GROUND-BREAKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN TF1 GROUP AND FILM INDUSTRY BODIES

The TF1 group, and the film organisations ARP, SRF representing authors and directors; API, SPI, UPC for production; DIRE, FNEF, SDI for publishing-distribution as well as FNCF for exhibition; FICAM for the technical industries and SEVN for video, are very pleased to announce the signature, today, of a ground-breaking agreement.

The new agreement represents a fair deal for all parties, at a time when our ecosystem is being transformed and our regulatory regime modernised. It reflects a shared ambition to develop the sector through positive partnerships built on negotiations between industry players that take full account of the economic and editorial challenges faced by broadcasters.

It is also testimony to the relationship of mutual trust between TF1 and the film industry, and their commitment to support French and European film-making in all its diversity.

Key features of the agreement include:

. Increased pre-buying and buying spend by the TF1 group to support French and European film-making, with the minimum spend increased from 3.2% to 3.5% of total net broadcasting revenue from the TF1, TMC, TFX and TF1 Séries Films channels. The minimum spend is now spread across all four channels. And up to 20% of the minimum spend can now be allocated to buying broadcasting rights to French and European films.

. Commitment to diversity on the part of the TF1 group, which will pre-finance 17 films a year on average across all four channels collectively.

. Extending and modernising on-screen exposure of films as governed by the Decree of 2 July 2010. For the first time ever, the agreement builds in multi-broadcast rights, and the option to rotate films between channels. And to respond better to new viewing patterns, the TF1 group will be able to acquire catch-up TV rights on pay-to-view digital services for a maximum of seven days. For pre-financed films, that new option is written into the agreement, in addition to the 3.5% minimum spend requirement.
The TF1 group, BLIC, BLOC and ARP welcome this agreement, which signals a renewal of their partnership in the interests of film-makers and viewers alike.