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FUNDING Europe

Cinema Communication: Going once, going twice, going three times

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- European Commission presents its third draft of the Cinema Communication

After strong industry protests against the last draft for the Cinema Communication, the European Commission published the third draft that is out for public consultation now. The comments on the new Cinema Communication can be sent until May 28 to the Commission in Brussels at Stateaidgreffe@ec.europa.eu. The final Communication is due to be adopted by the Commission in July 2013.

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"The revised draft rules aims to set the scene for a successful European audiovisual sector which can deliver the films European audiences enjoy”, underlines Joaquín Almunia, Commission Vice-President in charge of competition policy. "Their objective is to encourage creation and cultural diversity in all parts of the EU and to foster a genuinely European cinema, where cross-border productions can be set up easily. This new draft also attempts to reconcile the different points of view expressed by Member States about what rules are needed at EU level."

The new Communication draft reflects some key issues that were strongly demanded by European film-funding organizations such as CNC and FFA. According to the recent version, the member states are allowed to impose territorial spending obligations up to 80% of the overall production budget. "We still have to clarify all the details," said Gisela von Raczeck, EU Commissioner of the FFA. "The new draft features a couple of changes but we still have to settle what exactly will be the consequences." For certain issues as for example the continued existence of the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) von Raczeck still sees a need for clarification. "There is hope that we are coming to a resolution that will be satisfying for all of us."

It is expected that the new Cinema Communication draft will raise topics for discussion at the upcoming film festival in Cannes.

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