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Unifrance Rendez-Vous TV Mart Begins in Le Havre
French production is on the rise across all major genres, marking the 30th anniversary of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous market, which is being held for the first time in Le Havre. The event attracts international buyers from around the world.
Last year, the Rendez-Vous saw 200 international buyers from 40 countries and 58 French sales companies. Organizers anticipate similar numbers this year.
Speaking to Variety, Unifrance president Gilles Pélisson and executive director Daniela Elstner shared their insights on current trends, the importance of the event for the industry, and the increasing global reach of French programming, encompassing high-end drama, animation, and documentaries.
Pélisson emphasized that while international streamers are cutting back on original productions, French productions continue to thrive in every major genre.
“French production has seen steady growth, especially in fiction. Animation has always been strong and continues to be. French animation even featured at the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony with the Minions! Documentaries, too, attract global buyers and are a significant part of the Rendez-Vous offerings. This diversity in French programs facilitates sales to streamers and broadcasters alike,” he noted.
He also mentioned that the European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive, requiring streamers in member states to have a 30% quota of European content, may influence future trends.
Unifrance plans to announce the 2023 industry figures during the event.
Highlights this year include France Télévisions’ “Zorro,” starring Jean Dujardin, and Federation Studios’ “Ça, c’est Paris,” about a theater director reviving a famous cabaret. Other notable programs are Mediawan’s cop show “Tom & Lola,” mystery drama “The Eclipse” from About Premium Content, and ARTE Distribution’s animated documentary series “The Legends of Paris: a Tale of the 19th Century Artistic Scene.”
These shows highlight television’s ongoing appeal to filmmakers and actors, as well as its potential for high-end content.
“Noting this trend, Unifrance merged the TV and cinema associations three years ago,” Elstner explained. “This merger allows us to offer a comprehensive 360-degree promotion to our members, considering the needs of French talents and international distributors and producers.”
Elstner added that promotional aspects at the Rendez-Vous have expanded, including Gala screenings with directors, scriptwriters, and casts, and leveraging social media to promote programs.
“Ça, c’est Paris” will be the Gala Screening, and “Zorro” will feature at the closing night. Such promotional efforts continue year-round. Unifrance will also organize events around World Animation Day for the first time in October, highlighting French animation series and films, including “The Legends of Paris.”
The Rendez-Vous also helps French content makers find new buyers and markets.
“Last year was my first participation,” Pélisson said. “The event provides a unique opportunity for international distributors to connect with buyers focused on French programs, fostering new contacts and opportunities. It’s different from traditional markets where time is scarce. Here, word of mouth among buyers is crucial, generating additional opportunities for French productions.”
Despite recent challenges, the market is broadening its scope, Elstner said.
“We invite buyers from all over the world. Post-epidemic travel restrictions, particularly for ecological reasons, have posed challenges. Moving from Biarritz to Le Havre, closer to Paris and accessible by local train, was a strategic decision. We also have new buyers, particularly from the U.S. and Asia.”
Pélisson added, “Our biggest markets are traditionally in Europe, but the U.S. has become an important partner for fiction. The Rendez-Vous brings together buyers from key European pay and free TV broadcasters. This year, we’re pleased to welcome new companies from Latin America and Asia.”
“For this year’s edition, Unifrance has a new venue with support from the city of Le Havre and the Normandy region,” Pélisson mentioned. “Each evening will feature a different location, hopefully creating new opportunities for various French programs.”
Approximately 40 territories and 200 buyers will be represented this year, comparable to last year.
“We face new challenges, and this is our first edition in Le Havre,” Elstner said. “But with over 1,000 programs screened, we’re confident that buyers will appreciate their experience.”
Source: Variety
