French market not only survives, but thrives

Wild Bunch, Pyramide fare well in downturn

By ELSA KESLASSY

'LOL (Laughing Out Loud)'

Gaul has a bevy of highly capitalized distributors either backed by TV nets -- StudioCanal, SND, TFM -- or who have a foot in exhibition -- Pathe and Gaumont -- giving them the economic muscle to ride out the current storm. Some arthouse crossover players, such as Wild Bunch, Haut et Court, Pyramide and Rezo, are faring well, as they rely not only on domestic distibution but also on production and international sales.

In general, box office is booming in France. That's not to say some players, especially boutique operations, haven't been hit by a bad run of results. But all things considered, France is a market where companies are not only surviving but thriving.

Top 2009 Indies

"LOL (Laughing Out Loud)", $32.4 million (Pathe)

Recent Pickups

"Redhead," UGC

"Somewhere," Pathe

"The Cove," EuropaCorp

"Rudo y Cursi," SND

"Belle epine," Pyramide