Up Stunt Kicks-Off Unconventional Cannes: Vanity Fair’s big party is canceled, film studios aren’t sending many staffers, and after-parties are in short supply, but Cannes kicked off this week anyway. And one of the most circulated paparazzi photographs making the rounds isn’t of any celebrity—it’s of a publicity stunt for Disney and Pixar’s upcoming animated feature Up. A replica of the home used in the film, complete with hundreds of balloons trying to pull it skyward, was tethered to a wharf across the street from the Carlton hotel. Passersby could have their photos taken with the installation before its premiere screening last night. [WP]
Friedman Still Commands High Speaking Rate: Even in the recession, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman is pulling in $75,000 for a single speaking engagement—though apparently it’s not always kosher with his bosses at the paper. After accepting his standard fee for appearing at an event for San Francisco’s Bay Area Air Quality Management District, a Times spokesperson said Friedman had to give the money back. The newspaper’s ethics guidelines stipulate that staffers not accept speaking fees from groups that have a strong focus on lobbying or political activity. Everyone else, however, is still welcome to throw as much money at him as they like. [LAT]
Dealing With Dead Spokespeople: It might not seem like the most immediate of concerns, but spokespeople have the same mortality as the rest of us, and when they unexpectedly die, brands often struggle with ways to address the matter in advertisements, planned events, and corporate literature. Marc Brownstein of advertising agency the Brownstein Group dealt with the issue earlier this year by holding focus groups and one-on-one interviews with consumers about what they think is appropriate. [Ad Age]
Checking In With Preston Bailey: New York posted a Q&A with event designer Preston Bailey this week, and the industry icon says his business hasn’t been incredibly affected by the economy. Also: He loves his Crock-Pot. [NYM]
