MIPTV: Content 360 pitch deadline

Digital creators, interactive agencies, independent producers, internet and mobile application providers have a dedicated pitching event at MIPTV (April 16-20 2006). Content 360 offers a chance to generate new opportunities with the global entertainment industry and win part of €100,000 in development funding. This year, Content 360 is calling for entries in eight categories. For full details, visit the MIPTV 360 site.

But most importantly, don't forget the deadline: February 9, 2006.

Music from Cannes at Midem

It's actually quite rare to find music from Cannes at Midem itself. So it came as a surprise to find the town of Cannes actively plugging bands at their stand at Midem. Amongst these was the band Motel that bill themselves as "psychedelic electronic". They released the album "Neo Luddite" through the Coming Soon label in Paris. Check them out at Motel-Music.net (and "sposiba" to Olga or the tip).

Midem: Some concerts to look out for

It's easy to get lost in the maze of concerts and events. Here is a short list of things I'd recommend. On Monday night at 6.30, I'd go for the Pascal Schumacher Quartet at the Hotel Majestic. Schumacher plays a sassy vibraphone that is "lyrical, stylish and yet still cool", according to Music-Wire. Check them here:

Later on Monday night, Salif Keita, Omar Pene and the delovely Mayra Andrade (photo) will be appearing at the Palais.

On Tuesday, Buika, billed as Afro-Flamenco jazz, caught me eye simply as it's an odd combination. But the main action will be the Jamaican night with a host of talent and Shaggy. I've seen him twice and he can be brilliant when he gets down to doing dancehall. Something else about him: he can actually sing!

I'm not really qualified to talk about Classical music. If anyone has a recommendation, throw it in here. Same goes for Finnish music (last year's surprise) and the British at Midem.

Taxis to Cannes from Nice airport

I used to be quite intimidated by taking taxis around Cannes, which is not normal. Most people arriving at any strange airport always have a sneaking feeling they are going to be ripped off. How true is this at Nice airport? I've no figures. What I do have is a few words of advice:

* Start with "Bonjour monsieur (or madame)". Most taximen understand English reasonably well, yet many are still uncomfortable speaking it. This little courtesy is always appreciated.

* Have the name and address of your hotel printed out, with a telephone number as well. Taximen know just about every hotel. But they might not be able to understand your accent.

* Never talk over the taximan's head. I've heard tales of people getting an earful after complaining to each other in English about the driver, figuring he wouldn't understand!

* How much does it cost to get to Cannes? For two people with two cases and briefcases, you'll normally pay between €60-80. But what we call Cannes could in fact be anywhere between Juan-les-Pins and Mandelieu. If you're staying in a hotel, ask if they have a special flat rate for the ride or if they operate a shuttle. It's often good value.

* Always check that the counter is at zero when you hail a cab at Nice airport or in the street.

* There are supplements at night.

* If you feel you've been ripped off, get a receipt, note the taxi's registration number and contact the customer helpdesk of the event you're attending.

Last thing to remember: Saturday is shopping day in downtown Cannes, so everything is that much slower. If you're not in too much of a hurry and don't have too many suitcases, the airport shuttle bus is a good value option. Click the link below for more info.

If you have any tips of your own, feel free to add them!

Saddam Hussein villa near Cannes

Not many people know that Saddam Hussein and the al-Tikriti family had two villas near Cannes, which were both impounded when Iraq's assets were frozen just before the current war. It turns out that the French authorities are now examining how to unfreeze the villas, their pools and various claims. It's not known if the villas, which have been empty and unused for some time, will be put up for sale. Any readers out there living in a former dictator's holiday home?

Discount flights to Nice for Midem

Until this year, Midem delegate discounts were applicable only to Air France flights. The good news is that they now also apply to those of other Skyteam Alliance airlines, including Aeroflot, CSA Czech Airlines, Aeromexico, Alitalia, Korean Air and Continental Airlines. If you haven't got your ticket yet, visit the Skyteam website and use Code 0026S. For Air France, you have to fill out and present a form available from the transport section of midem.com.

Getting to Cannes from Milan

We often get requests about getting to Cannes from the Italian city of Milan, and the answer we often give is the train. Trenitalia runs three daily trains to Nice at 11.10 am, 13.10 and 15.10 that take roughly five hours to cover the 334 kilometers. From there, it's another 20-30 minutes to Cannes itself by train. Trenitalia rates start at about €15, although you can reasonably expect to pay more. This is an EC train so you have to reserve. I tried the booking engine online and couldn't get a final price. Try for yourself at their Smart Price promo.

The other option is by plane, of course. Air France flies direct, and several others fly with one stopover. The cheapest price I could find with a quick search was €178 return with Swiss (a 3-hour journey) or €311 direct return with Air France (1-hour journey).

If you have any better ideas for this trip, why not drop a message below?