Berlin, 24th July 2018 – From the world of German-made cartoons, this is an appeal in solidarity with French producers against the French government’s decision to close France 4 – the only French ad-free TV channel dedicated to programs for kids and families.
Ministry of Culture Françoise Nyssen announced that programs for children are destined for the broadcaster’s web portal. French animation producers are greatly concerned with this the proposal, which would not only eliminate one of their most reliable financial partners – but also goes against the successful strategy of other European broadcasters.
The German Producers Alliance – Film & Television, the German association of audiovisual producers, and its section of animation producers express their support to the French animation industry, with which German producers have developed an increasingly profitable collaboration – leading to many successful international productions.
The time is now right for more alignment of the industrial rules of all European countries – in particular to face the increasing competition from US platforms like Netflix and Amazon. France is the leading country in this process.
Holding the industry and market of French animation back would mean stopping this positive evolution – not just in France, but in Germany and across Europe. Weakening European co-financing would lead to children watching more and more non-European programs and strengthening non-European producers and distributors.
Jan Bonath, Chairman of the board of the animation section of the German Producers Alliance – Film & Television e.V.