Film France – CNC, in partnership with Villa Albertine, is hosting a half-day event during the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles to acknowledge and highlight examples of cooperation between the U.S. and French film industries.
On October 30, 2024, Film France–CNC, in collaboration with Villa Albertine, proudly launches the second edition of the “U.S. Filmmaking in France: Living the French Experience” in Los Angeles. This half-day event, running alongside The American French Film Festival, is a showcase of dynamic cross-continental collaboration, aimed at celebrating the flourishing relationship between the U.S. and French film industries. Featuring an impressive lineup of panel discussions, case studies, and networking opportunities, the event offers an insightful look into what it’s like for American productions to work in France.
Highlights of the Event: From Case Studies to Financial Incentives
This year’s lineup includes panels that dive into several successful U.S. projects filmed in France, with discussions on topics like the country’s scenic filming locations, cutting-edge VFX industry, and appealing tax incentives.
- The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – Iconic French Locations : Featuring stunning French locations like Mont-Saint-Michel and the Royaumont Abbeys, Rob Fox from AMC Studios and Augustin de Belloy from LEFT Productions will discuss how filming at these breathtaking sites contributed to the show’s unique aesthetic and storyline.
- The Substance – An American story done the French way : Producers Alexandra Loewy and Nicolas Royer of Voulez-Vous Production Services will share insights on how working with French VFX and SFX experts elevated their project.
- France: A Hub for Cutting-Edge VFX : As global demand for virtual production and VFX grows, France stands out as a prime destination. Panelists like Viet Luu (The Gray Man, All The Light We Cannot See), Mimi Steele (The Killer), and Willa Swallow (The Serpent Queen) will discuss how French VFX studios offer world-class technology and talent. From historical dramas to high-stakes thrillers, these productions exemplify the skill and sophistication of France’s VFX professionals.
- French TRIP 101 – Unlocking Financial Benefits for International Productions : One of the biggest draws for U.S. productions to film in France is the Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP). Daphné Lora of Film France–CNC and Raphaël Benoliel, producer at Firstep, will provide an overview of the TRIP, which offers up to a 40% rebate on qualifying expenditures. Notably, the TRIP rebate has already benefited high-profile productions like Emily in Paris and John Wick: Chapter 4, and is expected to draw even more international productions in the future.
Networking with France’s Best Production Services and Studios
Attendees at “U.S. Filmmaking in France: Living the French Experience” will have the exclusive opportunity to connect with a diverse delegation of French industry leaders. Represented production service companies, film studios, and VFX specialists include Firstep, Left Post Productions, Voulez-Vous Production Services, Wheelhouse Productions, Provence Studios, Groupe TSF, Excuse My French, MPC, NOID, and The Yard VFX. This distinguished lineup of companies showcases the talent and infrastructure available for U.S. productions seeking expertise, stunning locations, and top-tier production support in France.
Laurens Ehrmann, founder and Senior VFX Supervisor of The Yard VFX, will participate to the event, bringing insights into a range of high-profile projects that showcase the skill and innovation of French VFX artistry. The Yard VFX has contributed to numerous acclaimed titles that showcase the collaboration between American filmmakers and French VFX studios. Indeed The Yard has recently worked on Emily in Paris – Season 4, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 2, and the eagerly anticipated Prime Video series Étoile by Daniel Palladino and Amy Sherman-Palladino.
The Yard team also lent their expertise to visually ambitious productions in recent years, showcasing the substantial benefits of France’s film industry’s benefits for international projects.
The Yard’s filmography includes All the Light We Cannot See by Shawn Levy, Murder Mystery 2, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (season 2), Halo (season 2), John Wick: Chapter 4, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Enola Holmes 2. With this impressive portfolio, The Yard exemplifies the world-class talent within the French VFX industry and its vital role in supporting international productions from France.