Section 2: Measures to assist distribution companies

Exceptional aid is granted in the form of direct allocations to distribution companies in order to compensate for part of the expenditure they have incurred in distributing cinematographic works whose screening in cinemas has been impaired, interrupted or prevented by the measures restricting opening hours and then prohibiting public admission to these cinemas, applicable from 17 October 2020.

Direct grants are awarded to distribution companies eligible for financial support for film distribution for each film released or due to be released in cinemas between 14 October 2020 and 18 November 2020 and between 15 December 2020 and 6 January 2021.

The distribution expenses eligible for direct grants are those mentioned in 2° of article 222-9.These expenses, with the exception of those relating to the purchase of advertising space on television services, must have been incurred with companies that are independent of the distribution company receiving the aid, in accordance with the following criteria:a) These companies are not controlled by the distribution company;b) These companies are not controlled by one or…

The amount of the direct allocation is set at : – 35% of the amount of expenditure incurred for cinematographic works released in cinemas on 14 October 2020;– 50% of the amount of expenditure incurred for cinematographic works released in cinemas on 21 October 2020;– 80% of the amount of expenditure incurred for cinematographic works released in cinemas on 28 October 2020 or scheduled to be released in cinemas on…

In order to receive the direct allocation, the distribution company must complete and submit, by 30 June 2021 at the latest, by electronic means, an application form drawn up by the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, together with all the detailed invoices justifying the amount of distribution expenses incurred prior to the theatrical release that has taken place or was initially planned. The distribution company must provide…

Where all the invoices submitted with the application have been paid by the recipient company, the direct grant will be paid in a single instalment when the aid is granted.Where only some of the invoices submitted with the application have been paid by the recipient company, the direct grant will be paid in two instalments.The first instalment, equal to 60% of the amount of the aid, will be paid when…

The award of direct allocations is subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty, in particular those provided for in Chapter I and Article 54 of Section 11 relating to aid schemes for audiovisual works.Cinematographic works for which a direct allocation has been granted…