Beaune, between satisfaction and vigilance
Kicking off with optimism with the launch of the adoption of the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, the 15th edition of Beaune Film Encounters organised by the ARP (Society of Authors – Directors – Producers) finished yesterday in a climate of uncertainty about current European production output. In fact, despite great satisfaction with Unesco’s triumph, which saw the 25 EU countries talking with a single voice, a solid alliance applauded notably by Viviane RedingRenaud Donnedieu De Vabres (French Minister for Culture), the question of the most efficacious way to apply Cultural Diversity at the heart of the EU animated the professional debates.
The filmmakers of the ARP demanded that European states ratify as soon as possible the Convention protecting and promoting Cultural Diversity, and also demanded a reinforce of their tools ( Media Programme 2007, directive Television without Borders). Reiterating Viviane Reding’s promise to look Video On Demand (VOD) and an aim to promote the diversity of European works within the framework of the revision of the TVSF directive, the ARP wants also to see the suppliers and publishers of online services compelled to make a contribution to European production and also that film catalogues online have a minimum amount of European works. Also, the filmmakers present displayed concern over the more ambitious Media Programme budget (1 billion euros for 2007-20013) and also called on the European parliament and the Council to exclude audiovisual services from the general services directive.
Europe also animated discussions within the francophone world, since it seems that the adaptation of the tax-credit system in favour of film and audiovisual production is about to be harmonised with EU legislation. Having greatly favoured the re-localisation of film-shoots in France, the French tax-credit will see the introduction of certain selective parameters still to be defined, and also the loosening of certain criteria for production from other European countries. These modifications being studied are being watched with great interest by French producers and the technical industry.
(Translated from French)
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