And at a time when the market is very competitive

After considering the sale of its subsidiary TF1 International, the first string has finally decided to ally themselves with the Group of cinemas UGC for the distribution of films. The competition authority has to give its green light to the agreement concluded by the two groups in May. Bercy has until Wednesday to seek a thorough investigation. Alain Sussfeld, Executive Director of UGC, explains how UGC and the will to work together.

What is the agreement between UGC and TF1

This agreement, for a term of three years, is designed to match the distribution of films, France and international, of UGC and TF1. It consists of two components. The first branch ensures co-investment of both partners in the projects. UGC and TF1 have each, the right to initiate procurement of rights, contracts of distribution and co-productions of films. One who initiates the case must be followed by the other. It will support two-thirds of the investment and its partner a third party. The second part of our agreement fixed our capitalistic links. Two companies are created. One, called UGC Distribution, will be held at two-thirds by UGC height and one third by the ensure the distribution of films in France. An international, this will be the entity TF1 International, property to two-thirds by the height and one third by UGC that will operate. In fact, two groups maintain their investments, but for UGC and TF1, the risk on the films will be diversified.

Do in concrete terms, what benefits you expect from this association

By uniting their forces, UGC and TF1 will find themselves in the top ten French groups of film distribution. This should make us more competitive with the major stakeholders in the sector are Pathé, StudioCanal, Gaumont or WildBunch. And, at a time when the market is very competitive. Until then, UGC and TF1 distributed, each, between eight and ten films a year. After this alliance, we will propose between 15 and 20 feature films a year in France and a number equivalent film international. This effect size will enable us to appear as a regular market player. It is important to foreign buyers. This means that we become an actor to present attractive offers, with interesting perspectives on the duration. This, by as much as - and this is the interest of the effect of size - the aggregation of the two names UGC and TF1 should enable us to draw of new directors, directors, producers.

UGC had acquired the film rights for approximately EUR 2 million and television for the France of the film adaptation of the best-selling "Millennium." Are you satisfied with the return on investment

I am overall satisfied, even if the operation of "Millennium" from DVD is not yet carried out and negotiations are still underway with channels that broadcast the film, namely Canal , pay TV, and M6. Concerning entries in theatres, the film attracted 1.25 million viewers, or as much as all of the Scandinavian markets. But it's true that I am a little disappointed, because it is less than the 2 million that I skied.

What do you think of the agreement on media chronology signed before the summer which shortens the time of release of the DVD four months

The only victims of this agreement are the operators, who lost two months of exclusivity in the exploitation of films. The Federation of operators requested compensation to the new Minister of Culture, Frédéric Mitterrand. Negotiations are underway.