Written by The Location Guide on May 6, 2019. Posted in Interviews

TLG talks to Frédéric Goldsmith, CEO of the French Film Producers Association

I have been the CEO of the Union des Producteurs de Cinema (UPC) since 2007. Before that I was General Counsel of the French Union of Phonographic Producers, which is the French member of the IFPI.

Please tell us about the UPC and your role.

Created in November 1944 under the name of Syndicat des Producteurs de Films, the UPC represents more than 240 French independent feature film and advertising producers. The UPC is the largest union of feature film producers in France and the only one that also represents advertising producers.

My role at the UPC involves bringing a global response to the preoccupations of the producers. In particular :

• building an efficient service for the members of the UPC to bring them useful information and answers they need concerning their professional activities
• lobbying the public authorities to defend independent production
• acting as a bridge with other organisations in the sector
• negotiating with the government, the broadcasters, the platforms, the unions...
• generally being able to respond to any information required on production

What are the advantages to being a member of the UPC?

The UPC strongly defends film production, in particular the independent producers who guarantee the diversity of the industry and the introduction and nurturing of new talent.

The UPC is also very keen to establish strong strategic relationships with European producers and to discuss common issues, including best practices, with other European organisations.

What events do UPC take part in each year. Where can we meet you apart from FOCUS "the meeting place for international production"?

The UPC organises an annual dinner in Cannes with its members and other officials and French producers. We also host an international cocktail party in Cannes in association with the PGA (Producers Guild of America) and Film France.

Feel free to drop by and see us at our stand at the Cannes Festival Palace and of course in Paris at our headquarters (37 rue Etienne Marcel, 75001 Paris).

What was the last movie you saw and loved?

I have rewatched Jusqu’à La Garde (Custody) which has just won the César Award for best film. It was perfectly realised with great suspense – a very moving and important film for the prevention of violence against women and children.

What is your favourite Paris restaurant?

Pierrot – it has fresh produce which is always nicely cooked... and it's near the UPC's headquarters.

If you hadn't become the CEO of the UPC what other job would you like to have done?

I would have been a writer.

Thank you Frédéric, it has been great talking to you.

Click here to contact Frédéric and the UPC.