France: The world's favorite film set

The French Parliament has recently adopted a fiscal measure designed to support the production of foreign films made in France. In addition to the financial incentive, France has a network of professionals who are able to provide highly valued logistical assistance in the audiovisual arena, and as a result has further confirmed the country’s position as a great place for making movies.

From 2009 onwards, foreign film production companies will be able to benefit from a 20-percent tax rebate on their expenditure in France. To be entitled to the rebate they have to spend just five days filming in the country and spend at least one million euros here. The rebate has an upper limit of four million euros and is particularly welcome in a difficult economic environment. Indeed, although major foreign commercial films such as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Ron Howard’s The Da Vinci Code were filmed in France before the fiscal measure was put in place, it nonetheless remains the case that many production companies have opted to work in less-expensive countries, despite the fact that France has outstanding technicians who are recognized the world over. The entire French film industry is praising the adoption of this fiscal measure, hoping that it will help to increase the number of films made in the country.

In light of this, the National Commission of Film France, supported by the National Centre for Cinematography, is handling all the logistical issues involved in these projects. One of the principal aims of this government-supported association is to promote filming and post-production activities for cinema, television and publicity films. In particular, it is developing a significant area of activity in terms of film location research, on a no-fee basis. Film France thus not only has the ability to find logistical solutions in terms of accommodation and transport, but can also provide expert legal advice. Working in conjunction with professional organizations, Film France is able to provide essential information on organizing efficient casting sessions for extras. In this respect, Film France is the primary point of contact for foreign film-makers wanting to produce movies in France. The association coordinates a network of 40 local committees, also known as “welcome centres” for film-makers, right across the country. As they are close to the reality on the ground, the managers of these welcome centres are able to provide even more detailed answers to film-makers’ questions. In addition, the website www.filmfrance.net is a quick and easy way to access a wide range of information, especially for those looking for locations or technicians, or seeking information on any constraints in the calendar.

Film France publishes a comprehensive guide with lots of photographs, in both French and English, and organizes events designed to introduce France to a wider audience and encourage people to film here. Last November, the association invited some 10 foreign scriptwriters to visit the French regions in search of inspiration. At the same time, at a local level, the Ile-de-France welcome centre for film-makers, supported by the Franco-American Cultural Fund, has held its Autumn Stories residential event for the last three years. Aimed at American scriptwriters, the event allows them to spend six weeks in an ancient abbey in Royaumont working on their projects. France is thus working to build bridges with current and future foreign film-makers throughout the year.