By Application Only
Tuition: $3000.00
Once again this year, Mark de Paola and the dePAOLA Pictures team will return to the Cannes Film Festival and the Marche du Film with forthcoming feature A Stab At Heaven as well as two additional feature projects now in development. We are thrilled to announce that we are inviting 6 students to Cannes this year to attend a 3-day portraiture masterclass from May 18-20, 2025 with Mark. Students will work with Mark photographing actor and artist Ema McKie, the star of A Stab At Heaven, in Cannes and Antibes with the festival energy and environment as your iconic backdrop. Stroll along the iconic Croissette capturing portraits with Mark and Ema as many of the most iconic artists and actors have in cinema history, photograph on the traquil beach of Antibes away from the hustle and bustle, witness the red carpet LIVE as talent ascends to the Lumiere Theatre, gather for a group lunch in Cannes at the center of industry, and soak in the incredible creative energy that is the Cannes Film Festival.
Schedule Outline
Please note that this outline may change and will eventually include exact locations and contact information.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
10AM-12PM
Lecture and Student Introductions on the beach (Antibes)
12PM-1:30PM
Lunch on the beach (Antibes)
1:30PM-2PM
Car Transfer to Cannes
2PM-5PM
Shoot in Cannes
Monday, May 19, 2025
10AM-12PM
Shoot in Antibes (beach)
12PM-2PM
Lunch in Cannes
2PM-5PM
Shoot in Cannes
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
1:30PM-4PM
Shoot in Cannes
4PM-4:30PM
Transfer to Antibes
4:30PM-6:30PM
Group Review and Discussion
7:00PM
Group Dinner in Antibes
9:30PM
WRAP
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Individualized instruction and mentorship by Mark de Paola
- Shoot production
- Talent and teams
- Car transfers during the masterclass
- 1 meal/day
Collaborator Ema McKie Biography
Ema McKie grew up between Colorado and New England with her parents. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Ema took the fashion world by storm modeling for some of the worlds’ greatest fashion houses and publications, including Chanel Beauty and Dior. She quickly gained global agency representation in London, Paris, Milan, New York City, and Los Angeles.
In addition, Ema’s fine art work immediately took notice by LA’s galleries and museums and her work has since exhibited globally. Her work is also frequently acquired for collections both public and private.
Ema has spent the past 5 years writing and starring in feature film A Stab at Heaven with long time collaborator Mark de Paola and is now in development on a new feature project wtith de Paola to be announced soon.
Notable Credits: Dior, CHANEL, L’Officiel Italia, Purple Magazine.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
All flights, transportation, airport transfers, accommodations, and 2 meals/day.
WHAT TO EXPECT
May in the south of France is stunningly beautiful and breezy. Expect sunny days in the 70s, light breezes, a possible jacket in the mornings and evenings, and crisp ocean air. In case of rain, bring a small umbrella. For wardrobe, the overall look of the town is casual chic. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet for all shooting portions and we will likely be walking 2-3 miles each day. The streets of Cannes are filled with everyone from the film industry including talent, crew, agents, distributors, studio heads, and everyone in between. The energy is alive, creative, and bustling.
SPOUSE RATE
Spouses may attend for an additional fee of $1000.00 upon application acceptance.
How To Register
1. Submit your application to info@depaolapictures.com by April 15, 2025
- A brief statement as to why you would like to attend this course
- A sample of your current work (5-10 images)
2. Upon acceptance, receive and pay your tuition invoice within 5 days of receipt.
Travel Recommendations
We recommend flying into Nice, France International Airport. Cannes and Antibes are a short taxi or Uber away (30-45 mins depending). If you can get a reservation for a hotel in Cannes, that's great, however many will be sold out or very high in price. We recommend reserving an Airbnb in Cannes or Antibes. There are also several hotels in Antibes (25 mins from Cannes) including the AC Marriott, 1932 Cap d'Antibes, Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, and many others. Some prefer to stay in Cannes for the alive energy, while others prefer to stay in Antibes for evenings of tranquility between the busy days. Nice is another option for accommodations, however Nice is a nearly 1 hour commute to Cannes. Reserve your accommodations as early as possible. Uber is very popular and easy to use for transfers between towns.
CANCELLATION POLICY
90-60 Days 60% of the $3000.00 tuition returned
60-30 Days 20% of the $3000.00 tuition deposit returned
< 30 Days Tuition is nonrefundable
IMAGE USAGE
As is with all programs, please note that all images captured of Ema McKie during this masterclass may be utilized for personal use (website, social content) as Ema is in an active press tour for the film.