Cannes extends tenures of President, Director through 2014  hollywoodreporter.com 21 Dec 11 Festival de Cannes president Gilles Jacob (pic left) and director Thierry Fremaux (pic right) will be shaking hands with filmmaking elite on the top of the Palais steps for the next three years in Cannes with the dynamic duo on Wednesday confirming plans to remain in their posts through 2014. Fremaux has been granted even more executive power over the fest's budget, staffing and development. The festival’s board of directors met on Tuesday and voted to extend the fest toppers’ mandates through 2014. The 81-year-old president Jacob has been with the festival for more than 30 years. 50 year-old Fremaux, named fest director in 2008, will remain by his side. Rebecca Leffler.

'My Angel' earns its wings at Angel Film Awards Monaco  RLTV 12 Dec 11 The British movie My Angels won the main prize at the Angel Film Awards, Monaco where it received its World Premiere. Written and directed by Stephen Cookson it stars Brenda Blethyn, Timothy Spall (pic), Joseph Phillips and Mel Smith. The Best Feature Documentary Award went to Get Real! Wise Women Speak written and directed by Joni Steele Kimberlin and featuring Jane Fonda. The Best Short Feature Award went to Grenouille d'hiver directed by Slony Sow and starring Gerard Depardieu. The 9th annual Angel Film Awards Monaco celebrates non-violent films and took place at the Art Novo Theatre at the Novotel, Monte Carlo 08-11 Dec 11. Mark Dezzani.

World premiere for Blethyn & Spall movie at Angel Awards Monaco  RLTV 08 Dec 11 The world premiere for the heartwarming movie 'My Angel', starring Oscar nominated actress Brenda Blethyn OBE and Timothy Spall, is the featured movie on the first day of the Angel Film Awards in Monaco 08 - 10 Dec 11. The film festival is unique in that it features non-violent movies and documentaries. President of the jury this year is the Emmy award winning arranger and composer John Altman who is best known for his work on the Titanic movie and on Monty Python's Life of Brian, including the song 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'. Honorary President is Donovan, who is once again present this year. Donovan was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mark Dezzani.

Cannes : Les Rencontres Cinématographiques 2011  artcotedazur.fr 07 Dec 11 The annual Les Rencontres Cinématographiques gathering of film at Cannes this year has the theme: comedy 05 – 11 Dec 11 taking place in cinemas around Cannes (see this weeks movie guide for details.) Once again a large number of guests participate in the programme including directors, actors and screenwriters. There is also training courses and workshops for high school and college students (about 350 enrolled this year,) sessions presented by professionals and special evenings.

Charges against Lars Von Trier over Cannes statements dropped  hollywoodreporter.com 06 Dec 11 The Grasse public prosecutor’s office have officially dropped defamation charges against Danish director Lars Von Trier. Grasse’s public prosecutor Jean-Michel Cailleau told The Hollywood Reporter that "the case has been officially closed" and that authorities won't press charges against Von Trier. Authorities in Grasse had officially charged Von Trier with “justifying war crimes” in August punishable by up to five years in jail. Von Trier infamously told journalists at this year’s Festival de Cannes: ”I understand Hitler, he certainly did some wrong things, but I can imagine him sitting in his bunker towards the end…now how can I get out of this sentence? OK, I’m a Nazi.” Rebecca Leffler.

Teeside youngster acts in film noir shot in Nice  gazettelive.co.uk 18 Nov 11 A young Teesside actor will appear on cinema screens next year after playing a role in a new feature film. Soroosh Lavasani, 17, from Kirklevington, near Yarm, has just returned from 12 days filming Halbschatten in Nice. The film is Soroosh’s second major acting role this year as he appeared in a John Lewis advert which was played to millions of TV viewers this summer. The film noir is directed by Nicolas von Wackerbarth and Soroosh plays the part of Darian. The 90-minute film includes English, French and German scenes. It is set to be released in cinemas next year. Sophie Barley.

Jennifer Saunders writing Absolutely Fabulous movie set on Cote d'azur  femalefirst.co.uk 09 Nov 11 Jennifer Saunders is writing an 'Absolutely Fabulous' movie set on the French Riviera. The writer and actress plays the role of Edina in the comedy series, which originally ran from 1992 to 1995. The Movie' will see her and pal Patsy - played by Joanna Lumley - suffering problems while on a visit to the beautiful Gallic coastal region. She said: "I've thought of a really nice idea. I thought, what are we missing these days? It's that 1950s Cote d'Azur sense of easy glamour; Brigitte Bardot with her shoes off, strolling down the beach. I think if Eddie and Patsy set off in search of something like that, only to find the Riviera now is just oligarchs and f**king whores."

Grace Kelly film in the works  hollywoodreporter.com 25 Oct 11 Grace Kelly is heading to the big screen one more time. Pierre-Ange Le Pogam, the Europacorp co-founder, who recently launched his Stone Angel production and financing company, has acquired Grace of Monaco, a spec script by Arash Amel that sets Kelly's personal story amid the politics of the time. Amel's script, however, isn't a biopic and instead focuses on a six month period in 1962 when the city-state got into a heated dispute with France, which grew tired of the petite principality being a tax haven. Kelly, still relatively new in her role as princess, maneuvered behind the scenes to save Monaco from a coup. Insiders have compared the script to The King's Speech in scope and tone. Borys Kit.

Seventies shoot in Nice for Dutch movie  20minutes.fr 15 Sep 11 Yesterday afternoon, Jean-Charles, Michel and Augusta emerged wearing flared pants and wide collar shirts in the Jardin Albert I, in Nice. They were among a dozen extras for the filming of ‘Zig Zag Kid’, a feature film directed by Vincent Bal and set in 1975. "It is a small Dutch production, which will be in cinemas at the end of next year," said one team member. In a few weeks, Jacques Audiard, will also be shooting on the French Riviera in Nice, Antibes and Cannes, to make his new film, ‘Un goût de rouille et d'os’ (A taste of rust and bones.) Set to shoot at the beginning of October," the launch date of the shooting may still change,” said the company in charge of production. JCM.

Cannes Film Festival put back a week due to Presidential election  nicematin 04 Sep 11 The organisers of the Cannes Film Festival have decided to delay the event by a week in 2012. They took this decision because of the French presidential election. The 65th edition will take place from 16 to 27 May 2012. Previously  it had been announced for May 9 to 20. The organisers felt that the first half of the month would be 'media-loaded' because of the presidential election to be held on April 22 and May 6. Since its inception, the festival has been held several times during the second half of May, even outside of presidential election years.

'The Tree of Life' garners top prize at 2011 Cannes film festival  cnn.com 23 May 11 “The Tree of Life,” an American film helmed by director Terrence Malick and starring Brad Pitt, took home the top prize Sunday at the Cannes film festival. Other big winners included Kirsten Dunst as best actress for her role as one of two sisters battling depression ahead of the world's end in "Melancholia," and Jean Dujardin as best actor for his portrayal of silent movie star George Valentin in the French film “The Artist.” Nicolas Winding Refn, from Denmark, was named best director after overseeing "The Drive," about the life of a Hollywood stunt driver played by Ryan Gosling. The best screenplay went to Joseph Cedar for the father-son focused drama “Hearat Shulayim.”

64th Cannes Film Festival 11 -22 May 11

All of the news, trailers and reviews from the 64th Cannes Film Festival that took place 11-22 May 11. From the films in competition for the coveted Palme d'Or award (Jury President Robert De Niro) to the fringe events including Un Certain Regard (Jury President Emir Kusturica), and the Short Film Competition (Jury President Michel Gondry) we cover the entire breadth of the world's most prestigious film festival.

Film making: a financial windfall for the PACA region  laprovence.com 01 May 11 Results are out on an economic study to monitor film making in the region. TV dramas have the highest number of shooting days, 40 on average and the highest budgets, on average €1.5 million. Per euro invested by the region, the survey shows that one can expect in return €2.13 for a short film, €3.77 for a documentary, €4.99 for a feature film and €17.47 for a TV series. The Region contributed €2.5 million in 2009 to the audiovisual sector, with a return on investment of €21.3 million. “To this we must add a significant impact in terms of image”, says Georges Antoun, for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marseille-Provence. Philippe Faner.

Death of Marie-France Pisier: a mixture of alcohol and drugs  laprovence.com 29 Apr 11 The first results of toxicology tests conducted on the body of the actress Marie-France Pisier, who died Sunday at age 66, have uncovered the presence of alcohol and medicaments, the Deputy Prosecutor of Toulon, Pierre Cortes said yesterday. The expert revealed the presence of two drugs, an antidepressant and an analgesic, "but not a toxic dose". The combination of alcohol and drugs could cause a loss of reflexes. However, Cortes refused to confirm a possible suicide or an accident. Marie-France Pisier is to be buried Saturday in Sanary (Var). Denis Trossero.

French actress Marie-France Pisier found dead  msn.com 24 Apr 11 French actress Marie-France Pisier has been found dead in the swimming pool at her home in the south of France. The 66-year-old's body was discovered in the early hours of Sunday by her husband, Thierry Funk Brentano. Officials in Toulon, near the couple's villa in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, but foul play is not suspected. Pisier began a career as an actress in 1961 when she was cast by director François Truffaut in short film "Antoine and Colette." Pisier was due to appear at the Cannes Film Festival in May to honor top French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, her co-star in "L'as des as."

Lagerfeld short film shoot Cap d’Antibes & Monaco  nicematin.com 6 Apr 11 The famous fashion designer Karl Largerfeld has been shooting a short film on the Cote d’azur that will screen during his May 9 fashion parade at a location yet to be revealed. Last year it took place in Saint Tropez. Shooting for his film was at the Villa Eilenroc at the tip of Cap d’Antibes over three days and Thursday moved to Monaco including exterior shots and scenes inside the Casino. All of the film crew are said to be relatives or close friends as he likes to surround himself with people he knows and likes said a spokesperson. All of the models were dressed in Chanel. Ludovic Laurenti.

Arnold Schwarznegger comes to MIP TV Cannes April  nicematin.com 15 Mar 11 “I am not the former Governor of California, I am an unemployed actor” says Arnold Schwarznegger who refuses to reveal what his plans are. At age 63, the former governor-actor has no intention of retiring. He is due to reveal his new TV project, in which he is set to star, at a press conference Monday 04 Apr 11 at the MIP TV programme market in Cannes. Also announced at MIPTV, Eva Green, Joseph Fiennes, Jamie Campbell Bower for the world premiere of the new international series Camelot, in which they take the main roles.

Al Pacino to play Henri Matisse in new biopic  staragora.com 17 Feb 11 Al Pacino has been chosen to play the French painter Henri Matisse, who lived and worked for a significant part of his life on the Cote d’azur. The biopic movie will be directed by the Canadian Deepa Mehta. The movie will be based on Matisse’s relationship with his muse and model, Monique Bourgeois. Whilst Matisse was ill with cancer in a Lyon hospital during World War 2, Bourgeois becomes a Dominican nun under the name of Sister Jacques-Marie and convinces Matisse to conceive and create a masterpiece in the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence.

Pete Doherty to star in film in France, his new spiritual home  guardian.co.uk 12 Dec 10 Last week, in a sign that France has decided Doherty belongs in its pantheon of Renaissance men, it was announced that Pete Doherty is to make his acting debut in a film based on the life of 19th-century poet and dramatist Alfred de Musset. Doherty will star opposite Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of France's original celebrity bad-boy, Serge Gainsbourg, and his English rose third wife, Jane Birkin. Shooting starts in Paris later this month. "The story is a love triangle, so it's pretty intense and romantic," said Doherty. "I don't know if I'm a good actor, but they say I am." Kim Willsher.

Cherkess and David Jason's All The Way Up scoop Angel Film Awards in Monaco  RLTV 09 Dec 10 The 8th annual Angel Film Awards concluded 05 Dec 10, with the Awards Gala the previous evening at the Art Novo Theatre in the Novotel, Monaco. The Jordanian epic Cherkess won seven prizes including the coveted Angel Trophy for Best Movie, whilst the British short All The Way Up directed by David Jason won 6 awards plus a Lifetime Achievement Award for the much loved comedy actor. What Does Your MP Do? won best feature length documentary whilst Radio Geronimo - Monte Carlo & Bust won the Best Short Documnetary and Independent Spirit Award. Read all about this years festival and watch trailers and reports here.

Sir David Jason debuts as Director at Monaco's Angel Film Awards  RLTV 07 Nov 10 Much loved British actor Sir David Jason makes his debut as a movie director at this years Monaco International Film Festival, the Angel Film Awards. The star of Only Fools and Horses and Touch of Frost directs the British short movie, All The Way Up, an uplifting mystery largely set in a hotel elevator. RivieraLife.tv is an official sponsor of this years Angel Film Awards which takes place 02-05 Dec 10 at a new venue, the Art Novo Theatre in Monaco's Novotel, Avenue Princesse Charlotte. Check out the latest news and previews of this years event here.

Riviera Film Commission attract Paris Producers  lepetitnicois.fr 29 Oct 10 The Riviera Film Commission organized an evening to inform 130 Paris producers about shooting in the region. The commission offers a one-stop shop to facilitate administrative procedures, a guide of local technicians, finding accommodation and locations. In addition, the PACA Region and the Alpes-Maritimes each have a production support fund which co-finances feature films, TV dramas, documentaries and short films. These funds amounted to €1.7 million for the PACA region and €750,000 for the 06 Department. To date, the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes has helped nearly 60 projects for €3 million. The direct economic benefits in terms of spending by these shoots amounted to over €14 million. PG.           Riviera Film Commission                  Var Film Commission

Madonna: Ready to Film in the French Riviera  celebrity-gossip.net 28 Jul 10 Continuing to work on her project "W.E.," Madonna was spotted making her way around Villefranche-sur-Mer, France on Wednesday (July 28). The "Material Girl" had just landed at the Nice Airport, as she headed off to look for proper filming locales in the French Riviera commune ahead of shoots scheduled for Thursday. Aside from her movie ambitions, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Madge is plotting a six-month tour as we speak. “It’s going to be her biggest, most unexpected tour to date,” the Mirror's source said. “Madonna is in peak conditions so the gruelling aspect of life on the road isn’t a problem." Hollywood Gossip.

Besson boards 'French Riviera'  Variety.com 09 Jun 10 Two of Europe's biggest toon players, Luc Besson's EuropaCorp and Didier Brunner's Les Armateurs, are teaming on animation feature "French Riviera." The pair are sharing development costs on the €15 million pic. EuropaCorp has a first option to French and international distrib rights. "Riviera" is "a vintage thriller using 3D CGI animation with an art deco rendering," Brunner said. Screenplay is by Bruno Benchetrit with the collaboration of French graphic artist, Richard Zielenkiewicz, better known as Monsieur Z. John Hopewell / Elsa Keslassy.

Selena Gomez to Star in New Movie 'Monte Carlo'  jsyk.com 04 Mar 10 Selena Gomez might have to brush up on her French skills. According to Ace Showbiz, the 17-year-old Disney star has been tapped to star in Monte Carlo, a film that takes place in Paris and the French Riviera city Monaco. The movie is an adaptation of is Jules Bass' novel 'Headhunters,' but with a younger twist. The story follows three American girls (two in college, one just out of high school), who decide to amp up their ho-hum Paris trip by fronting as wealthy ladies vacationing in Monaco.

Romance, comedy a winning match in "Heartbreakers"  Reuters 16 Feb 10

With a bright and extremely good-looking cast headed by Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis and the splashy backdrop of Monte Carlo, "Heartbreakers" ("L'arnacoeur") mixes its ingredients into a frothy cocktail of Gallic risibility. Universal Pictures and Working Title reportedly have snapped up English remake rights to "Heartbreakers". Television director Pascal Chaumeil, making a winning feature debut, keeps the comic flow in Laurent Zeitoun, Jeremy Doner and Yohan Gromb's screenplay moving at a rapid pace. Veteran cinematographer Thierry Arbogast takes full advantage of Monte Carlo's glamour to fill the screen with eye-pleasing images. Kirk Honeycutt / Hollywood Reporter.

French singing icon Gainsbourg's life hits the big screen  France 24 20 Jan 10 A biopic of Serge Gainsbourg, the French singer best known abroad for his raunchy 1969 classic "Je t'aime, moi non plus," hits cinemas across Europe this week but its release is overshadowed by the suicide of the British actress who played his muse. "Serge Gainsbourg: Vie Heroique (A Heroic Life)" takes a poignant look at the hard-drinking and lascivious life of a singer who defined music and pop culture in France from the 1960s until his death at the age of 62 in 1991. AFP.

Variety Review: Both evocative and faithful in its depiction of the famed French singer's lascivious life, "Gainsbourg (vie heroique)" offers up a feast of memorable chansons and an almost endless parade of drop-dead-gorgeous muses. Debut feature by bestselling comicbook artist Joann Sfar traces its subject's career from the jazz-influenced melodies of the early '60s to the electronic ramblings of the '80s -- in episodic bursts that combine flesh-and-blood lookalikes with cartoons, puppetry and flashbacks to a childhood marked by the German Occupation. Solidly entertaining biopic opened strong Jan. 20, with rosy overseas prospects. Jordan Mintzer.

Nice - Riviera Studios… Silence… Action!  Investincotedazur.com 13 Jan 10 130 episodes of Cinq Sœurs shot in HD at the Studios Riviera on the site of the fabled Victorine film studios. The series is co-produced by the Marathon Group International along with technical support from SFP and public financing from the city of Nice as well as the Conseil général des Alpes-Maritimes' new film fund. Shot on three sound stages at the Studios Riviera, the series also took advantage to film the Nice region’s wonderful natural beauty. The daily 26-minute series that has 130 episodes  will run over the coming 12 months, providing work for more than 300 technicians, actors and extras.

France debuts foreign pic tax rebate  Variety 28 Dec 09 Lionsgate's "Five Killers" and 3D toonpic "Despicable Me," which is produced by Chris Meledandri, are among the first five recipients of France's tax rebate for international shoots. Paris VFX house Mac Guff handled animation modeling, texturing, rendering and compositing on "Despicable Me," which is the first film from Universal's family film unit Illumination. "Killers," which toplines Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl, shot this spring on the French Riviera. John Hopewell & Elsa Keslassy.

USHER VIP FRAGRANCE COMMERCIAL BEHIND THE SCENES SIZZLE

Usher heads to the French Riviera for his new fragrance commercial  Drug Store News 02 Dec 09 Recording artist Usher traveled to the French Riviera to film the new commercial for his latest fragrance, Elizabeth Arden announced on Tuesday. Filmmaker Pierre Morel directed to television spot showing Usher and his female companion being chased by paparazzi through the streets of Monte Carlo. The debut of Usher VIP comes in anticipation of the release of his new album due out in early 2010. Antoinette Alexander.

Watch the commercial here