Friday, September 5, 2008

Skype at the Cannes Film Festival

Skype at the Cannes Film Festival
The recently concluded Cannes Film Festival was a resounding success. It presented films from all over the world who participated in showcasing the art of cinema at the festival.

This year, Skype was at the forefront by making it possible for actors and directors around the world to take part in live interviews at the Cannes Film Festival via Skype video calls.

Partnering with the Festival's American Pavilion, Skype the leading company in Internet communications was able to link video calls and discussions with the rest of the world.

The Skype video call integration was the first such use of video calling technology at Cannes, a movie-industry event that attracts approximately 30,000 industry insiders and media to the French Riviera each May.

The American Pavilion used Skype video calling in its "In Conversation" and "Industry In Focus" series. An event where respected filmmakers and industry insiders offered audiences their opinions and insights, in moderated panel discussions. The discussions happened nearly daily during the 12-day Festival.

"In Conversation" and "Industry in Focus" discussion participants were linked via Skype. They saw and heard live on computer screens and speakers set up on the panels in which they are taking part. They were be able to see and hear the activity in the Pavilion - and speak to the audience and other panelists - through computers equipped with Web cams, microphones, speakers and Skype software from their locations.

Don Albert, General Manager of Skype North America said "Being part of this year's Cannes Film Festival, through our relationship with the American Pavilion, demonstrates the benefits Skype can provide the international film industry."

The American Pavilion celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the Cannes Film Festival. An annual major event in the film industry which was founded in 1939, it is famous for its star-studded red-carpet premieres and its Palme d'Or award, the highest prize given to any competing film. The 2008 Cannes Film Festival took place from May 14 to 25 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, France.

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