Harvey Weinstein, Tim Burton, Ryan Coogler and Paul Van der Burgh, Director of Lexus Europe,joined the five filmmakers for a panel discussion at The Hotel Majestic. The Lexus Short Film Directors: Justin Tipping (Swimming in Air), Cristina Molino (Beyond Memories), Campbell Hopper (one-half of directorial duo known as “Special Problems” with Joel Kefali, Echoes), Chan Chung Ki (Pupil), and Mitsuyo Miyazaki (A Better Tomorrow), discussed their individual interpretations behind the ‘Life is Amazing’ series, along with the emotional inspirations and technical influences they took from their own parts of the world.
Talking about getting started in filmmaking, Harvey Weinstein commented: “When Good Will Hunting was released by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, which then became the success that it did, they went on to launch Project Green Light, subsequently finding and launching the careers of some of the most recognisable talent today. This is the more efficient way of doing it.”
He wanted to give something back to the industry – something his father taught him and has served him well. It was good to see how impressed Harvey was to be sitting with Tim Burton – who he considers one of the best film makers out there. Tim added some great comments the conference and applauded Lexus and the Weinstein company for giving these film makers such an amazing platform from which to work. They were given access to all the Weinstein company resources so the felt like the sky was the limit for them.
To celebrate the success of the Lexus Short Film Series, The Weinstein Company and Lexus hosted a party for filmmakers, talent and industry professionals at Baoli Beach, Cannes in an event which culminated the day’s successful celebration of the theme ‘Life is Amazing’ and honoured the importance of emerging global filmmaking talent.
Below is a pic of the 5 film makers from left to right at the party.
Justin Tipping (Swimming in Air), Cristina Molino (Beyond Memories),Chan Chung Ki (Pupil), and Mitsuyo Miyazaki (A Better Tomorrow), Campbell Hopper (Special Problems Kefali, Echoes),
