The news for European producers – and indeed their international co-production partners – is that the rules governing film funding are about to change – again. The European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe, has announced that its annual Cannes workshop will focus this year on the current discussions on European rules for film funding.
Levelling the playing field?
The Observatory’s Director, Wolfgang Closs, points out that this year’s Observatory workshop “takes place at a crucial phase in the [EU Commission’s] consultation process” and sees the event as a forum for film funders, producers, investors, professionals and European institutions to tackle some of its more controversial points.
This year’s Observatory workshop, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the organisation, kicks off with the latest film industry findings from the Observatory team. Cinema Analyst Martin Kanzler will open with the overall 2011 box office trends, passing to Funding Analyst Susan Newman who will present the latest facts and figures on film funding in Europe. Coming in from the wings, Francisco Cabrera, the Observatory’s Legal Analyst will give an overview of the content of the current draft Cinema Communication and a round-up of reactions from film professionals so far.
In the second half, representatives from the European Commission, the film funds themselves and the film producers will discuss the contents of the draft Cinema Communication and their implications for film funding in Europe.
Movie industry trends
The Observatory provides a fascinating range of data on cinema in Europe, which is available free or in reports. Last year’s workshop attracted 350 participants. Given the subject, this one should also prove interesting. The workshop will be held in the Salon des Ambassadeurs (Level 4, Palais des Festivals) on Saturday 19th of May from 11:00 to 13:00.
For the full programme (it’s worth it), visit Audiovisual Observatory in Cannes.