European Audiovisual Observatory

The new cinema communication European Audiovisual Observatory

The European Commission adopted its much disputed new-look Cinema Communication in November 2013. This re-vamped legal instrument lays down the rules by which the EU judges whether or not European film funds comply with EU state aid rules. It finally saw the light of day following an uphill consultation process with the industry and decision-makers. Many stakeholders feared that new rules on territorial spending and the so-called subsidy race would scupper public film funding schemes. In its brand new IRIS plus report, the European Audiovisual Observatory looks at the contents of this new 2013 Cinema Communication while re-treading the road which led to its latest re-write. The Related Reporting section offers short articles on recent developments in European cinema legislation. The final Zoom section provides the Observatory's latest facts and figures on the cinema industry in Europe, including digital roll-out data.