The Cannes market says that attendance is up 10% and registrations at new record levels.

'Although the increase is slight, we are very pleased to see that companies have made the journey to the Cannes Market despite the threat of war, SARS and the transport strikes. We are still expecting further registration, as we are aware of some people who have been delayed,' said Jerome Paillard, the market's executive director.

Hit by SARS fears, Chinese and Thai participant numbers are down by 50% and Korea down 36%.

The UK in contrast is booming. For the first time there are over 1,000 registered UK participants and 262 registered UK films, up by more than 50% on last year's 170.