15/10/2008

DIRE (United European Independent Distributors) and SDI (Union of Independent Distributors) have sounded the alarm on issues affecting the sector. These include the growing concentration of operators, the increasingly rapid turnover of films in theatres, the inflation of distribution costs and overbidding by powerful integrated groups whose main activity is not film, but who take advantage of the French systems of support.

Considering themselves as "the only guarantors of creative replenishment and the diversity of films in theatres", independent distributors underline that their situation has never been as precarious and call on the authorities to adopt urgent measures.

Signatories of a two-part Platform ("Analysis of the current situation" and "Our proposals" - which can be downloaded by clicking here), DIRE and SDI call for five main measures. Firstly, they would like to see the creation by the National Film Centre (CNC) of an independent distributor certification in order to differentiate them from integrated groups of theatres, distribution arms of TV networks, telecommunications groups and Internet service providers.

Secondly, they demand funding reform with an increase in selective support and a redirecting of automatic support towards companies whose revenue depends mainly on film distribution in theatres.

DIRE and SDI also point out the necessity for support during the transition to digital distribution of films in theatres. In their dealings with exhibitors, independent distributors would like to see a guarantee of the level of payment sharing and intervention from the CNC to curb the explosion of film promotion costs, for which movie theatres are charging them more and more, thus reducing their share of the takings.

Finally, the Platform calls on the authorities to reduce the imbalance caused by the relations of dominance with TV networks.

(Translated from French)