Paul Bouchard: Last News

Ben Croll Paris-based XR distributor Diversion Cinema has scooped up a pair of award-winning titles, adding director Singing Chen’s “The Man Who Couldn’t Leave,” and both director Thierry Loa’s “21-22 China” and his follow-up “21-22 USA” to a premium catalog of prestige immersive fare. Produced by The Walkers Films and Outland Film Production, “The Man Who Couldn’t Leave” won the top prize at last year’s Venice Immersive and will be presented in competition at this year’s NewImages Festival. Directed with aplomb by Singing Chen, the heartbreaking docudrama recounts the history of political repression in mid-century Taiwan, filling a 360 screen with handsome chiaroscuro compositions supporting classical film language.

Ben Croll Upon learning of “Marco & Polo Go Round” and the film’s surrealist premise, execs at VR distributor Diversion Cinema jumped at the chance to distribute, even if the project’s delivery date was still several years away.“It was such a strong idea,” says Paul Bouchard, Diversion head of acquisitions and sales. “Today there are so few VR titles that deal with interpersonal relationships, whether as comedy or drama.

Ben Croll The 40 projects (see link here) presented at NewImages’ XR Financing Market go before a panel of industry professionals, who offer their unvarnished advice, critiques and praise. To get a better sense of what moved the industry this year, Variety spoke with two participating decision makers.Paul Bouchard, Diversion Cinema, head of XR acquisitions and salesWhat are you looking for in a project? At Diversion, we’re always looking for our picks, projects that speak to our sensibilities.