22/10/2002 - As they wait for new funding rules, French producers choose independence

French film industry unions are experiencing turbulent times. On 17 October the National Film Producers’ and Exporters’ Union announced it was joining BLOC (Bureau de liaison des organisations de cinéma) an umbrella organisation that represents the independents. Presided over by Antoine de Clermont-Tonnere, the union decided to leave BLIC (Bureau de liaison des industries cinématographiques), that also includes producers, distributors and exhibitors. Antoine de Clermont-Tonnerre also spoke about the increasing problems his representatives are experiencing in finding funding for medium and low-budget independent productions. He was eager to emphasise the risks of delaying film projects because France has not implemented tax breaks (similar to those in operation in Germany and Ireland).
Joining BLOC – presided over jointly by producer Alain Rozanès and filmmaker Jean-Henri Roger, will give almost all French independents uniform representation since BLOC also represents virtually every major organisation in the French independent industry including the Film Producers’ Union, the Independent Distributors’ Company, and various film research, writers’ and independent artists’ guild remains outside the BLOC umbrella.

(Translated from French)