The CNC temporarily allows films to be screened outside the movie theater

On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Board of Directors of the CNC voted to allow certain films to be shown without being released in cinemas.

Unlike the measure taken a year ago, this waiver allows for exploitation on all distribution channels (DVD, television channel, subscription platform) and not only on video on demand platforms.

Although this measure temporarily derogates from the media chronology, it is not intended to call it into question – the president of the CNC has reiterated his commitment to movie theaters, which remain “the best place to discover a work” – it is simply intended to prevent difficulties related to the regulation of the flow of film releases when movie theaters reopen. 

In this respect, it is not excluded that an agreement between distributors could set up a concerted calendar of theatrical releases, subject to obtaining the favorable opinion of the Competition Authority, which has been consulted on the principle of such an agreement by the Cinema Mediator.

In any event, the UGGC and its team specialized in audiovisual and competition law are at your disposal for any questions you may have on this subject.

By the IP/IT team of UGGC Law Firm

Source : CNC