So its day 5 here for the festival.....I think anyway who knows. Over the past few nights I have been trying to go out and talk to people and really get to see what everyone here is up to these days. I've gotten so many little opportunities to really talk to people around. The way Cannes works is that if you have a lot of money to blow you can go out every night, get in where ever, and do anything. If you do not have money then you are really limited as to what you can do around here. It's mean to say but hey it's the truth and I am not going to hold anything back from you. Going out at night has just become a hassle because you have to pay for a taxi to get to the center of Cannes and then again to get back. So cabs really start to add up, even with just five people nobody every has money or doesn't comprehend how to use the euro
Ive seen a handful of films so far some of which have been decent. I plan on attending a few red carpet premieres while I am here. However, networking is just killing me, it's that that it is hard to do, just expensive because as I said everything in Cannes costs money! I have been pretty good on saving my money and trying to network during the day, but in the Pavilion all of the wait staff get to schmooze while they work and we sort of get the back burner. I understand some things are luck of the draw, and yeah jobs may be, but when it comes down to networking and talking they clearly have the best jobs because it's their job TO TALK to people in power!!!
In the world of networking I did meet a few filmmakers from Mass one guy is actually from Southwick which is awesome, so he has given me the hook up to talk to a lot of these people around here. Other than that Ive met some guys from London and frankly a few other people who just don't care.
Such is Life.....over and out
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Review: White Irish Drinkers
So while in Cannes I am obviously going to be seeing some films while I am here, and I am going to try and give you a low down so that if you somehow come across these films you will know which films to see and which ones to stay away from.....but be warned I am no professional!
White Irish Drinkers is set in 1975 Brooklyn and follows the lives of the Leary brothers, Danny and Brian. The film opens up with a scene in which Brian and Danny have a disagreement on whether or not to take a specific piece of jewelry from a store they are robbing. From there the tension between the two keeps building. Danny tire to get Brian to do another "job" with him, and the movie starts to show the struggle Brian and Danny have with one another as they try to escape the Brooklyn for bigger and better things.
For being a low budget the film was put together nicely. There was a good flow to the way the story progressed as characters and plot points were introduced and revealed. Some of the shots weren't superb, there was a lot of shakey camera work in certain areas, while other shots were out of focus completely. In some instances the focal point of the shot was completely wrong. Going with this theme there were also areas where sound effects were not needed or completely off, and really took away from the message the scene was trying to portray. An area where I think the film does shine is the fact that it is a period piece shot in NYC, which given the low budget it had was quite the feat. I also really enjoyed the story it was very coming of age and timely which I liked.
If this movie does come to a theater near you I would say go see and you won't be disappointed. On the other hand you also won' be overly impressed either
6 out of 10
White Irish Drinkers is set in 1975 Brooklyn and follows the lives of the Leary brothers, Danny and Brian. The film opens up with a scene in which Brian and Danny have a disagreement on whether or not to take a specific piece of jewelry from a store they are robbing. From there the tension between the two keeps building. Danny tire to get Brian to do another "job" with him, and the movie starts to show the struggle Brian and Danny have with one another as they try to escape the Brooklyn for bigger and better things.
For being a low budget the film was put together nicely. There was a good flow to the way the story progressed as characters and plot points were introduced and revealed. Some of the shots weren't superb, there was a lot of shakey camera work in certain areas, while other shots were out of focus completely. In some instances the focal point of the shot was completely wrong. Going with this theme there were also areas where sound effects were not needed or completely off, and really took away from the message the scene was trying to portray. An area where I think the film does shine is the fact that it is a period piece shot in NYC, which given the low budget it had was quite the feat. I also really enjoyed the story it was very coming of age and timely which I liked.
If this movie does come to a theater near you I would say go see and you won't be disappointed. On the other hand you also won' be overly impressed either
6 out of 10
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I think this really applies to my life right now
"People often remark that I'm pretty lucky. Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you've got to have talent and know how to use it."
-Frank Sinatra
-Frank Sinatra
Festival Opening
Well, It came, I saw it, and a sort of watched it go by.
The Cannes Film Festival had it's first official day today. All of the Pavilions were open and the screenings started up. I can honestly say due to staying up to listen to play off hockey the night before was a good idea. I kind of missed the whole day here. I woke up later than expected didn't really get to do what I wanted and then went to work. Now the thing you have to understand about my job is that I work in membership, and for those of you keeping track at home It's like being an SDA...... yeah I know. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I will say work was fun, as much fun as work can be on the first day of the festival. People were constantly flowing in and out; they needed their memberships, ID's scanned......normal things right?
I didn't get to see a single film today mainly because everything was so so busy, and frankly I am not happy about this at all. I plan on seeing many while I am here, and 50 AmPav students did win tickets to go see Woody Allens A Night in Paris, which I will admit is pretty cool. Other than that, the weather if wonderful, I couldn't complain about it if I even wanted to.
Last night as well I was able to go on a walk with two of my mentors Kevin, who is a professor at ASU, and Karen who works at FullSail University in Florida. Both were extremely knowledgeable and knew what they were talking about. On top of that they were funny, we all shared a few laughs. They picked our brains about the program, gave us some tips to life, and we did the same back.....well minus the life giving tips. I will say when we spoke about what was occurring in our lives and here on the trip they agreed with us on many many things. Which I was thankful for because I didn't want to think I was crazy and the only one really noticing these specific things that are happening here. They were full of laughs and lots of information. I am going have to remember to keep in touch with Karen, she is a fountain of knowledge and knows exactly what she is talking about, she is a good person to have in your corner. Kevin was great as well, he is a huge hockey fan. The only downside is that he is a Red Wings fan, but he knew his stuff on film and television. It was great to hear someone like him talk normally and be so excited about a specific subject!
Tomorrow is a new day.....which also starts at 615am.....oh joy. Here is hoping for a more productive tomorrow....Over and Out
The Cannes Film Festival had it's first official day today. All of the Pavilions were open and the screenings started up. I can honestly say due to staying up to listen to play off hockey the night before was a good idea. I kind of missed the whole day here. I woke up later than expected didn't really get to do what I wanted and then went to work. Now the thing you have to understand about my job is that I work in membership, and for those of you keeping track at home It's like being an SDA...... yeah I know. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I will say work was fun, as much fun as work can be on the first day of the festival. People were constantly flowing in and out; they needed their memberships, ID's scanned......normal things right?
I didn't get to see a single film today mainly because everything was so so busy, and frankly I am not happy about this at all. I plan on seeing many while I am here, and 50 AmPav students did win tickets to go see Woody Allens A Night in Paris, which I will admit is pretty cool. Other than that, the weather if wonderful, I couldn't complain about it if I even wanted to.
Last night as well I was able to go on a walk with two of my mentors Kevin, who is a professor at ASU, and Karen who works at FullSail University in Florida. Both were extremely knowledgeable and knew what they were talking about. On top of that they were funny, we all shared a few laughs. They picked our brains about the program, gave us some tips to life, and we did the same back.....well minus the life giving tips. I will say when we spoke about what was occurring in our lives and here on the trip they agreed with us on many many things. Which I was thankful for because I didn't want to think I was crazy and the only one really noticing these specific things that are happening here. They were full of laughs and lots of information. I am going have to remember to keep in touch with Karen, she is a fountain of knowledge and knows exactly what she is talking about, she is a good person to have in your corner. Kevin was great as well, he is a huge hockey fan. The only downside is that he is a Red Wings fan, but he knew his stuff on film and television. It was great to hear someone like him talk normally and be so excited about a specific subject!
Tomorrow is a new day.....which also starts at 615am.....oh joy. Here is hoping for a more productive tomorrow....Over and Out
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day's 2-3
I have been in France for just about three days now. It is amazing here, the views, sights, smells, and people. So far it's truly an amazing experience here at the American Pavilion. The team of mentors we have here are amazing, they come from all different backgrounds in the industry. Not just film people, others work with getting rights to music, and others are still photographers for big budget pictures! It's crazy here.
Yesterday we went to the Cannes College which was great, we sat through some wonderful Q&A's with the woman who runs the Marche du Film ( Film Market ) and we also had the director of the Cannes Classics. Which is a subsection of the festival that shows "classic" films. He stated it gives people opportunities to see films they may never get to see in their lifetime. Which is a great opportunity for film makers like us, to see classics that may never be seen again. These two Q&A's were a wealth of information, they really opened my eyes to Cannes and how much truly goes on here! It's such a surreal experience to be here, and I am enjoying it. I want to make the best of it, and you know what I WILL.
The festival itself seems very overwhelming, so much is going on at once. I am not really sure what I will be doing at all times. We did get our job postings today so that we all know what we are doing and when we are on. I am going to be at the Ampav Membership area, which in a sense is like being a glorified bouncer. You make sure the people who are on the list get in, and those who are not stay out. I had lunch with a few co-workers of mine today, basically other kids placed in this area, they were extremely nice. We shared some laughs and talked film. It was really nice just to get to know them.
Also on a side note I am participating in a SUPER 8 project. This means me and other students from the Pavilion have the opportunity to shoot a 1 reel project on Super 8 film that will premiere at the festival and then kodak will use after word to promote the rebirth of Super 8 film.
The festival itself starts tomorrow, and is going to draw LOTS and when I says lots I mean a TON of people. They are going to be from all over the world, and most are here for similar reasons I am as well. We all want to see how the business functions, along with what occurs behind the scenes. It's such a wonderful opportunity to be at this festival.
Also on another side note I went on an adventure to find some playoff hockey cause there was a rumor it was going to be on. The group of brave souls included Jake Myself and two of our mentors. Sadly we did not fan the game but took in Cannes in all its marvelous glory. The walk was great and really allowed me to get to know these two mentors on a more personal level. I will post a reflection on this walk later.
Till Next Time
The festival itself seems very overwhelming, so much is going on at once. I am not really sure what I will be doing at all times. We did get our job postings today so that we all know what we are doing and when we are on. I am going to be at the Ampav Membership area, which in a sense is like being a glorified bouncer. You make sure the people who are on the list get in, and those who are not stay out. I had lunch with a few co-workers of mine today, basically other kids placed in this area, they were extremely nice. We shared some laughs and talked film. It was really nice just to get to know them.
Also on a side note I am participating in a SUPER 8 project. This means me and other students from the Pavilion have the opportunity to shoot a 1 reel project on Super 8 film that will premiere at the festival and then kodak will use after word to promote the rebirth of Super 8 film.
The festival itself starts tomorrow, and is going to draw LOTS and when I says lots I mean a TON of people. They are going to be from all over the world, and most are here for similar reasons I am as well. We all want to see how the business functions, along with what occurs behind the scenes. It's such a wonderful opportunity to be at this festival.
Also on another side note I went on an adventure to find some playoff hockey cause there was a rumor it was going to be on. The group of brave souls included Jake Myself and two of our mentors. Sadly we did not fan the game but took in Cannes in all its marvelous glory. The walk was great and really allowed me to get to know these two mentors on a more personal level. I will post a reflection on this walk later.
Till Next Time
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Pre Flight Jitters
So it is that time!
I am currently sitting in Logan International Airport in Boston. This isn't my first time out of the country I've been to Ireland, England, Switzerland, Italy, and now I can add France to my list. I will be going to the Cannes International Film Festival as an intern at the American Pavilion. This should be a full adventure of not sleeping trying to get by only speaking very basic French ( which is better than some of the people on my trip who speak none ).
This is going to be one of those life changing trips that really define me as a person. The lead up this trip has been nothing but stress. Everything Ive done has just caused me to be mad, angry, sad....you name it I was it. I lashed out didn't know what to do, but am happy I am sitting here right now.
Yes Mom You Were Right!
At this point we will see what happens, maybe make some connections meet new faces, but overall just have fun.
I think the personal experience I had today before leaving really made me think twice about what I am doing and it's changed me for the better.
So for Now,
This Is BmB over and out.
I am currently sitting in Logan International Airport in Boston. This isn't my first time out of the country I've been to Ireland, England, Switzerland, Italy, and now I can add France to my list. I will be going to the Cannes International Film Festival as an intern at the American Pavilion. This should be a full adventure of not sleeping trying to get by only speaking very basic French ( which is better than some of the people on my trip who speak none ).
This is going to be one of those life changing trips that really define me as a person. The lead up this trip has been nothing but stress. Everything Ive done has just caused me to be mad, angry, sad....you name it I was it. I lashed out didn't know what to do, but am happy I am sitting here right now.
Yes Mom You Were Right!
At this point we will see what happens, maybe make some connections meet new faces, but overall just have fun.
I think the personal experience I had today before leaving really made me think twice about what I am doing and it's changed me for the better.
So for Now,
This Is BmB over and out.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
12:38
It's 12:38AM on the Monday after Easter. I have been pissed off for a good portion of today. You may being saying, BergerMister why you pissed. Frankly, I DONT KNOW.
Anyway one of the better things about last night was Bruins winning Game 5 against the Habs. Horton decided to show up and play some hockey. Lucic also go his first point of the series......hey bud you still look sloppy out there. Trust me you're getting better but if you don't step it up we are gonna have to have some words.
I will also say sports isn't my super awesome fortay, you want the lowdown check out The Half-Beard my buddy Harv over there will give you the low down on what is going on in the world of sports.
Regardless Here is Ben Folds bringing you into the week.
Anyway one of the better things about last night was Bruins winning Game 5 against the Habs. Horton decided to show up and play some hockey. Lucic also go his first point of the series......hey bud you still look sloppy out there. Trust me you're getting better but if you don't step it up we are gonna have to have some words.
I will also say sports isn't my super awesome fortay, you want the lowdown check out The Half-Beard my buddy Harv over there will give you the low down on what is going on in the world of sports.
Regardless Here is Ben Folds bringing you into the week.
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