The good news is that the rain has stopped for the day – though who knows what the next hour might bring. Right now, however, the sky is blue, the water is aqua, and Paul’s eyes are …. bloodshot red. Yesterday’s downpour really dampered (boo) our spirits. But today is a new day, and it’s been a full one so far!
The day started with our first roundtable – a pitch- cancelling on us. Of course, he emailed at 3am to say that he wouldn’t make the 9am. We, of course, didn’t find out until we got our butts up and made it to work at 8am. So I filled in and took pitches – something I haven’t done since my executive days. The ability to belittle, cut off, and destroy others’ dreams came back quickly. I have to say that the first pitch was a hit, the others less so. I actually have a little jones on to get back into the development game – or to join a S&M club, whichever.
We had two highlights of the day. First, Morgan Freeman, came through to do an interview with Roger Ebert, about his career. 
It was great to hear about his career, and he also spoke of an anti-piracy venture he’s entering. Despite that infomercial, he came back on topic when the audience asked him questions. As you can see, that Morgan sure has attitude.
After that, O.C. heartthrob Ben McKenzie came back by popular demand and did a roundtable. He spoke on how a successful TV actor makes the transition to film……… and who his character will sleep with next on the show. All aspects of his life proved really interesting, including the issue of boxers vs. briefs (wouldn’t you like to know?!). 
The fact is, when Paul Bales is your moderator, these are the kinds of questions that get asked. I expect 60 mins to steal him away any minute. Things were going fine until Paul asked him what he wore to bed. When Ben refused to answer the question, Paul’s reaction was a swift and violent shot to the head. 
We’re holding our breath to see if the lawyers call on Monday. If so, we deny, deny, deny so mum’s the word.
Last, I forgot to mention that I’ve now had the one Cannes experience I’ve always wanted. I just wanted to go to a party on a yacht. Not as easy as it sounds, unless you are someone (and I’m clearly only a legend in my own mind). This party was for L.A. Film Festival and was a lovely soiree. But the real highlight was that the dinghy (it was huge, but I’m so above it all now) was next to a yacht that was hosting a party for, shall we say, ladies in the Valley film industry (read: porn). There was a huge poster on dock with the ladies in various poses (none should be seen by children). The real show was watching the girls work the party. Adorned in outfits of gold lame and leopard print, they schmoozed and simpered for a bevvy of cigar-smoking, usually heavy-set men. I could tell that Paul LONGED to be over there, instead of with us and the civilized festival folk. I did run into Ryan Enslinger who is the only American invited to a film program by the Cinefondation. He has a script with Sharon Stone attached. I’m staying his friend just so I can hear the set stories. Well, the sun is still shining, so I’ve got to go. Maybe para-sailing, maybe I’ll allow myself to be dragged through the water in an innertube by a speedboat, or maybe I’ll just stretch out in the sun and dream of the good ol’ days in L.A. and the 405 traffic.
