ARP’s proposals
On 12 December, ARP (the French writers, producers’ and directors’ association) presented a detailed set of proposals and an analysis of the imbalances that exist in the current way in which French cinema is funded. Thus doing, ARP anticipated the Leclerc investigation into the same issue that was commissioned by the French culture minister, Jean-Jacques Aillagon.
The ARP findings show that the increase in feature film production costs has forced producers to increase their funding sources. As far as the domestic and foreign markets are concerned, producers dominate the entire French film industry network, from production and sales, to distribution. This trend towards vertical mergers widens the distance that exists between them and their colleagues in the independent film production sector. Furthermore, according to ARP, the general tendency towards uniformity of productions only damages the quality of films.
ARP’s investigation into the French pre-financing model – based largely on television channels and funding mechanisms like the so-called “advance on box office takings” (methods that guarantee diversity of production) recommended the system be reorganised in accordance with the current economic climate.
ARP came up with a number of solutions. They include the re-establishment of a support tax for cinema to be generated by an increase in taxes levied on homevideo products and advertising revenue; an obligation to screen independent film trailers; an increase in financial support for exhibitors based on how long a given film is programmed; an increase in financial support for independent distributors; financial incentives and rewards that benefit those who distribute European feature films.
On the financing front ARP’s requests included a re-examination of the amounts of money invested by the Soficas (film and audiovisual financing agencies) and a new trend towards more independent production; the creation of partnerships between the State and Regions to benefit cinema; extending the diversity clause to pre-sales acquisitions of films by public televisions, and the establishment of an upper limit on the amount paid for films by French pay-TVs.
(Translated from French)
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