MEDIA 2007 � Development, distribution, promotion and training: Call for proposals � EACEA/17/12: Support for the networking of cinemas screening European films � �Cinema network�

This call concerns the implementation of the MEDIA 2007 programme of support for the European audiovisual sector.

Its specific objectives are:
— to improve the circulation of non-national European films on the European and international markets by incentive measures for export, distribution on any medium and cinema exhibition,
— to encourage the screening of non-national European films on the European market, in particular by supporting the coordination of a cinema network.

This call offers a two-year framework partnership agreement. It is aimed at European cinemas grouped in a network whose activities contribute to the above objectives.

The coordinator (the network) and the co-beneficiaries (the cinemas) must be owned and continue to be owned, whether directly or by majority participation, by nationals of countries participating in the MEDIA programme and registered in one of the following countries: the 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

European independent theatres are eligible as co-beneficiaries. A European independent theatre is a company, association or organisation with a single or several screens based in countries participating in the MEDIA programme and which operates under the same company name. The screening of films should be the principal activity of the applicant or division of the applicant organisation.

Independent theatres are eligible providing:
— they are first run cinemas (programming European films in first run, within a maximum period of 12 months after the first national release). Those cinemas which dedicate a maximum of 30 % of their screenings to retrospectives or re-releases may be eligible,
— they have been open to the public for a minimum of six months,
— they possess a ticketing and entry declaration system;
— they have at least one screen and 70 seats,
— they had at least 300 screenings per year for single-screen cinemas and 520 screenings per year for multi-screen cinemas (cinemas in operation for a period of at least 6 months per year), and at least 30 screenings per month for summer/open air cinemas (cinemas in operation for less than 6 months per year),
— they had at least 20,000 spectators in the previous 12 months.

In order to meet, as a group, the above eligibility criteria, different cinemas may be allowed to pool their results. The circumstances under which this may occur must be clearly defined by the applicant in its application and in the accompanying draft guidelines.

Cinema networks are eligible as coordinator. The cinema network is defined as a group of cinemas developing, through the medium of a legally constituted coordination entity, joint activities in the area of screening and promoting European films. In particular, this coordination entity shall ensure the operation of a communication and information system between the cinemas.

To be eligible, the cinema network must represent at least 100 cinemas situated in at least 20 countries participating in the MEDIA programme.

The following actions and their activities, taking place in the MEDIA countries, are eligible:
— actions aiming at promoting and screening European films,
— educational activities aiming at raising awareness among young cinema-goers,
— activities aiming at encouraging and accompanying the introduction of digital cinema among exhibitors,
— networking activities: information, animation and communication.

The call offers a two-year partnership agreement. The maximum budget available is €10.8 million for the first year.

Only one beneficiary will be selected. The financial contribution awarded is a subsidy and will not exceed 40% of total eligible costs.

The deadline for applications is 16 July 2012.

Further information is available on the MEDIA website

Reference: 2012/C 135/08

(Added 2012-05-09)