Q: Why should I go?
A: Whether you are looking to garner distribution for your short film, sell a feature script or just get a job, everyone who’s anyone in the world of film is accessible at the Cannes Film Festival:
- 1,432 Screenings
- 420 Short Films Screened
- 8,814 Participants
- 74 Countries Represented
- 2,612 Companies
- 383 Exhibitors
- 1,450 Buyers
- 2,640 Producers
- And YOU!!!
Q: Who should apply?
A: Mature, independent, hard-working, outgoing individuals who are passionate about working in film. Cannes is what you make of it, so to flourish in our Program, you need to be someone who MAKES things happen instead of waiting for them to happen.
Q: When does it take place?
A: The 2010 Creative Minds In Cannes Program takes place May 10th - 24th in Cannes, France.
Q: What is the participant selection criteria?
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Overall demonstration of interest in the entertainment industry
• Completed Application
• Letter of Recommendation
• Resume
• Response to essay questions
Q: What genres of film will Creative Minds In Cannes accept?
A: Creative Minds invites all projects in all categories (including but not limited to: Drama, Comedy, Horror, Action, Animation, Documentary and Music Video) to be submitted.
Q: How should I submit my film?
A: All submission should be submitted on DVD format. DVD's must be labeled with your name, your Project Title and Contact number. PLEASE test your DVD on several makes and models of players BEFORE sending it to our offices. Technical problems can delay review of your submission.
Q: Can you return my DVD if I don't get into the festival?
A: Submissions are NON RETURNABLE. Please do not send original masters. Sorry, we can not return any part of your submission (press kits, video tapes, fancy delivery items, etc.) even if you stop by the office to pick it up in person and ask very nicely. There are just too many submissions to make this possible.
Q: Should I submit a full press kit?
A: YES, if you have one. It is not required, but if you have one please include it with your application package.
Q: What's the deal with submitting rough cuts is it worth it?
A: Yes, by far the majority of our submissions are rough cuts in one form or another. Don't panic. Our programmers have learned to assume that the film they are viewing is not finished. If you are really worried, list the temporary elements either in your submission cut, or outside on the DVD itself. Remember if you get into the festival, you'll have until late April to finish editing and post.
Q: Do I need travelers insurance?
A: We do not require Travelers Insurance.
Q: I’m an international student. May I apply?
A: Yes. Creative Minds welcomes international applications; we require only that applicants speak English.
Q: I’m a grad student. May I apply?
A: Yes.
Q: I’ve already graduated from college. May I apply?
A: Yes, recent graduates are welcome to apply.
Q: Do I need to speak French to apply?
A: No, although it would be a plus. English is the only language required.
Q: Do I need a current passport to apply?
A: We do not require proof of a valid passport to apply, but accepted students must provide this soon after their acceptance. We highly recommend applying for a passport at the beginning of the application process; it can take up to six weeks to obtain one.
Q: I am not a film student. May I apply?
A: Yes, but be aware that we still need to see a demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in film from your application materials.
Q: Can I get school credit for the program?
A: Many students have received internship credit for the program. If you are interested in obtaining credit, you will need to speak to your school about the correct procedure.
Q: I can’t stay for the whole program. May I come late or leave early?
A: Yes, but coming late or leaving early doesn’t warrant a reduction in the program fee.
Q: My finals conflict with the program dates. What can I do?
A: This is a common issue since the Cannes Film Festival always takes place in May. We recommend talking to your individual professors to come up with an alternative to sitting traditional finals (e.g., taking them early or late, writing a paper instead, getting an “incomplete” and finishing any pending projects when you return). We are also happy to write a letter confirming your acceptance or speak to any professor about the matter.
Q: If I’m accepted and pay the program fee, but later am unable to attend, can I get a refund of the program fee?
A: Yes, ONLY if we are able to replace you with another applicant.
Q: If I got accepted as an "Early Decision" Applicant, how much do I have pay for each "Payment Installment?
A: The total program fee, for the program that you've been accepted into, is broken in half and split over two payments. So the payment of your first installment would cover half of the program fee and the payment of your second installment would cover the other half of your payment.
Q: I am not from the US. How do I get a visa to travel to France?
A: You will need to contact your respective government organization that handles visas as requirements vary. We are happy to assist you with this process (such as writing a letter confirming acceptance), but getting any required travel documents is entirely the participant’s responsibility.
Q: Are deadlines dates when you need something by or dates something needs to be sent by?
A: All deadlines are POSTMARK deadlines. We will consider materials as having arrived by the applicable deadline if that date is on the postmark stamp from the post office.
Q: To whom should my letters of recommendation be addressed?
A: They may be addressed to the Creative Minds Selection Committee (e.g., “Dear Creative Minds Selection Committee”). Remember that letters of recommendation need to be on school or company letterhead to be considered.
Q: I don’t have a lot of film-related experience on my resume. Will this hurt my application?
A: No, we are interested in non-film experience as well.
Q: What does “passport-sized photo” mean?
A: It means your photographs must be:
- 2x2 inches in size
- Identical
- Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
- Color
- Full face, front view with a plain white background
- Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken in normal street attire
You can get official passport photos taken at FedEx Kinko’s or a similar store. Remember to write your first and last name on the back of each photo.
Q: Why do you need my photo to consider my application?
A: Passport-sized photos are not considered as part of the application. We request them so that if accepted, we can start the process of preparing the program booklet as soon as possible.
