diff --git a/src/agenda_culturel/models.py b/src/agenda_culturel/models.py
index 09f0d2e..b6bfeed 100644
--- a/src/agenda_culturel/models.py
+++ b/src/agenda_culturel/models.py
@@ -999,19 +999,25 @@ class Event(models.Model):
     def download_image(self):
         # first download file
 
-        a = urlparse(self.image)
-        basename = os.path.basename(a.path)
+        if str(self.image) != '':
+            a = urlparse(self.image)
+            basename = os.path.basename(a.path)
 
-        ext = basename.split('.')[-1]
-        filename = "%s.%s" % (uuid.uuid4(), ext)
+            try:
+                basename = basename.decode()
+            except:
+                pass
 
-        try:
-            tmpfile, _ = urllib.request.urlretrieve(self.image)
-        except:
-            return None
+            ext = basename.split('.')[-1]
+            filename = "%s.%s" % (uuid.uuid4(), ext)
 
-        # if the download is ok, then create the corresponding file object
-        self.local_image = File(name=filename, file=open(tmpfile, "rb"))
+            try:
+                tmpfile, _ = urllib.request.urlretrieve(self.image)
+            except:
+                return None
+
+            # if the download is ok, then create the corresponding file object
+            self.local_image = File(name=filename, file=open(tmpfile, "rb"))
 
     def add_pending_organisers(self, organisers):
         self.pending_organisers = organisers