest in our next project, Fired!. We will also be generally looking to meet some inspirational people, find our way on to the red carpet a few times, and hopefully find some time to enjoy the sunshine and the parties.

Indie filmmaker no. 3: Angela Peters, actress

Name of your movie?

This isn't actually my film but I will be one of the actors in it - Vauxhall Crossed. I'm excited because I get to play a (hopefully sassy) FBI agent, alongside Tanit Phoenix and Tom Sizemore.

Log line of your movie?

'An MI6 officer investigates a corrupt FBI agent and psychotic SAS officer trafficking human organs, discovering an extremely disturbing motive.'

How long will you be in Cannes?

12 to 15 May.

Who are you going out there with?

A number of other actors, directors and producers who I know from here and the states.

Have you been to the festival before, and if so what happened?

Yes, this will be my third festival. I've frequently enjoyed attending parties, walking the red carpet, having meetings with relevant industry professionals, and discussing upcoming projects that I am involved with or hoping to know more about. Usually I have accompanied other directors who are either pitching movies that I will be in, or are seeking post-production funding to complete their feature films.

The director of Tangled Up in Blue, Haider Rashid, was there in 2009, and it was great to be able to talk about that movie, which later went on to win a number of awards including Best Film at the 2010 Milan Film Festival, where Rutger Hauer was judging. 

What are your aims/plans for Cannes this year?

This year is about making the most of the time I have there to talk with potential investors who might want to know more about Vauxhall Crossed. I am looking forward to touching base with some of my international contacts from both America and Australia and reconnecting. And lastly, but just as important, I'd be lying if I didn't say Cannes was also about all the parties and celeb-spotting.

Indie filmmaker no. 4: James Eaves, director

Name of your movie?

Spectre from the Void. 

Log line of your movie?

'In the depths of the void lives the foulest of creatures.'

How long will you be in Cannes?

A week.

Who are you going out there with?

Wife and co-producer Laura Eaves.

Have you been to the festival before, and if so what happened?

This is my twelfth year at Cannes and I absolutely love it. You get to see the latest films up to a year before release and network with filmmakers from every country. Over the years we've sold and publicised our films.

My most notable Cannes experience was in 2008 when I met George Lucas. I'm a massive Star Wars fan so it was a major deal for me, although we didn't really have much of a conversation. Also, I'm pretty sure the DoP from Indy 4 (Janusz Kaminski) took the photo, and yes, that is chewing gum in my mouth. To be fair, the amount of money I've spent on Star Wars over the years, he could have smiled.

What are your aims/plans for Cannes this year?

We are looking for investment/funding for Spectre from the Void.

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