14/11/2007

Professional organisations belonging to the French film industry are uniting to find a technical solution aimed at curbing film piracy, which "could have lasting negative effects on the diversity and dynamism of French cinema, putting an increasing strain on our economy and preventing the success of a legal market" (see news).

In a joint press release, BLIC (Film Industry Liaison Office) and BLOC (Film Organisation Liaison Office) said they had decided to take the initiative in tackling this issue "faced with the widespread counterfeiting of cinematographic works on digital networks and the non-intervention of many Internet providers."

The two organisations have requested that "an authorised body set up a database aimed at storing the digital film sources required by Internet operators, such as web 2.0 users, for creating digital imprints of films", thus targeting video-sharing sites. "This database will be used for putting the digital imprints at the disposal of Internet providers to encourage them to carry out their duty of identifying the illicit content they transport or host."

BLIC acts on behalf of organisations such as the Association of Independent Producers (API), the Federation of Film, Audiovisual and Multimedia Industries (FICAM), the National Federation of French Cinemas (FNCF) and the National Federation of Film Distributors (FNDF).

BLOC represents the Association of Film Producers (APC), the Union of Independent Producers (SPI), the Society of Film Directors (SRF), the Union of Film Producers (UPF), United European Independent Distributors (DIRE) and the Animated Film Producers’ Union (SPFA).

(Translated from French)