According to a press release issued by Skype today, movie stars, directors and other entertainment notables unable to make it down to the South of France later this month can still get in front of the action thanks to an integrated sponsorship at the American Pavilion of Cannes Film Festival.

Skype will enable and support video calls for remote journalists and talent (critics, directors, etc.) to participate in the “In Conversations and Industry in Focus” panel discussions. The Skype video call integration is the first such use of video calling technology at Cannes, the must-attend cinema event that attracts approximately 30,000 industry insiders and media to the French Riviera each May.

Among the notable movie figures already signed up to participate are legendary filmmaker James Cameron (Titanic, Terminator, and Aquaman starring Vinny Chase… okay just two of the previous three films are real – I was making sure you were paying attention) and renowned cinematographer Vince Pace, executive producer of this year’s Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour movie.

In addition to facilitating remote participation in panel discussions, Skype will also equip the American Pavilion’s wireless café with Skype equipment, enabling any café visitor to make free voice and video calls around the world. Making it easier for me to blog on location… yeah, I wish!

Cheers,
RBH