France has been a major hub for VFX work in recent years, thanks to the creativity and talent of local players as well as extensive public support programs.
In 2020, the VFX sector was given a further boost by the change to France’s Tax Rebate for International Production (TRIP) scheme, which now offers a 40% rebate on all eligible production expenses for international projects whose VFX expenses in France surpass €2 million ($2.27 million).
PIDS Enghien – the Paris Images Digital Summit in Enghien-les-Bains – runs from Jan. 26-29, including a series of presentations, round-tables and case studies, and presentation of the Genie Awards.
Yann Marset, the founder and managing Director of PIDS Enghien provides an overview on the key trends to be discussed at the event.
What are the major achievements of the French VFX sector?
The last two years have been crucial for French VFX. In 2020, for the first time, a feature film, Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel,”You were eligible for the 40% Tax Rebate. More international productions are choosing French vendors. VFX houses in France were primarily focused on French markets before, with the exception of a few companies. It’s probably the beginning of a golden age for the French VFX industry.
What are the most significant VFX projects that France will be pursuing in the next 12 months.
In addition to Buf, MacGuff or Mikros (MPC Film & Episodic), which are used to having several major international productions in their slate, French vendors such as The Yard or Excuse my French are now working for the U.S. majors and the streamers. They’re not the only ones. Their work will be on display at PIDS Enghien next spring, which I am excited about!
What are the possibilities of real-time animations such as Unreal Engine’s?
This presents a new land for creators. You can create stunning content even with a small staff. There’s a huge potential and we are just at the beginning.
What opportunities do VR, XR and metaverse offer?
At PIDS Enghien, Marc Petit [general manager of Unreal Engine at Epic Games]His vision of the metaverse and the potential opportunities for the VFX sector will be presented. A roundtable discussion will also be held about “AR & Television,”Here’s a case study of the VR experience. “Le Bal de Paris”Blanca Li won an award at Venice Film Festival for her work. Multi-user content is the future.
What are the key trends outlined by the shortlist to the GENIE Awards
The GENIE Awards celebrate digital creation and French VFX artists. It’s interesting to note that we have several projects that are also selected this year at the 20th Visual Effects Society Awards (“The Last Duel,” “Sumo,” “Green,” “Relativity”). This illustrates the breadth of French digital creation as well as the creativity of our artists. Rob Legato will be awarded a visionary GENIE prize, along with Jerzy Kuular and Xavier Nicolas for their pioneering VFX studio Ex-Machina. Although this studio was closed 20 years ago, it played a significant role in the recognition of French VFX around the globe and left a remarkable legacy. PIDS celebrates innovation, the future content, and the history of special effects. France is the country of Georges Méliès, who continues to inspire creators.
What are the highlights of this year’s case studies?
We will display exclusive content such as “Hôtel du Temps,”The new TV series produced by Thierry Arisson. Rodolphe Chabrier will accompany him to PIDS. [MacGuff] to talk about the technologies used in this show, such as an artificial intelligence-generated tool called “Face Retriever,”This allows [the producer]Restore legendary figures “Vortex”This TV series, featuring Tomer Sisley stars, was made in virtual production using an LED Wall for the first time in France. Slimane-Baptiste Berhoun, the director of this amazing adventure, will be present. The TV series is still in post-production. An exclusive case study will also be available. [only in-person]One of Us has provided this information to discuss “The Matrix: Resurrections.”Fortiche will be our first guest, as well as the studio behind. “Arcane,”On Wednesday, you will have a session at MocapLab and Ubisoft. “Extreme motioncapture outdoors”Enjoy the game “Riders Republic.”
A round table is also available “Small budgets, big effects.”What innovation is happening in this context and what are its implications?
These tools are becoming more readily available. YouTubers have the ability to create videos that use increasing amounts of VFX. ATOM will take part in this roundtable. He also runs a YouTube channel that creates stunning VFX. DIY is a popular trend in VFX.
The Centre des arts is Enghien–les-Bains’ media arts hub. How does it fit into France’s overall structure in support of VFX, digital innovation and media arts?
The Centre des arts creates PIDS ENGIEN [CDA] in Enghien-les-Bains, which has been a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2013. The CDA, located at the intersection of science, art and technology, is an innovation hub and a platform for expertise and consultation. Enghien has a unique ecosystem, which fosters an inter-disciplinary dialogue between science, art, and technology.