CNC Funding, Tax Rebate Spared French Budget Cuts

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for international cinema, particularly the French variety, I am thrilled to hear about the resilience of our beloved industry. The news that the French film sector will be spared from public cuts and the CNC’s tax rebate plans will remain intact is a breath of fresh air.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that France’s cinematic world is set to remain untouched by impending public budget reductions. The French National Film Board (CNC), along with its generous tax rebate system, will continue to operate at their current funding levels, ensuring the continued creation and promotion of French cinema.

According to Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s proposed budget, the Film Board will carry on receiving funds from various sources such as taxes on cinema tickets, television broadcasters, streaming platforms, and telecommunications companies. All these resources are then reinvested into the film industry. In contrast to the current system, under Barnier’s plan, the CNC (National Center for Cinematography) will pay a one-time levy of €450 million. This amount is drawn from savings within the CNC, making it less likely to impact their ongoing operations.

The levy becomes effective under the new prime minister’s broader austerity plan aiming to reduce €60 billion ($65.5 billion) from yearly expenses. Currently proposed, this budget may change when it is presented to France’s National Assembly and Senate for discussion, with final approval expected in December.

The primary objective was to ensure that our tax rates didn’t max out and our tax refund schemes weren’t reduced, as these are crucial for our industry, according to interim president of CNC, Olivier Henrard speaking to EbMaster. “If we reduce the tax refunds, the businesses will leave France, leaving us with abandoned facilities that we funded through the France 2030 plan.” He further explained that he was able to communicate to the prime minister and the budget preparer that our system, which is both relevant and effective, should be maintained as it doesn’t cost the government anything because it’s entirely self-funded.

In fact, the majority of the tax burden will come from a grant issued during the pandemic period, ensuring that the daily operations budget of the film board remains unaffected.

According to Henrard, our payment into the state budget won’t impact its daily operations. Essentially, we’re just giving back an amount that the state provided for us, unusually, to help navigate through the crisis situation.

Numerous figures in the French film industry expressed concern about potential severe reductions. At the inauguration of TSF Paris Backlot last week, filmmaker Cédric Klapisch and the line-producer of “Emily in Paris”, Raphaël Benoliel, along with Henrard, advocated for stronger safeguards to Minister of Culture Rachida Dati. Their main focus was on preserving France’s tax incentive program.

According to those who were part of the discussion, the minister appeared open-minded, and she expressed views similar to those held by her superior, President Emmanuel Macron of France.

Earlier this week, during an exclusive conversation with EbMaster, President Macron expressed his approval for the CNC, commending their exceptional work and emphasizing his connection to this unique system.

Macron stated that we possess a cinema which has consistently withstood significant crises, an exception not often seen across Europe. He emphasized the importance of this diverse creativity since there shouldn’t be a single standard model, as audiences differ, and perspectives on interpreting and viewing the world vary.

2024-10-10 22:52

CNC Funding, Tax Rebate Spared French Budget Cuts

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