Iris Special-broadcasters' Obligations to Invest in Cinematographic Production

Cinematographic films are an important cultural asset. But they cost money, sometimes a great deal of money. Television programmes are less expensive to make, particularly large TV companies' own productions. Cinema and television productions inevitably compete for the attention of viewers. Television takes up a considerable proportion of our leisure time - time which we therefore do not spend in cinemas. Does this mean that television is the enemy of cinema? If it is, then it is also cinema's friend, since Cinematographic films are also shown on television and therefore bring in more money. Above all, however, broadcasters do not only show Cinematographic films, they also support their production through financial investments and other payments in kind. This IRIS Special describes the various ways in which the television industry supports Cinematographic film - whether enshrined in law or on a voluntary basis, whether direct or indirect. It considers broadcasters' investment obligations in différent European countries and investigates whether they are laid down in law, agreed in contracts or entered into voluntarily by broadcasters. It also explains thé rules of procédure, discusses what broadcasters might receive in return and mentions some important economie factors. Where necessary or useful, this publication also contains information about national film funding mechanisms.European Audiovisual Observatory Staff is the author of 'Iris Special-broadcasters' Obligations to Invest in Cinematographic Production ', published 2006 under ISBN 9789287159717 and ISBN 9287159718.