Hiring an English-Speaking Film Crew in Paris: What You Need to Know
Shooting with english speakers in Paris
When international production companies plan a shoot in France, they face a common dilemma: Should we fly in our trusted crew, or hire locally? Flying a crew of 20 people means paying for flights, hotels, per diems, and excess baggage. Hiring locally is significantly more cost-effective, provided you find the right bilingual talent.
The Advantage of a Bilingual Local Crew
Paris is a global hub for cinema. The city is home to world-class Directors of Photography (DOPs), gaffers, sound mixers, and art directors. By hiring locally, you not only save on travel logistics but also gain access to professionals who know the local rental houses, understand the locations, and can troubleshoot in French when dealing with local authorities or vendors. At Le Plato Prod, our curated network consists exclusively of top-tier, English-speaking film technicians.
Understanding French Labor Laws in Film
France has specific labor regulations designed to protect film workers (intermittents du spectacle). If you are coming from the US or the UK, you need to adapt your schedule to these rules:
The 35-Hour Base: While a standard shoot day is usually 8 to 10 hours, overtime is strictly regulated and calculated precisely.
Turnaround Times: There must be a mandatory 11-hour rest period between the wrap of one day and the call time of the next.
Catering and Breaks: The French take their meals seriously. A proper sit-down, one-hour hot lunch (la cantine) is not just a luxury; it is a union standard. Skipping it or relying solely on craft services (crafty) is not acceptable.
Building Your Team
Navigating French contracts, union rates, and payroll for a temporary foreign shoot is incredibly complex. That is where we step in. As your dedicated line producer in Paris, we handle the recruitment, contracting, and payroll of the finest English-speaking crew members, ensuring your production is fully compliant with French law.
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