Filming in the
PACA region
France retains an important position
in the global cinema industry. The French release the
third highest number of national films in the world,
and the most in Europe. France has the second highest
number of cinema-goers worldwide, and is the first in
terms of national film market share, after the United
States.
The PACA region boasts a number of unique advantages
for film-makers, compared to other areas in France, such
as a large choice of film locations, a favourable climate,
a large number of casual film-industry workers, almost
400 cinematographic and audiovisual production companies
(several are well-known both in France and abroad), influential
trade-fairs, professional get-togethers and festivals
such as the Cannes International Film Festival, Imagina,
Sunny Side of Docs…
The first filming facilities
in the PACA region were built in 1952, the second
and third in 1976, and the rest from 1982 onwards.
These figures
show the industry’s rapid growth: 59% of the facilities have been
built since 1996. The increase between 1998 and 2000 is due to the growing
number of films produced in the region, the beginning of financial aid
from the Conseil Régional, the new arrival of qualified professionals
and the establishment of several large technical service companies.
A rapidly
expanding industry:
 |
50%
of the regional organisations have an annual turnover
of less than 152,450 € |
|
48
% have an annual turnover between 152,450 € and
7,622,500 € |
|
1%
have an annual turnover of more than 7,622,500 €. |
With 198 organisations involved in cinematographic and audiovisual production,
the Bouches-du-Rhône attracts 44% of the filming in the region
thanks to film-shoots in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, and industry-friendly
policies.
At the beginning of
the 20th century, Marseille was already one
of the favourite destinations for filmmakers,
attracted by the particular quality of light
for which Provence is famous.
 |
The
Studios de la Croix-Rouge built in 1916 and in
operation until 1930, were the first modern filmmaking
facilities. |
|
In
1937, Marcel Pagnol built the Eponymes studios. |
|
At
the end of 1940, Paul Ricard founded Protisfilm,
his own production company, before building the
Sainte Marthe studios in 1952, which functioned
until the 1970s. |
|
Since
the 1990s, the cinematographic and audiovisual
industry has expanded rapidly in the PACA region,
especially in the "Bouches-du-Rhône".
Eager to support the industry, Marseille has dedicated
" the Belle-de-Mai" media centre to the creative
industries,
establishing a unique place in Europe. |
|
