TPS Cinéma supports Gallic Cinema
In answer to the official protest made on 19 March by French film industry representative organisations, BLIC and BLOC, that French sat-broadcaster TPS Cinéma was neglecting its legislative obligations to the French film industry, the film arm of the TPS Group issued a communiqué in which it promises to « Reinforce and make more precise » its investment in French cinema in light of a new agreement reached by the following broadcaster networks (TPS Star, Cinestar 1, Cinestar 2, Cinefaz et Cinetoile) with the Superior Audiovisual Council. This announcement should restore calm to the sector, at least temporarily. As of 1 January, TPS Cinéma is in breach of the cable and satellite decree and runs the risk of losing its broadcasting licence.
The new agreement will force TPS Cinéma to adhere to its obligations in respect of an earlier agreement, signed in March 1999 with BLIC (Bureau de liason des industries cinématographiques) and ARP (Auteurs-Réalisateurs-Producteurs) to invest Euros2.01 monthly per subscriber, and to acquire French films. Futhermore, a « diversity clause » will be added for a 15 per cent increase in 2003 (rising to 20 per cent in 2004) for French films with a budget of Euros5.34 or under.
This last clause may well satisfy the industry insiders requests but the situation remains uncertain as negotiations are still underway and more are planned.
In 2002 TPS Cinéma, and their 1.25 million subscribers, invested Euros33m in cinema, Euros23.69 of which in French films (17 features, 7 of which were first films).
(Translated from French)
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