WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN FRANCE
The love and romance capital of the world is one of the leading global exporters of movies. Many films, both English and French, are produced in the country every year. The Oscar nominated movie Amelie which was a hit all over the world was filmed in Paris.
TAX INCENTIVES & CREDITS
Frances Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP) stands at 30% or 40% of film eligible expenditures incurred in France with a cap of EUR30 million per projects. There are regional funds to encourage productions to film in their territory. The incentive has recently expanded, projects with significant VFX work done in France may access a 10% bonus. The higher 40% rebate to all qualifying production expenditure, including physical production. Fiction projects which include a substantial amount of VFX and spend either EUR250,000 or 50% of their total budget in France may be eligible for the 10% bonus.
FILM EQUIPMENT CLEARANCE INTO THE COUNTRY
All equipment you might need is readily available on mainland France. France is a member of the European Union (EU). There are no restrictions on the movement of personnel and goods within the EU. If you are planning on bringing equipment in from outside the EU, the ATA carnet system would be the best approach. The ATA carnet, also known as the merchandise passport, is an internationally- recognized customs document that allows goods to move into foreign markets free of duty and tax.
FILMING AUTHORIZATIONS
There is no filming authorization which covers the whole of France, each location must be subject to a specific authorization. In some cases, it is simply a matter of obtaining a written agreement in principle, without the needs for a fee. In other cases, you must pay a fee, amount depending both on the nature of the project and the duration of the shooting. This cost will be specified at the time of the authorization request by the organization / owner requested.
VISAS & WORK PERMITS
Entry and working conditions for foreign cast and crews depend on the nationality of the professional, the country of origin and the duration of the stay in France. Nationalities’ such as EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are exempt from visa requirements.
Applicants are advised to apply one month before planned date of arrival in France. Processing timescales can vary from one consulate or embassy to another.
A work permit will be required to obtain a visa for non- European nationals filming for more than 3 months in France.