Cinemas brimming with French films (2)
Addressing the difficulties currently facing theatrical releases (see Cinemas brimming with French films (1)), a report written by Jean-Pierre Leclerc for the Centre National de la Cinématographie (CNC) offers a range of solutions to public authorities (regulations, laws) and professionals (agreements).
In order to control the number of releases, it recommends stabilising the production of French films and using distribution funding to limit the influence of TV distribution arms. To control increases in prints, the report suggests the possible introduction of a nationwide or regional ceiling (for example, no more than 10% of screens per film) and an extension of programming measures already in place that encourage diversity – by giving priority to European cinema and placing a limit on several screenings in multiplexes.
The report also suggests setting up of funding for films released between June 15-August 15, in order to improve admissions during the summer months. Leclerc also calls for the revision of the status of arthouse theatres by a redefinition of the label (giving access to funding) for more vulnerable films.
Another solution would be to create obligatory periods for the theatrical runs of these films, either through programming measures (all the weekly screenings for a film), which would penalise small exhibitors, or by requiring a film to have a minimum two-week release if it is distributed independently (with the exception of integrated companies, US majors, and possibly TV broadcasters).
Lastly, Leclerc’s report insists on the need to restructure the funding system by asking broadcasters and the TPS cable company for an annual contribution for distribution, such as that currently paid by Canal+, and also by reforming the CNC’s selective funding for distribution.
These technical measures must also be accompanied by improved relations between distributors and exhibitors by establishing written rental contracts, so as to avoid the law of the jungle, and by developing codes of good practice for the promotion of films in theatres.
(Translated from French)
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