The Meaning of ‘Quality’ in Feature Film Policy Selective Aid Scheme : A French/UK Cross-Cultural Perspective

Résumé En

Europe has a long tradition of state support for the film industry. Although practices vary between countries, the European film-making model generally privileges creativity over commercial success and puts the bulk of efforts on production rather than on distribution or exhibition. This ‘authorship business model’ is based on a certain consensus on the notion of ‘quality’. This paper first proposes an investigation of the origins and the transformation of the concept of quality in the film policy debate in France and the UK, in order to characterize major cultural differences in state support. Then, contrary to film historiography which generally considers film policies majors steps (creation of funds, censorship …) as simple consequences of major improvements of the film art worldwide, this comparative analysis will bring to light how quality has been for years the main argument to justify existence and efficiency of selective aid schemes in both countries.