First day of cannes
Well my adventure started Friday may 6 at 5:00am when we wrapped up the student short film Weighted. I spent the rest of that day doing everything I could to get done, I ended up going to bed at 1am then getting up
at 3:45 to finish everything. I left my house at 5am I still managed to forget my watch and a few slightly important items, but I will live.
Checking in was easy I just don't understand why we need to check in two hours early, cuz I sat there doing nothing. When I boarded my first plane I was placed next to two old people who I mildly enjoy listening to them argue since neither one could hear them talking. The plane pulled up to the flight strip then we stopped not sure what was wrong with one of the passengers but they asked if anyone was a doctor on the plane. So the pilot had to take us back to the dock where paramedics got on. In the end she was able to walk off the plane, but we left 45 minutes later than expected.
Once in the air a little girl started to cry I'm sure it was cuz she didn't want to sit in her seat, she screamed the whole way there only taking a break to have a drink of water when the stewardess brought the drinks around. I tried to take a nap but the screams from the kid made it hard. Finally we got there in JFK airport. I was dropped off at gate 29 and needed to be at gate 7. About 20 minutes later I found my gate and only had 40 minutes to wait, in that time I wished I had exchanged my US dollars for Euros since no one around here takes credit.
Once on the plane I was seated next to a girl that was also going to cannes in the Ampav program she was white and flying from Hawaii. She seems cool and nice but I only see her here and there since there are about 180 students. The flight wasn't too bad but I couldn't sleep since I was in the middle seat and people who invented planes are as tall as a 5 year olds so my knees were in the back of the person in front of me. Sorry dude.
Once there I had fun waiting in the huge line to get my passport stamped for the first time. I was grateful my luggage didn't get lost, and finding my group was easy. We all were shy but at least willing to talk cuz we had to wait for the shuttle bus. A few hours later we were crammed into a bus and taken to our hotel. Slightly a pain these locks are you have to use keys to lock yourself in fancy that.
After chillin and unpacking I went in search for food and ran into some of the peeps I met at the air port they asked if I wanted to go into town.
We walked along the beach and discovered the beaches here are like no other if (you know what I mean). The town is so beautiful and its only a 30 min walk to work but I'm still getting a bus pass. We saw a lot of cool things and enjoyed getting in the water.
After that I got some food and went up to my room I met the rest of my roommates we talked for an hour then they wanted to go out to town. I said Naw ill just gonna watch some tv. Such a lie. I barely made my bed and passed out. Didn't get up till 6 the next morning yeah it sucked.
Day 2:
We had a busy day breakfast was good, I discovered I don't like the smell of French coffee ;) they did however have these amazing bread things that had chocolate in it and it was divine.
After that we met in our mentor groups and they showed us around town and this is when I discovered people around here really don't take cards. But I'm sure I can get euros in cannes.
After we walked to the pavilion to see where we would be working for the next few weeks, then we met at a high school for international students. There we had a few seminars about the festival and such. One that really inspired me was when all the mentors took turn talking about how they got to where they were. This inspired me because I've been having doubts about my career path. One thing that one of them had said "prepare for that moment" not sure why but it just really inspired me.
After one of our mentors showed us a project he made a few years back. He shot it on super 8, it was just a homemade project but it was really interesting. He did this weird color dye on some of the film strip. It was fascinating.
Later that night we had our first party where we all could meet and interact together. One of the mentors asked me if I was Mormon since I was from Utah I corrected him and said "Mormon comes from our scriptures called the Book of Mormon, we are actually called LDS. Which stands for Latter Day Saints, don't worry its a common mistake ;)" he laughed and told me I was the first Mormon that he was aware of that has came to this program. I told him that I was the first from BYU (that I'm aware about cuz I asked Jeff and he said no one else has gone.) Well this mentor said he had only been to Utah for sundance, but didn't really know anything about the religion. I gave him the crash course on what makes our religion different from others. (Thank you survey of would religions.) He thought it was interesting and asked me about south parks musical, I told him I've been too busy to see it but I'm not offended because religions have been mocked for centuries and its our turn. That's not really how I feel but I don't have an opinion about south parks musical, nor do I care what others say I have better things to do with my time.
After the party me and some of the people just chilled in one of the apartments. Can I say I its interesting being with a bunch of film people that don't go to the same school as I do? It's great to see everyone's perspective on film and such.
Also these beds in the apartment sucks apparently French people don't believe in space, 2 ply toilet paper, soft beds or screens on windows. ;)
Day 3:
Well I road the bus today cant remember the last time I was on a public bus. We got to walk around De Cannes film festival area. Wow its freaken big. We had our orientation for our jobs, obviously I am working in the restaurant as a waiter. I really want to work at the bar ;)
We had a few speakers today in our pre festival orientation SAG/indi was the only helpful one I think because in the film world you deal a lot with SAG and its great to have a contact to help get great actors on a independent budget. The other guy I didn't pay attention to I was too busy writing this is one my phone. Lol
That night I went to the beach with some of the people that I met at the airport. I didn't stay long in the water cuz its cold, but it was fun while it lasted.
Day 4:
First day of the festival. I was a little worried how today would work out but its been a pretty good day. I only had to waitress for a few hours because I helped the girl at the bar. No I didn't mix any drinks I only mixes water :). Work was kind of slow but in the middle we picked up, after work I went to see a market movie. I plan to go everyday after or before work to see as many of them as I can.
The independent feature FOR ROBBING THE DEAD the one I worked on last summer apparently will be shown on the market in cannes I will have to look out for it.
I really wanted to go see MIDNIGHT IN PARIS tonight but I didnt get an ticket. It's all good ill just see it some other time.
Nothing much happen today after that.
Day something like I can really count:
I saw the movie "We need to talk about Kevin" wow its way depressing but so well done!!! The metaphors they use are amazing. I recommend it only if your willing to see a sad movie. Plus the little kid they got!!! wtf where did they find him that performance he gave was amazing for a little kid. There are faces he makes that a kid that age shouldn't be able to make.
Today Famke Janseen came and spoke today, you would prob recognize her as Jean Grey from X-Men (and if i wasn't trying to be professional around her I would have asked what is what like to kiss Hugh Jackman) She is starting to move into directing and she directed her first film, "taking care of bobby." After she talked I went up to her and talked to her, her advice to me was never give up no matter how hard it is. We live for those moments where everything falls into place, its perseverance something something something you need to learn all that you can about something. (Sorry I forgot.) Surround yourself with unbelievable talent and never give up. :)
Well this is all i have time for now so I'll post more later!
Love,
Marcel with shorts on.
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