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French President Emmanuel Macron discusses a range of topics in this Variety article, including the power of Taylor Swift, the recent Paris Olympics, and the importance of French culture and cinema. Macron highlights France's efforts to reclaim its position as a global center of culture and mentions the country's influence in the entertainment industry. He addresses his own unpopularity and the challenges he has faced as president. Macron emphasizes the significance of pop culture in a world filled with darkness and offers advice to the organizers of the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. He expresses his personal connection to French culture and language and discusses his favorite movies. Macron defends the government's support for the film industry and expresses concern about the potential impact of far-right control on artistic support. He also comments on the presence of big media companies in France and the possibility of creating a European streaming service to rival Netflix. The article also touches on the French film industry, the regulation of artificial intelligence, the impact of the #MeToo movement on the film industry, and the arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram. President Emmanuel Macron expresses pride in the French film industry and its ability to produce quality content. He also discusses the need for regulations and responsibility in the dissemination of AI-generated content. Macron supports the #MeToo movement and believes in the presumption of innocence. He also comments on Joe Biden's decision to step out of the presidential race and expresses his belief that the US is ready to elect its first female president. [Extracted from the article]

NBCUniversal is making changes to its coverage of the Paris Olympics in order to attract a wider audience and demonstrate the cultural significance of the event. The company has invested $7.8 billion in the Games and plans to make its coverage more accessible and tailored to different audiences. Popular figures from the world of pop culture, such as Peyton Manning, Snoop Dogg, and Kelly Clarkson, will be involved in the primetime coverage to add excitement to the 7,000 hours of competition. NBCUniversal is also streaming all events in real-time through Peacock and using interactive features to engage viewers. The company hopes that the Paris Olympics will generate interest in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. NBC is taking a new approach to promoting the Summer Olympics, using influencers like Paris Hilton and Megan Thee Stallion in their promos instead of focusing solely on athletes. The network is also changing its broadcasting rules to enhance live coverage and offer new streaming options through Peacock. NBC estimates that over 20% of Olympics viewership will come from Peacock. Meanwhile, France is preparing to host the Olympics and is planning extensive media coverage and events to showcase the nation's strength and beauty. The Games will have gender balance, with women making up half of the competitors. Paris will host competitions at iconic venues and increase public transportation to accommodate the expected influx of fans. Local broadcasters in France are also preparing comprehensive coverage of the Games. [Extracted from the article]

Laura Fernández Espeso, CEO of Mediapro Studio, has played a significant role in transforming Spain's film and TV industry through her business acumen and commitment to diversity. Under her leadership, the company has focused on producing TV series that can appeal to international audiences by filming in English and promoting diversity in all aspects of their operations. Fernández Espeso has also formed partnerships with prominent figures like Penélope Cruz to provide opportunities for new talent and increase representation of women in the industry. She has a strong track record of success and is now preparing to expand into the US market with a slate of English-language productions. [Extracted from the article]

Metropolitan filmexport, France's independent distribution leader owned by brothers Samuel and Victor Hadida, has not just survived; it has steadfastly thrived for the past 35 years. Thanks to the Hadida [...]

Pierre-Antoine Capton, CEO of Mediawan, was recently honored with France's Legion of Honor for his success in the media industry. Capton's career trajectory is unique in France, as he started as an intern and worked his way up to become a self-made entrepreneur. Since co-founding Mediawan in 2015, the company has grown significantly, acquiring various production labels around the world and boasting an estimated annual revenue of $1.3 billion. Capton's focus on content and his ability to spot projects that capture the zeitgeist have contributed to Mediawan's success. The company aims to unite the best creators and producers and give them the means to shine internationally. Capton's vision and passion for storytelling have led to partnerships with prestigious companies like Plan B, and he is determined to expand Mediawan's presence in the U.S. market while avoiding the pitfalls that previous French companies faced in Hollywood. [Extracted from the article]

THAT SUMMER OF 2022, THE WALLED COASTAL F RENCH TOWN of Saint-Malo got a taste of Hollywood, with "Stranger Things" director-executive producer Shawn Levy running up and down the windy beach, fiercely determined to shoot crucial scenes of his World War II-set Netflix series "All the Light We Cannot See." Levy and his producing partner Dan Levine at 21 Laps had to launch an extended courtship to get Doerr to agree to a deal. While the series revolves around the relationship between Werner and Marie, Levy, who has four daughters, "knew that my adaptation would be also very much a father-daughter story, so the casting of the father was everything for me - and Mark's a great father.". [Extracted from the article]

Coming on board TF1 in 2007, Nonce Paolini took over the TV giant just as the world was about to experience the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. But the [...]

The Venice Film Festival, which began on August 28, has been filled with drama, major sales, on-screen sex, and political statements. This year's festival has seen a significant presence of TV shows, with acclaimed directors and movie stars venturing into episodic entertainment. The festival has also been marked by protests and activism, particularly regarding the inclusion of Israeli films and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, the lineup features sexually charged films, and studios and streamers have been actively acquiring distribution rights. Angelina Jolie's latest film, "Maria," has received critical acclaim and generated awards buzz for her performance as Maria Callas. [Extracted from the article]

Tricia Tuttle, a progressive American film journalist and curator, has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Berlin Film Festival. Tuttle's appointment has been met with relief by the international film industry, as there were concerns about the German government shaking up the festival's leadership. Tuttle will be tasked with turning the Berlinale into a rival to Cannes and Venice while maintaining its political edge and focus on arthouse cinema. However, there are concerns about her ability to work with the city of Berlin and sponsors as a non-German. The Berlinale is known for championing independent cinema and has a different idea of cinema compared to other top-tier festivals. The festival will also face major changes in 2025, including the loss of screening venues and a severe government budget crisis. Tuttle will need to navigate these challenges while reminding people of the importance of festivals in the marketing and celebration of films. [Extracted from the article]

After losing itself for some time, the legendary 114-year-old French studio Gaumont bounced back to the top of the charts with the box office phenom 'The Intouchables' in 2011. Three [...]

Everyone knows pure comedy gets little AMPAS love. That fact was apparent in Year One, 1927-28, when a one-time-only 'Comedy Picture' directing award elbowed out a certified comic genius. Chaplin's [...]

PARIS Europe may be late to the 3D party, but at least eight Continental stereoscopic 3D pics will hit theaters this year, with some 20-plus in the works. However, 3D [...]

The article discusses the economic impact of hosting the Summer Olympics in Paris. Despite hopes of a boost to the local economy, businesses are struggling due to a lack of international visitors. Domestic visitors make up the majority of attendees, but there is a sense of dissatisfaction among locals, with concerns about construction projects and the overall success of the Games. Additionally, there are logistical challenges and communication issues that have affected tourism. Overall, the article highlights the mixed feelings and challenges faced by Paris in hosting the Olympics. [Extracted from the article]

SINCE ITS INCEPTION nearly 15 years ago, Paris-based Wild Bunch has prided itself as a bold player willing to embrace provocative films and unconventional ways of doing business. Its 2015 [...]

For decades, France has given the world iconic films that deal frankly with sexual themes: 'And God Created Woman,' 'Belle de Jour,' 'Betty Blue' and 'Blue Is the Warmest Color.' [...]

Striving to stay ahead of innovations within the entertainment industry as it hits its seventh anniversary, Les Arcs European Film Festival will launch an Interactive Village to showcase virtual reality [...]

Nicholas Braun, known for his role in "Succession," is in talks to star in Ruben Ostlund's film "The Entertainment System Is Down." The movie, which already has Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, and Daniel Bruhl attached, is generating buzz at the Cannes Film Market. The plot centers around a long-haul flight where the entertainment system malfunctions, forcing passengers to confront the horror of boredom. Ostlund aims to explore human interaction in this confined space and hopes the film will make a significant impact at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is set to start shooting next month and is being produced by Plattform Produktion and Coproduction Office. [Extracted from the article]

Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Indya Moore, and Luka Sabbat have joined the cast of Jim Jarmusch's upcoming film, "Father Mother Sister Brother." The film is a triptych, consisting of three separate stories set in different countries and exploring the relationships between adult children, their parents, and each other. The movie is described as a comedy with elements of melancholy and character studies. It is being produced by various companies, including Saint Laurent Prods., MUBI, and Badjetlag, and has already been pre-bought by distributors in Germany and France. [Extracted from the article]

Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch has expressed her desire for greater representation of women at the festival. She believes that progress has been made, but acknowledges that women still face challenges in accessing big budgets for their films. Knobloch sees the #MeToo movement as having a positive impact on French society, creating awareness and leading to a transformation in how women are seen. As a female president, she has faced adversity and feels the need to constantly prove herself. Cannes has always been a place for freedom of expression, which is why it may not select movies by controversial figures like Woody Allen and Roman Polanski. The jury at Cannes aims to focus on cinema rather than politics. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the struggles faced by indie films in securing a U.S. release, despite their critical success and star-studded casts. Films like "Small Things Like These" and "La Cocina" have received positive reviews and international sales, but have yet to secure a domestic deal. The lack of post-theatrical window deals with broadcasters and streamers is cited as a reason for the delay in U.S. sales. Additionally, the article mentions that the regularity of filmgoing has not returned to pre-COVID levels, and audiences may be less inclined to watch difficult subject matters. The article also highlights the preference for genre-friendly films that have the potential for runaway success. [Extracted from the article]

France's film industry is currently grappling with a reckoning over sexual harassment and abuse, as the #MeToo movement finally takes hold in the country. While there have been previous instances of sexual misconduct accusations in the French entertainment industry, the current wave of allegations is unprecedented in scale and intensity. The Cannes Film Festival, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of problematic performers, is making efforts to avoid controversy this year and focus on the films. This comes as the #MeToo movement in the United States faces new obstacles, such as the recent overturning of Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction. However, the movement has still led to meaningful reforms in the American film community. [Extracted from the article]

The 77th Cannes Film Festival is expected to face protests and politically charged speeches due to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, but the festival has banned protests and hired private security to prevent activists from approaching jurors. Arab filmmakers were initially allowed to wear pins supporting Palestinians in Gaza, but the festival later banned them, along with pins honoring Israeli hostages. Despite the festival's aim to focus on cinema and avoid controversy, artists attending the festival have expressed their opinions on social media. The article also mentions challenges faced by independent filmmakers, such as labor strikes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several upcoming film projects seeking distribution are highlighted, including "Bear Country" starring Russell Crowe, "Flesh of the Gods" featuring Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac, and "Belly of the Beast" starring Ben Stiller and Colin Farrell. The article notes that horror films have been successful at the box office, leading companies to prioritize their production due to lower budgets and reliance on concept and execution rather than big-name talent. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which is expected to be tumultuous due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The festival has preemptively banned protests and hired private security to prevent activists from approaching competition jurors. Initially, there was a plan for Arab filmmakers to wear pins showing support for Palestinians in Gaza, but the festival changed course and will ban those pins as well as pins paying homage to Israeli hostages. The festival aims to focus on cinema and avoid polemics. [Extracted from the article]

The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is expected to be tumultuous due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. However, the festival has preemptively banned protests and hired private security to prevent activists from approaching competition jurors. The festival initially allowed Arab filmmakers to wear pins in support of Palestinians in Gaza but later decided to ban them, along with pins honoring Israeli hostages. The festival aims to focus on cinema and avoid polemics. Despite this, artists attending the festival have expressed their opinions on social media. Precautions have been increased this year to avoid protests and maintain security. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides an overview of the preparations and controversies surrounding the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The festival has implemented measures to prevent protests and hired private security to keep activists away from competition jurors. The article mentions the initial plan for Arab filmmakers to wear pins in support of Palestinians in Gaza, but the festival decided to ban those pins, as well as pins paying homage to Israeli hostages. Despite the festival's efforts to avoid controversy, artists attending Cannes have been using social media to express their political views. The article also briefly mentions other films about filmmaking that will be showcased at the festival. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges faced by independent producers and financiers in the film industry, including labor strikes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights upcoming projects such as "De Gaulle" and "In the Hell of Kabul" by Pathé, which are expected to attract buyers due to their quality. Other projects mentioned include the action-thriller "Bear Country" starring Russell Crowe, the film "Flesh of the Gods" featuring Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac, and the true crime drama "Belly of the Beast" with Ben Stiller and Colin Farrell. The article also notes the success of horror films at the box office, leading companies to focus more on this genre. [Extracted from the article]

Mediawan Pictures managing director Elisabeth d'Arvieu will have a strong presence at this year's Cannes Film Festival, with five in-house productions premiering in the official selection. The films range from festival openers to Palme d'Or contenders, showcasing Mediawan's commitment to supporting diverse talent and genres. The company's recent acquisition of Plan B Entertainment has expanded its reach and brought new projects into its orbit. Mediawan emphasizes independence and creative freedom, offering a competitive advantage in the market. [Extracted from the article]

Movie", "Top Gun: Maverick" (which debuted at Cannes last year) and "Avatar: The Way of Water", movies made for adults are struggling to find an audience. "You have the crew costs, the cost of materials, the cost of the interest on the financing for independent films", says Basner. FEATURES LAST month, the Croisette, the glamorous boulevard that serves as the central artery of Cannes, was a maze of construction that made it nearly unnavigable in places. [Extracted from the article]

After facing changing audiences tastes and serious competition from U.S. imports, France has finally emerged as a top European purveyor of premium drama. Shows like 'Trepalium,' a thriller dealing with [...]

Paris-based pan-European producer-distributor-sales agent Wild Bunch, which won its fifth Palme d'Or this year with Jacques Audiard's 'Dheepan,' is heeding the siren song of television. Wild Bunch is the latest [...]

In a market as heavily regulated as France, where Netflix faced tremendous resistance ahead of its launch in September 2014, introducing a disruptive, digital TV service seems like mission impossible, [...]

The popularity of foreign talent in Hollywood movies and TV series has sparked a shakeup at U.S. agencies, incentivizing them to team up with their counterparts across the globe. Most [...]

Traditionally known for its glitzy backdrop, red carpets and press junkets, the seaside Monte Carlo TV Film Festival, created 55 ago by the principality of Monaco's Prince Rainier III, is [...]

Nightmare' and 'disruption' are some of the more words industryites are using to describe the European Commission's looming plan to apply its digital market strategy to film and TV programs. [...]

For decades, TF1 was best known for its stable of high-rating yet aging French TV dramas like 'Navarro,' 'Julie Lescaut' and 'Josephine Guardian Angels,' but shortly after Nonce Paolini took [...]

'Someone I've always admired is Marilyn Monroe. She died young but remains one of my favorite actresses. She did comedies, dramas; she was funny, moving, seductive. I found her incredible.' [...]

Samuel Hadida, the French godfather of the 'Resident Evil' film franchise, got on board the project after pulling an all-nighter playing the video game with his son. Hadida admits he [...]

While the U.K., Canada, France, and Germany have been racing to lure mid- to big-budget international productions, new shooting locations have appeared with financial and other incentives. Here are key [...]

In the global game of TV program distribution, France is a rising player. The land where only a few years ago U.S. series monopolized the primetime airwaves is now becoming [...]

As shrinking public funding makes for fewer French films, Cofiloisirs, one of Gaul's top two lending institutions, is seeking to reach out to filmmakers beyond French borders. In the past [...]

The mission of unifrance has always been to lift theatrical numbers and broaden the appeal of Gallic fare in challenging markets. Today the film promo org is finding ever more [...]

WHILE THE OVERSEAS market for French-language films is becoming increasingly competitive, Gaumont's international sales team is proving, market after market, that buyers are still game to venture off the beaten [...]

Six months after the launch of Netflix in the Netherlands, RTL Nederland--a subsidiary of RTL Group that operates seven channels in the Dutch market --is undergoing a digital transformation with [...]

The article features directors and their projects to watch out for in 2022. It includes Aitch Alberto and her film "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," Mariama Diallo and her horror film "Master," and Goran Stolevski and his film supernatural folk-horror film "You Won't Be Alone."

The European Film Market is seeing a resurgence in dealmaking, with buyers showing interest in star-driven packages, arthouse films, and foreign-language movies. Sony has recently acquired two high-profile packages, while other films playing at the Berlin Film Festival are expected to secure U.S. deals. Sales agents are optimistic after a challenging 2023 AFM, and there is a sense that the market is rebounding. Buyers are being more selective and looking for quality theatrical material that can serve as a tent-pole, indicating a shift from the previous year's focus on catching up from the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

Yorgos Lanthimos, director of "Poor Things," is set to remake the South Korean fantasy comedy "Save the Green Planet." The film, expected to be shot in the U.K. and New York, is a black comedy about a disillusioned man who captures a businessman he believes is part of an alien invasion. The original 2003 South Korean film was a cult hit and festival favorite, and the remake will be produced by Element Pictures, Square Peg, and CJ ENM. Emma Stone is rumored to be in talks to star. CJ ENM has a large library of Korean and Asian film and TV content and has previously remade several of its titles. Lanthimos has already completed another film, "Kinds of Kindness," which may be shown at the Cannes Film Festival. [Extracted from the article]

Cohen Media Group, the U.S. distribution company, has acquired the film "The President's Wife," directed by Léa Domenach and starring Catherine Deneuve as Bernadette Chirac. The movie, nominated for a Cesar Award for best first film, pays tribute to Bernadette Chirac, who became a feminist icon despite being less popular than her husband, Jacques. The film was a box office hit in France and Cohen Media Group plans to bring it to American audiences. [Extracted from the article]

Bret Easton Ellis, known for his novels and film adaptations, is set to make his directorial debut with the horror film "Relapse." The film stars Joseph Quinn and is produced by Paris-based SND, Adrian Guerra's Nostromo, and Simon Wallon's Kiss & Kill. "Relapse" follows the story of Matt Cullen, who checks into rehab after witnessing a horrific death and later tries to rebuild his life, only to find that things have changed. Ellis describes the film as a monster movie set in an upscale Los Angeles setting, with his signature characters and themes of sex, drugs, and paranoia. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 European Film Market in Berlin is expected to be a significant event, featuring projects from top stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, and Dave Bautista. Industry insiders are optimistic about the market, with some describing it as a "watershed market." However, there are concerns about whether buyers will respond to the offerings. The market is seen as an important indicator of the state of the independent sector, although Cannes in May is expected to provide a more reliable gauge. [Extracted from the article]

Part of the problem, says film critic Paolo Mereghetti of Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, lies in the selection criteria adopted by the commissions picked by Italian motion picture association ANICA each year to select the country's Oscar candidate. "When Italy chooses a film for Oscar consideration, they shouldn't select the entry they consider to be the best overall film. [Extracted from the article]