It's lunchtime, but who cares? The great man himself is sharing his wisdom about the film industry. Saul Zaentz, producer of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The English Patient, is surrounded by awe-struck admirers. He is cornered by the most eager at a private reception and a master-class for Irish producers and directors at the Irish Film Centre, organised by Screen Training Ireland.
Karen Edmonds, one award-winning producer, says: "It's wonderful to meet a man who has so much confidence that it allows other people to grow." Bill Hughes, the producer of the Irish Tenors, says Zaentz is "incredible". Shimmy Marcus, son of the renowned documentary-maker, Louis Mar- cus, is delighted to have been the recipient of a Miramax scriptwriting award this year for his film, Headrush. Many, including producer, Brian Willis, were heading to Galway for the film fleadh.
Zaentz is still surrounded by the eager beavers. His words are like pearls. No-one moves. Times slips by. On the Town, in search of a comment, elbows its way to the front. "Oh," he says, "As Groucho Marx said: Hello, I must be going." And he slips away to link up with his partner, Annette Carducci, and fly to Tuscany.