ARP calls for collective interest plan for digital transition
The ARP (Civil Society of Writers-Directors-Producers) has vigorously entered the debate on the switch to digital projection that is currently raging within the French film industry (see news). The ARP calls for the immediate implementation of a collective interest plan for digital transition in order to equip small and medium-sized exhibitors.
Believing that the economic situation of French producers is not comparable to that of US studios that have accepted the principle of VPF (Virtual Print Fee), the ARP advocates an alternative model. "The principle of compulsory digital contribution could have virtues within the framework of a mutualised system and under the control of a public authority like the National Film and Moving Image Centre (CNC).
"However, the current version proposed by the CNC contains definite risks for small and medium-sized exhibitors, as well as for independent distributors, who will necessarily suffer from the power relationship exerted by large distributors and big exhibition networks, respectively. The whole diversity of film exhibition in France, which has been difficult to protect up to now, could disappear."
The ARP is thus calling for a collective interest plan for digital transition, which would be financed by part of the Big Loan reserved for the Culture Ministry, taxes on advertising in movie theatres and subsidies from regional authorities. According to the ARP, this plan would enable almost 3,000 theatres in France to make the switch to digital without becoming dependent on operators who dictate their programming. In return for this support, these theatres would have to commit to the programming pledges controlled by the CNC.
(Translated from French)
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