French Cinema and Moving Image Code

For the application of this chapter, the theatrical release date of a cinematographic work is the national release date appearing on the advertising material, whatever the form and means of communication used. Previews, exceptional early releases, even with payment, as well as the cinematographic performances mentioned in article R. 211-45, are not taken into account to determine the national release date of the work.

A derogation to the minimum four-month period set out in the first paragraph of article L. 231-1 is granted when, at the end of the fourth cinema week within the meaning of 5° of article D. 212-67, the number of admissions for the film is less than or equal to 100,000.

The application for exemption is sent to the President of the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée by the holder of the video publishing rights. It must be accompanied by the following information and documents: 1° The title, the number of the cinematographic licence and the date of release of the work in cinematographic theatres; 2° The date from which exploitation of the work in videogram form is…

The number of admissions indicated in the application for exemption in accordance with 3° of article D. 231-3 is verified by means of the weekly revenue declarations mentioned in 3° of Article L. 212-32.

The exemption is granted by the Chairman of the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée from the date indicated in the application in accordance with 2° of Article D. 231-3. It may not have the effect of reducing by more than four weeks the minimum period of four months set in the first paragraph of Article L. 231-1.

If the Chairman of the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée does not respond to a request for exemption within three working days, this constitutes a decision to accept the request.