Greek European Film Co-Productions in the Three Major European Film Festivals from 2001 to 2013

Abstract

Film co-0production is a complex phenomenon that involves different countries and cultures and therefore closely linked to their social and economic situation during the specific time periods that takes place. Given the economic changes that Greece and Europe in general has undergone during the years from 2001 to 2013, the purpose of this study is first to present the number of Greek productions and co-productions in three major European Film Festivals during the years 2001-2013 and secondly to compare Greece and European countries with similar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007 and 2011, before and during the economical crisis and with similar amount of population, in terms of their co-productions in the three above mentioned film festivals. Our findings show that although there was a decline in film production and co-production in Greece during the years from 2004 to 2009, Greek cinema in general witnesses a revival from 2009 onwards. In addition, the number of co-productions is closely linked to the fame of a director. The comparison of European countries with similar GDP and similar or equal amount of population to Greece has shown that the number of co-productions is probably dependent on their geographical position, the more centrally in Europe are located the more co-productions they present, as well as their multicultural environment and the proximity of languages spoken in the countries involved. However, given that Greece is not a centrally located country in Europe, some recommendations are made in terms of legal framework and tax incentives which will facilitate Greek European co-productions with subsequent benefits for Greek society.