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The Market Insider: “Atonement”, interview with Dallas Film Commissioner, Katie Schuck

The Market Insider [https://www.fred.fm/festival/cinemavideo-international/] is an industry-focused podcast by FRED Film Radio in collaboration with Cinema & Video International [https://www.fred.fm/the-market-insider/], recorded during the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The series explores the business and strategic dynamics of the international film and audiovisual sector through in-depth conversations with producers, distributors, sales agents, film commissioners, and industry experts. Each episode provides valuable insights into market trends, challenges, and innovations, offering professionals and enthusiasts a comprehensive understanding of today’s global film industry FRED The Makret Insider met Katie Schuck, Dallas Film Commissioner, during the Cannes Film Festival – Marché Du Film 2026 ahead of the premiere of the film “Atonement” by Reed Van Dyk. “Atonement” was one of the few American titles selected this year. The film premieres in the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs on May 15th. Reed Van Dyk is a Los Angeles-based director whose previous short film received an Academy Award nomination. Atonement was shot in Dallas, Texas, with additional filming in Jordan. * “Atonement” in the Cannes 2026 selection * Dallas as a production destination * The shooting locations involved in the film * What does the city offers to independent filmmakers in terms of locations, facilities, and creative ecosystem * What kind of productions are currently looking at Dallas as a shooting destination * How Texas incentive system evolved in recent years and its global competiteveness  * How can film commissions help foster the growth of the independent industry today * Does festival exposure directly influence future productions FRED – The Market Insider is a podcast created in collaboration with Cinema & Video International. ATONEMENT (L’APAISEMENT) BY REED VAN DYK Quinzaine 2026 | Feature film | 118 min Film in competition for the Caméra d’Or Award | World premiere In the early days of the Iraq War, a U.S. Marine’s split-second decision during a firefight devastates an Iraqi family. Years later, aided by a New Yorker journalist, he seeks to reconcile with the woman and her family who survived. “Atonement” is inspired by true events. ATONEMENT by Reed VAN DYCK ©GuillaumeLutz-SD [https://fredfmstatic.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/55273270851_68ddb5c3a4_c-1-770x513.jpg]ATONEMENT by Reed VAN DYCK ©GuillaumeLutz-SD The post The Market Insider: “Atonement”, interview with Dallas Film Commissioner, Katie Schuck [https://www.fred.fm/atonement/] appeared first on Fred Film Radio [https://www.fred.fm].

The Market Insider: “The End of it”, interview with the producer, Adrià Monés

The Market Insider [https://www.fred.fm/the-market-insider/] is an industry-focused podcast by FRED Film Radio in collaboration with Cinema & Video International [https://www.fred.fm/festival/cinemavideo-international/], recorded during the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The series explores the business and strategic dynamics of the international film and audiovisual sector through in-depth conversations with producers, distributors, sales agents, film commissioners, and industry experts. Each episode provides valuable insights into market trends, challenges, and innovations, offering professionals and enthusiasts a comprehensive understanding of today’s global film industry. UNVEILING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF “THE END OF IT” IN CONTEMPORARY CINEMA Adrià Monés, CEO and founder of the Spanish production house Fasten Films, talks about the co-production of “The End of It [https://www.festival-cannes.com/f/the-end-of-it/]“, debut film by Maria Bayona, in Cannes Premiere Selection, co-produced with Elation Pictures (UK), Eye Eye Pictures (Norway), Fasten subsidiary company Cobalt Films, the BBC, the BFI and Creative England. Starring Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace, Gael García Bernal. The film’s premise, which revolves around a society where people can live forever unless they choose to die, is both provocative and relevant to current debates on medical and technological advancements. The narrative centers on a woman who, after reaching her 250th birthday, grows tired of her endless life and seeks to end it. The film prompts audiences to consider how future societies might grapple with similar ethical dilemmas, all while infused with black humor and dark satire. “The end of It” serves as a thought-provoking mirror to our own world and its potential future. HOW THE END OF IT WAS DEVELOPED AND FINANCED The development of “The end of It” underscores the importance of nurturing talent and building collaborative international projects. Fasten Films aimed to bring Maria Bayona’s ambitious vision to life, despite the high budget and sci-fi genre’s challenges. Financing involved a strategic mix of public and private sources, including UK-based BBC, Canary Island tax credits, key European subsidies, and American equity. This complex funding structure highlights the film’s significance as a first feature for a director, demonstrating how perseverance and diverse partnerships can make such projects feasible. Production took place mainly in Tenerife, Canary Islands, due to its versatile locations and supportive film commission.  Additionally, a small studio in London was used for the film’s concluding scenes. Adriá Monés, The End of It, Cannes Film Festival [https://fredfmstatic.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/the-end-of-it-770x385.jpg]Adriá Monés, The End of It, Cannes Film Festival The post The Market Insider: “The End of it”, interview with the producer, Adrià Monés [https://www.fred.fm/the-market-insider-the-end-of-it-interview-with-the-producer-adria-mones/] appeared first on Fred Film Radio [https://www.fred.fm].

“In Waves”, interview with the actor Will Sharpe

Presented as the opening film of the 64th edition of the Semaine de la Critique [https://www.semainedelacritique.com/en/edition/2026/movie/in-waves] during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, “In Waves” by Phuong-Mai Nguyen explores love, loss, memory, and artistic legacy through animation grounded in lived experience. In the film, Will Sharpe voices AJ, a character inspired by the real-life graphic novelist whose personal story became the emotional core of the project. “AJ TRIES TO BE STRONG, BUT THERE ARE MOMENTS WHERE HE CRUMBLES” Sharpe revealed that director Phuong-Mai Nguyen was drawn to what she described as a “slight vulnerability” in his voice, an aspect the actor connects directly to AJ’s emotional trajectory. According to Will Sharpe, AJ spends much of the film attempting to remain composed while confronting overwhelming experiences and profound grief. “There are moments where he just crumbles slightly under that pressure,” the actor explained, emphasising the emotional fragility embedded within the character. Because the French-language version had already been recorded and the animation finalised before he joined the production, Sharpe approached the role through an already established physical and emotional framework. Rather than constructing the character from scratch, he focused on finding subtle tonal variations through rhythm, inflexion, and timing. CARRYING SOMEONE’S STORY FORWARD One of the most meaningful moments for Sharpe came after meeting the real AJ during the Cannes premiere. The actor spoke about the emotional continuity between life, art, and cinema embedded within the project. He recalled being particularly struck by a scene in which AJ promises Kristen that he will continue telling her story through his art. Watching the completed film screened in Cannes, Will Sharpe saw that promise fulfilled in real time. “Here we are in Cannes, in a room full of people, and he’s telling her story through this movie,” Sharpe observed. “There’s something incredible about that.” The actor also noted his immediate personal connection to the narrative, mentioning both the sensitivity of the storytelling and his own mixed heritage as possible reasons the material resonated so deeply with him. FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, AND EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL While the film centres on AJ and Kristen, Will Sharpe emphasised the importance of the wider emotional community surrounding them. For the actor, one of the film’s strengths lies in its portrayal of chosen family and friendship as forms of survival. He described the close-knit group at the centre of the story as essential to helping the characters endure loss and uncertainty. He also reflected on the metaphorical dimension of the ocean within the narrative. Initially a source of fear for AJ, it gradually becomes something he learns to embrace. Sharpe connected this transformation to the longer process of grieving itself. “Grief takes time to move through,” he said, while stressing that the film ultimately reaches a place of cautious optimism. Rather than avoiding pain, “In Waves” acknowledges its permanence while suggesting the possibility of emotional growth and resilience afterwards. ANIMATION AND PERFORMANCE Sharpe, who is currently developing an animated project as a director himself, also discussed the collaborative nature of animation performance. He argued that animators themselves function as performers, shaping facial expressions, gestures, and physicality long before voice actors enter the process. In that sense, his role became one of complementing rather than redefining the character already visible on screen. “You’re only bringing the aspect of the voice,” he explained, while acknowledging how powerfully voice and image can interact once combined. For Will Sharpe, the challenge ultimately became understanding AJ’s emotional rhythm without disrupting the delicate balance already created by the animation team and director. The post “In Waves”, interview with the actor Will Sharpe [https://www.fred.fm/in-waves-interview-with-the-actor-will-sharpe/] appeared first on Fred Film Radio [https://www.fred.fm].

Interview with Gianluca Novel, Film Commissioner of Film Commission Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission [https://fvgfilmcommission.com/] serves as a vital hub for filmmakers seeking to explore Italy’s northeastern landscapes. With a focus on promoting local locations, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission offers tailored services and financial incentives that attract both national and international productions. Talking with one of its founders Gianluca Novel we delve into the core activities of the commission, its funding initiatives, and the significance of its presence at global film markets. HOW THE FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA FILM COMMISSION SUPPORTS FILM PROJECTS The Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission is dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance to film crews. By handling location scouting in-house, the commission ensures that productions gain access to an extensive database of over 90,000 images capturing the region’s diverse landscapes. This hands-on approach enables filmmakers to discover unique settings—from seaside views to mountain scenery—within a short distance, saving valuable production time. The commission’s long-standing expertise, spanning 26 years, reinforces its reputation as a reliable partner in the industry. FUNDING AND INCENTIVES OFFERED BY THE FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA FILM COMMISSION Established in 2003, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Fund aims to support regional film projects financially. With an annual budget of approximately 2.5 million euros, the fund offers a 30% reimbursement on eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of 350,000 euros per project. Typically, the commission supports around five to six full-length films and a similar number of TV productions each year. Multiple semi-annual calls ensure that projects aligned with filming schedules can benefit from this scheme, encouraging a steady flow of creative works. THE IMPORTANCE OF MARKET PRESENCE FOR THE FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA FILM COMMISSION Participation in major film markets, such as the Cannes Film Festival market session, remains crucial for the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission to promote its offerings. Attending these events allows the commission to showcase its capabilities, attract productions, and build valuable connections with international producers. The commission’s active engagement in markets has led to notable projects filming in the region, including recent Hollywood productions and popular Italian series shot in cities like Trieste. Such exposure underscores the region’s growing prominence as a versatile filming location. In conclusion, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission plays a pivotal role in fostering regional film development. Its proactive strategies, from location services to financial incentives, and its commitment to marketing, position it as a key player in Italy’s expanding film industry. The work of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission exemplifies how dedicated regional support can unlock major opportunities for filmmakers worldwide. – – – This interview was recorded during Cannes International Film Festival 2026, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association [https://www.italianfilmcommissions.it/] and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency [https://www.ice.it/en/]. billboard-ENG-ITA-e-Italian-Film-Commission.pdf-2 [https://fredfmstatic.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/billboard-ENG-ITA-e-Italian-Film-Commission.pdf-2-3-770x544.jpg] The post Interview with Gianluca Novel, Film Commissioner of Film Commission Friuli Venezia Giulia [https://www.fred.fm/interview-with-gianluca-novel-film-commissioner-of-film-commission-friuli-venezia-giulia/] appeared first on Fred Film Radio [https://www.fred.fm].

Interview with Francesca Melis, Production Manager of Sardegna Film Commission

The Sardegna Film Commission [https://www.sardegnafilmcommission.it/] plays a vital role in promoting the island as a premier filming destination. With initiatives supporting both local and international productions, the commission highlights Sardinia’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Their efforts include providing financial aid, location scouting, and educational programs to attract filmmakers worldwide. We talked with Production Manager Francesca Melis about it. SUPPORTING PRODUCTIONS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE SARDEGNA FILM COMMISSION The Sardegna Film Commission is actively involved in supporting film and television productions through various financial tools. They manage several grants, including the location scouting fund and hospitality fund, to assist filmmakers in offsetting costs. The commission also collaborates with regional authorities to allocate development and production funds, which last year totaled around 2 million euros each. These resources are designed to make Sardinia an appealing choice for shooting, despite the logistical challenges of filming on an island. EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES AND INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH BY THE SARDEGNA FILM COMMISSION Beyond financial support, the Sardegna Film Commission is committed to educational programs like master classes in sound design and festival development. They aim to foster local talent and help regional festivals grow internationally, providing practical assistance in management and organization. Their focus on expanding Sardinia’s film ecosystem includes attracting professional expertise and promoting the island’s cinema potential globally, reinforcing their efforts to position Sardinia as a key location and hub in the film industry. – – – This interview was recorded during Cannes International film Festival 2026, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association [https://www.italianfilmcommissions.it/] and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency [https://www.ice.it/en/]. billboard-ENG-ITA-e-Italian-Film-Commission.pdf-2 [https://fredfmstatic.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/billboard-ENG-ITA-e-Italian-Film-Commission.pdf-2-3-770x544.jpg] The post Interview with Francesca Melis, Production Manager of Sardegna Film Commission [https://www.fred.fm/interview-with-francesca-melis-production-manager-of-sardegna-film-commission/] appeared first on Fred Film Radio [https://www.fred.fm].