French Film Production Up 13.5% in 2010

PARIS -- French film production enjoyed a healthy 2010 with 261 films made in the country last year, a 13.5% jump from the year before, national French film organization the CNC said Thursday.

After the industry struggled in 2009 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, things picked up again last year with a €1.44 billion ($1.92 billion) investment in Gaul's 7th art form.

International co-productions increased by 28% for a total of 118 titles and French majority co-productions grew by 33% compared to 2009.

In 2010, 143 100% French films were produced compared to 137 in 2009. French initiative productions grew 11.5% for a total of 203 films, the most made since 1981. Investment in French initiative productions grew from just €927.5 million ($1.24 billion) in 2009 to 1.11 billion in 2010.

Homemade fare was also more expensive in 2010 with average cost of French initiative titles growing 7.5% to €5.5 million ($7.3 million) compared to €5.1 million ($6.8 million) in 2009.