15/11/2005

Avoiding a rupture in the introduction of digital technology in the Arthouse and Experimental theatres, that’s the preoccupation explained by the director general of National Film Centre (CNC), Véronique Cayla, at the Beaune Film Encounters organised at the end of October by ARP. In fact, she went on to say, "local theatres, Arthouse and Experimental and the multiplexes do not have the same economic model. Digital projection will have an impact on the theatres and our objective is to preserve their diversity, allowing them to keep diversity in what they offer". Endorsed at Beaune by Jean Labbé, president of the FNCF (National Federation of French cinemas) and by Patrick Brouiller who heads theAFCAE (French association of Arthouse and Experimental theatres), this will from CNC is confirmed by the Minister of culture, Véronique Cayla who yesterday charged Daniel Goudineau to begin a study on the expertise for developing digital projection in theatres.

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The study, for which first conclusions and propositions will be put forward in April 2006, will concentrate on the conditions necessary for the development of digital projection that respects cinema diversity in the theatres. With a deep consultative base of all the professional concerned, Daniel Goudineau must notably explore financial models to equip the cinemas and digitise the films. Measures will be taken to maintain the specificity of theatres and to offer better diversity in the films offered to the French public.

(Translated from French)