Networks of European Cinemas

Objective:The aim of the support is to create and operate a network of cinemas with a view to:

• Encourage cinema operators to screen a significant proportion of non- national European films through incentives and collaborative projects;
• Contribute to raise and increase the interest of the audience for non-national films including through the development of activities for young cinema-goers;
• Help those cinemas to adapt their strategy to the changing environment including by promoting innovative approaches in terms of audience reach and engagement, as well as partnerships with other film industry operators as well as with local cultural institutions;
• Encourage exchange of best practices, knowledge sharing and other forms of cross border collaboration amongst members of the network
• Contribute to the policy dialogue on the film industry by collecting data and disseminating the outcome of the activities of the network beyond its members.

Expected results:

• Increase the audience for non-national European films on the European market;
• Reach new audiences for European films including young cinema-goers;
• Reinforce and renew the ongoing cinema experience;
• Adjust the business practices of European cinema theatres in terms of sustainability and inclusion;
• Foster the innovation potential of European cinema theatres through enhanced collaboration.

Description of the activities to be funded under the call for proposals:

Cinemas' network should enable the following activities:

− Networking activities: information, animation, training and communication in view of increasing the audience reach and implementing innovative and collaborative actions including areas with low screen density.

− Provide financial support to participating cinemas implementing eligible activities listed below:

• Actions aiming at promoting and screening European films and increasing the audience for non-national European films and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-respectful industry.
• Innovative activities aiming at reaching new audiences and raising interest among young cinemagoers for European films by renewing and enriching the cinema experience including in areas where cinema infrastructures are poorly developed.
• Harnessing the digital transition, including online tools and data applications
• Adjusting the business practices of European cinema theatres in terms of sustainability, inclusion and accessibility.
• Promotion and marketing activities in cooperation with other distribution platforms (e.g. TV broadcasters, VOD platforms).