16/04/2024 - The venue is specially crafted to showcase the latest advancements in film and TV technology, with nine mediatech enterprises already confirmed to participate

For the first time, Cannes' Marché du Film is set to introduce CONNECT - The Entertainment Tech Hub, a fresh venue exclusively designed to spotlight cutting-edge developments in film and TV technology. Collaboratively crafted by prominent mediatech enterprises, CONNECT will unfold at the Riviera Palais from 14-22 May. This novel hub will unite pioneers of innovation and feature a diverse array of daily activities, encompassing interactive exhibitions, dynamic demonstrations, discussions with experts, pitching sessions and more.

Spearheaded and operated by Backup Media in collaboration with key technology firms and Cannes' Marché du Film, CONNECT aims to showcase innovative solutions that support filmmakers. Presently, participating tech companies include: beHive, which offers an online asset-management platform; Blue Efficience; FilmChain, which presents its digital collection agent (CAM), providing real-time payment solutions; Flying Secoya, offering a CSR-CSRD platform for environmental and societal transition in the audiovisual industry; Grüvi; Lipitt, which simplifies video translation using artificial intelligence; Backup Media's MovieChainer, a project and revenue-management SAAS utilised by leading industry players, managing over 16,000 titles, including films showcased at Cannes; N2F, streamlining spend management in film production; and PentoPix, transforming content production with AI by converting text into dynamic 3D worlds and videos. Several other participants are anticipated.

Jean-Baptiste Babin, co-CEO of Backup Media, stresses: “The CONNECT Hub is more than an exhibition: it's a movement towards the digital future of film and TV. By bringing together the brightest in tech, we're not just predicting the future; we're creating it.”

CONNECT is committed to nurturing an atmosphere of innovation in filmmaking while advocating for sustainable and socially conscious approaches. One key event, “The Tech Afternoon”, will present the most recent advancements and features from participating companies. Another noteworthy occasion hosted by CONNECT is “Her Tech Story”, which aims to spotlight the vital role of women in technology, specifically within the entertainment sector. Scheduled for 20 May, this event will convene top female executives to discuss and underscore the critical importance of integrating women's perspectives into technology, ensuring that new technologies serve as agents of progress, rather than perpetuating the industry's shortcomings.

In its inaugural year, CONNECT aims to forge a robust community of tech firms within the industry, representing a notable stride towards the sector's digital evolution. It presents prospects for exposure, networking and dialogues concerning the future of entertainment technology. Already demonstrating substantial success, the initiative is poised for inclusion in forthcoming industry gatherings. While space limitations have constrained exhibitor numbers, CONNECT remains open to partnering with companies and extends advertising and pitching opportunities, including participation in the pitching session during the “Tech Afternoon” event.

Charles Gachet-Dieuzeide, one of the co-founders of Flying Secoya, explains: “Being a tech entrepreneur in the film industry is not an easy path to follow. Sticking together and partnering up is crucial if you want to speak up. We’ve instantly been on board and were indeed seduced by the collaborative, almost kolkhozian, approach of the initiative!”