Working Conditions in France

Permits

France is part of the EU. No special working permits (including for the Swiss) needed.

Working Hours

• 35/39 hours a week (5/6 days a week)
• Night-time is from 22:00 to 06:00 from 1 April to 30 September
• Night-time is from 20:00 to 06:00 from 1 October to 30 March
• Night-time is 50%, Overtime during Night-time is 100%

Please refer to the enclosed PDF (Equipe Minimal) for the standard crew composition of a French Film.

Overtime

For the 39-hour-week:

• from the 40th to the 43rd hour: + 25%
• after the 43rd hour: + 50%

For the 35-hour-week:

• from the 36th hour to the 39th hour: + 10%
• from the 40th to the 43rd hour: + 25%
• after the 43rd hour: + 50%

Rates

Please refer to the enclosed PDF (indicative, not official) for the crew members’ rates and their social benefits.

Warning

Like any other aspect of the French labour world, there are many conventions collectives in the French film & TV industry (refer to the enclosed PDF for a summary of the main points).

However, only 5 to 10% of the feature films produced are applying these rates. The rest pay between 20% and 25% less and are often - but not always - flat fees including overtime and night time.

Allowances (also in the PDF)

• Meal € 15.14
• Refreshment € 6.15

Actors’ Rates

€ 326.82 for a day. Negotiation prevails.

Children in performance are subject to very strict regulations. Please read the enclosed Memo and Annex.

Sources of Information

French Association of Assistant Directors a.f.a.r.: www.afar-cinema.com