D.I.R.E : reform for Media fast-track aid

by Fabien Lemercier

28/11/2005 - The eight French distribution companies, grouped together since June under the name of D.I.R.E. (European Reunited Independent Distributors - read article) have put forward suggestions for the reform of fast-track distribution handed out by Media Programme. Aimed at encouraging and helping the trans-national distribution of European films, this financial aid for reinvestment is determined on the basis of the number of admissions achieved by the non-local European films during the previous year. The members of D.I.R.E. (Pyramide, ID Distribution, Pan Européenne, Bac Films, Rezo Films, Diaphana Distribution, Haut et Court and Les Films du Losange ) think that the system, even though it works well, could be improved. Adeline Monzier , delegate general, explained to Cineuropa : "The idea would be to integrate new parameters, in particular to increases on a first rung of admissions . In fact, we notice that, for example, in France that 70 - 80% of non-local European films achieve less than 50 000 admissions. So we must aid the distributors on this first rung of admissions which, of course, will vary from country to country".

Currently, fast-track aid from the Media Programme, which handed out in 2005 more than 2,3 millions euros to 25 French distributors, makes its conclusions based on three groups of European countries (small, medium and large). "Now we have to gather together the results for European films in the different territories of the Old Continent, come up with simulations and define the admissions levels for each of the three groups of countries " concludes Adeline Monzier. A study which D.I.R.E., currently presided over by Fabienne Vonier (Pyramide), intends setting up at the start of 2006, encouraged by the welcome these propositions received from the Media Programme and by aid received from the National Film Centre (CNC) in favour of an eventual reform which could give a supplementary impulsion to the circulation of European films.

(Translated from French)