Industry power couple: Lamourie Media founders Tracy Lamourie (wearing a custom gown in her signature red) and Dave Parkinson (wearing a tux by Armani) just before the Raindance / Magnificent Films party at the Directors Villa, at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France in May, 2022.)
There is no doubt about it.
The Cannes Film Festival is the most prestigious film festival in the world.
In addition to the glitzy film premiers and the red carpet fashions watched and reported on by every major media outlet, and the legions of celebrities soaking up the sun on the French Riviera while seeing and being seen, the Film Market at Cannes is the most important media trade center on the planet.
It is estimated that over 5 billion dollars worth of business is done behind the scenes at Cannes.
Tracy Lamourie is a multi-award winning celebrity publicist and one-half of the power PR team that is Lamourie Media. Tracy and her husband and co-founder, Dave Parkinson, are at the top of the game, representing big names and emerging notables in the worlds of business, art, and film.
Tracy says: “There’s no question – if you are in the business of film, Cannes is the epicenter of the world in May. No matter what your role in the movie business, the things you learn at Cannes, the people you meet, the opportunities that arise are impossible to beat. If you can be there, get there.”
She’s right.
Not just anyone can be there, though. Unlike some of the other big name film festivals, the vast majority of events during Cannes are NOT open to the public. Strictly industry only, potential attendees must apply for official accreditation from the festival, and the criteria is strict.
Lamourie said she didn’t have any problem getting accredited when she applied for the first time last year. As a globally recognized publicist and the founder of Lamourie Media, representing multiple actors and film projects, and a regular on red carpets herself, perhaps that isn’t surprising.
But Tracy says anyone who is legitimately working in the film industry with the business or IMDb cred to prove it, should make it their goal to get to the iconic festival.
Understandably, the thought of the celebrities and the glitz, THE red carpet, paparazzi, and hobnobbing with film executives can be a little nerve-wracking for a newbie. Additionally, there is the stress about what to wear, where to go, how to get the invites to the best parties, where to take someone you really want to impress to dinner…
Tracy was kind enough to sit down with Entertainment Monthly to drop some essential Cannes tips for first-timers.
Here’s what she had to say:
-From the Nice airport, you can take a helicopter to arrive in Cannes. The helicopter is a fun option and a favorite of celebrities. Start your trip on a literal high note and make an entrance! (Book in advance, of course, about 600 dollars or so for two people and luggage.) If a cab, train, or bus are more your style, those are available too! Looking for an Uber during Cannes? That can be an issue…
-So- get to know a driver. This is super important. Getting an Uber in Cannes during the festival ranges from almost impossible to absolutely impossible, so rent a car or get a private driver you can call. Seriously. Don’t get stuck without a way back to your hotel – or to the important party (at Cannes, parties ARE important!.)
-Don’t be shy about sharing! Cannes can be described as a citywide industry slumber party – since accommodations are several times higher during the festival than at any other time in the region, it can be unaffordable for many as well as difficult to find if you’re looking too late. So it’s the norm for actors, actresses, directors, producers, publicists and other industry folk to rent villas or apartments for the duration, filling the rooms and sofas.
Formal wear is imperative for red carpets. Real formal wear. Period. Gala dresses. Tuxedos. Proper footwear.
-If you’re lucky enough to secure a seat at one of the prestigious red carpet screenings- or any other film screening- make sure you are in it when the curtain rises! Leaving the seat empty is the number one no-no at Cannes – so if you’re not one hundred percent sure you can make it – don’t apply for it. You might never get another seat if you don’t have a very good reason for canceling. Expert tip – don’t do it unless you absolutely can’t avoid it. It’s bad form.
– Talk to people. Everywhere. Everyone is in town to make connections, meet people and move their careers forward – and also just having fun. You never know where a conversation will lead.
-Make sure you pack flat shoes, not only glitzy high heels.
-It gets hotter than you think on the Riviera in mid-May – stay hydrated!
-Keep change in your pocket – you need them for a lot of the bathrooms you run into in France, even at the train station
- Shop. The clothes are incredible, and shockingly affordable compared to major centers in North America. Treat yourself.
-Leave the Palais, put on your bathing suit and go for a swim in the Mediterranean. Then do it again. And again.
-Get on the train! It’s a short ride to Monaco – where the world-renowned Monte Carlo Grand Prix is held right after Cannes. Many Cannes attendees hit Monte Carlo right after, so you should put that on your agenda while you are in the region, too. It’s just a little more than an hour to Italy. Trains are fantastic and take you along the beach through several cities and countries!
-Try to plan your attendance at next year’s event right after you go home this year! Cannes accommodations fill up super fast. Book your hotel or Airbnb as soon as you can to secure your spot.
-Spend time at the Film Market and talk about your projects. You never know who you will meet or what will come of it.
- Dozens of countries have pavilions at Cannes. Visit your own and introduce yourself – you can take meetings and enjoy wifi and refreshments there. And visit pavilions belonging to all kinds of other countries. Expand your horizons, your connections, your opportunities and your knowledge of the big, beautiful world of film.
- Most importantly – have fun! Raise a glass and celebrate! You’re at Cannes!
- Remember – you can always sleep when you get home.
To learn about Lamourie Media or to be considered for representation, visit http://www.lamouriemedia.com.
