France

[FR] Financial Backing for the Film Industry

IRIS 1997-6:1/12

Laurence Giudicelli

Barrister, Paris Court of Appeal

Decree No 97-449 of 29 April 1997 states that decisions on advances are to be taken by the Director General of the National Cinematographic Centre (Centre national de la cinématographie - CNC), after consultation with the "Committee on Selective Financial Aid for Production" (Commission du soutien financier sélectif à la production), whose members are chosen for their artistic, technical and financial expertise. Advances for completed films are made, up to a set limit, on presentation of a distribution contract covering cinema showings. When advances are made for film projects, the Director General of the CNC may submit the completed film to the said Committee for approval. If its verdict is unfavourable, he may require immediate repayment of all or part of the advance. The various repayment options open to production companies are spelled out. The decree also indicates the kinds of film for which producers may seek financial aid.

Decree No 97-450 of 29 April 1997 details the procedure for the award of advances and grants to distribution companies to facilitate the distribution of high-quality French or foreign films which face special distribution problems.


References

  • Décret n° 97-449 du 29 avril 1997 modifiant les décrets n° 59-733 du 16 juin 1959 relatif au soutien financier de l'Etat à l'industrie cinématographique et n° 59-1512 du 30 décembre 1959 portant application des dispositions du décret du 16 juin 1959 précité
  • Decree No 97-449 of 29 April 1997, amending Decrees Nos 59-773 of 16 June 1959 on state financial aid for the film industry, and 59-1512 of 30 December 1959, implementing the above-mentioned decree of 16 June 1959

  • Décret n° 97-450 du 29 avril 1997 relatif au soutien financier à la distribution d'oeuvres cinématograqhiques de longue durée de qualité, d'origine française ou étrangère
  • Decree No 97-450 of 29 April 1997 details the procedure for the award of advances and grants to distribution companies to facilitate the distribution of high-quality French or foreign films which face special distribution problems

This article has been published in IRIS Legal Observations of the European Audiovisual Observatory.