Film Production Guidelines for Paris: Navigating the 2024 Olympics

In preparation for the Paris Olympics in 2024, guidelines have been established by the CNC (National Center for Cinema and Animated Images), in collaboration with the cinema mission of the city of Paris and Film Paris Region, to regulate film and series productions in the city during and after the Games.

Recent projects undertaken by the Cinema Mission of the City of Paris have included filming historical demonstrations at iconic locations such as Place de l’Etoile and capturing scenes like the entry of the Leclerc division into the capital at Place Denfert-Rochereau. Furthermore, this summer saw filming activities related to a biopic of Charles de Gaulle and adaptations of “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Despite a temporary absence of American productions due to strikes, the film industry in the city remains vibrant.

However, with the return of Hollywood productions anticipated after a screenwriters’ strike hiatus, time is of the essence. The forthcoming Paris Olympics will inevitably impact filming in the city from spring through the Para Olympic Games until the end of autumn in 2024. Nevertheless, the situation appears to be more manageable than initially expected.

The guidelines for film productions are structured into four distinct periods:

1. Before March 15 and after November 1: Filming for all types of films is permissible in areas outside Olympic zones.
2. From March 16 to June 15: This period encompasses the setup for competition and celebration sites, during which action and period films are prohibited in Olympic zones. Filming elsewhere will be authorized following a review of the work plan.
3. From June 16 to September 15: Referred to as the “red” period, this phase prohibits action or period film shooting anywhere. Other filming requests can be approved, but at a slower pace.
4. From September 16 to October 30: This period marks the site dismantling phase. No action and period films are allowed in Olympic zones, while other filming may be permitted following a comprehensive assessment.

In addition to the Olympic zones, specific municipalities in Île-de-France hosting Olympic sites will impose restrictions on filming access from July to mid-September. However, municipalities in other regions, like Versailles, hosting competitions at the Château, will continue to grant authorizations, taking into account requested dates and perimeters.

For filmmakers seeking alternative settings, the Film Paris Région database provides access to 1,683 locations outside Olympic zones, offering diverse settings suitable for various storylines. Additionally, numerous cities in Île-de-France and across France offer atmospheres reminiscent of Paris, providing flexibility for productions.

Regarding studio space and ready-to-shoot sets, France boasts an extensive infrastructure, with over 20 studios offering 50,000 m2 of sets, backlot solutions, and various interior settings. The country is well-prepared to accommodate filming across its territory.

Importantly, any filming postponed due to the Olympics will not be rescheduled, as Michel Gomez, delegate of the cinema mission to the City of Paris, cautions against expectations of a doubling in the number of film productions.

In summary, while the Paris Olympics will undeniably influence filming schedules and locations, careful planning and access to a diverse range of alternative settings and studios will enable filmmakers to navigate the challenges and continue creating compelling content in and around Paris during and after the Games.