10/07/2013 - After having approved the collective convention on cinematographic production, public authorities are putting pressure on the chronology of the media

After having approved the extension of the collective convention on cinematographic production on July 1^st, which was signed by the unions of technicians and the API (Gaumont, Pathé, UGC and MK2), despite the complaints of independent producers (notably the APC, UPF and SPI) and the SRF directors, the government now seems ready to put pressure on the chronology of the media (order and delays regarding the release of works on the various media support systems from the time of its release in theatres: pay per view VoD and DVD, pay TV and free TV, subscription VoD).  

Regarding the collective convention, which will become effective on October 1st with from now on legally established rates and raises for technicians, a change that could put a whole sector of the French author cinema production in great difficulty, the government gave three months to social partners to conclude an amendment introducing exemptions for films with the most difficult funding.

As for the chronology of the media, the Minister of Culture Aurélie Filippetti (photo) asked professionals to find a middle ground before the end of 2013, failing which the government could force a solution through. The main point of contention is the delay for subscription VoD, currently set at 36 months after the release in theatres, and which the Lescure report recommended should be brought down to 18 months, an idea opposed by Canal + (the main funder of French cinema) because it would reduce its window of exclusivity screening (one year starting 10 months after its release in theatres).   

On the other hand, the Minister of Culture defended the actions and autonomy of the CNC (whose new President Frédérique Bredin will take office next Monday – news) whose budget is enticing in these times of financial rigor. The CNC was in fact asked to take an active part in the negotiations regarding the amendment to the new collective convention. 

(Translated from French)