The film production market in France

Cinematographic production is the implementation of film projects through budget management and the search for financial and technical resources. Film producers are responsible for the production of cinematographic works, which they then sell to distributors.

A distinction is made between film production and audiovisual production.

A cinematographic work is one "that has been approved for exhibition in France, or a foreign work that has been commercially exhibited in its country of origin";

An audiovisual work is a program "that does not belong to one of the following genres : full-length cinematographic works; news and current affairs programs; variety shows; game shows; programs other than dramas, the majority of which are setalized; sports broadcasts; commercials; teleshopping; self-promotion; teletext services".

In simple terms, cinematographic works are characterized by their vocation to be shown in cinemas. However, the worldwide success of video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video is now challenging the definition of cinematographic production, as this new trend is fuelling a transformation in the way audiovisual content is consumed and produced, namely delinearization. Netflix's eviction from the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, due to its refusal to release its films in cinemas, illustrates this upheaval.However, delinearization represents a considerable opportunity, as illustrated by the coronavirus epidemicduring the coronavirus epidemic, the film industry was able to adapt by offering films released at the beginning of the year on VOD.

The global market continues to boom, particularly with the emergence of the Chinese market. The global market was valued at $94.45 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.21% until 2030.North America accounted for the largest market share in 2022, with 35%. The industry is one of the most competitive in the world, with a large number of players constantly striving to stand out from the crowd.

France, Europe's leading market, has suffered the full force of the health crisis, but is experiencing a very encouraging acceleration (+25% in market size between 2021 and 2022). Attendance levels are recovering increasingly rapidly, as are the number of screenings offered by cinemas, though without reaching pre-Covid figures. The balance between French and American films shown in French cinemas is shifting. the market is undergoing a veritable revolution, with the rise of streaming platforms and video-on-demand (VOD) services, while sales of films in physical format are collapsing.

The market is still highly fragmented, and benefits from a variety of sources of funding, including public funding from the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image animée), particularly in the wake of the health crisis, to revitalize this particularly hard-hit market.