Carbon footprint reduction, inclusion, responsible governance. CSR issues are now a priority for audiovisual professionals. To support this transition, the CNC has just launched an unprecedented aid: the Prime CSR+.
Accessible, structured, and partly financed by the State, this new measure marks a key step towards more sustainable productions. In this article, we explain what this bonus is, who can benefit from it, and why it could permanently transform practices in the sector.
Table des matières
What is Prime CSR+?
Faced with the ecological emergency and changes in the sector, the National Center for Cinema and Animated Images (CNC) launched Prime CSR+ in May 2024. This new system aims to reward audiovisual and cinematographic productions that actively engage in a responsible approach, both environmentally and socially.
This system consists of a fixed aid, of an amount of 28,000 euros, awarded automatically, as well as the coverage of the cost of certification by the CNC. It thus highlights the concrete efforts implemented to reduce the carbon footprint, promote social inclusion, improve working conditions or even develop more ethical governance.
The program is based on an objective criteria grid and is part of an incentive, not punitive, logic: it is not a question of sanctioning, but of stimulating good practices.
Who is this new aid for?
The bonus is aimed at a wide range of professionals in the audiovisual sector: producers of films, documentaries, series, and TV programs. All companies established in France or carrying out a significant portion of their production there can apply, provided they demonstrate a concrete commitment to social responsibility.
In summary, this new aid from the CNC is not only aimed at pioneers of eco-production, but at the entire sector which wishes to initiate or strengthen a sustainable transition.
What are the conditions for obtaining Prime CSR+?
The CNC’s Prime CSR+ is for productions that integrate a genuine approach to social and environmental responsibility. To benefit from it, the project must: reach level 2 of the AFNOR SPEC 2308 standard, a national standard developed with more than 130 professionals in the sector.
This benchmark defines virtuous practices in terms of ecology, social inclusion, ethics, and governance. It acts as a common frame of reference to structure CSR commitments in the audiovisual and cinema sectors.
Structured in 7 chapters, this reference framework addresses the main environmental and societal issues linked to production activities:
🧭 CSR Governance
⚡ Energy and mobility
🛒 Responsible purchasing, food and waste management
💻 Digital sobriety
🐾 Biodiversity and animal welfare
🤝 Inclusion, parity and quality of life at work
🎓 Training and awareness
Why is this bonus a turning point for the sector?
Until now, ecological and social initiatives in the audiovisual sector were often driven by individual conviction, without any real financial value. With the CNC’s Prime CSR+, these commitments become officially recognized and encouraged by the public authorities. This is a first: the environmental and social impact of production now enters into the financing equation.
By relying on the AFNOR SPEC 2308 standard, the CNC is sending a clear message: responsibility becomes a quality criterion in its own right, in the same way as the scenario or the financing plan. This common framework allows the entire sector to improve skills, structure, and harmonize practices. Ultimately, the entire ecosystem will align with more sustainable standards.
By rewarding virtuous productions, this bonus acts as a lever of attractiveness for channels, platforms and investors. Clients are increasingly sensitive to the traceability and impact of the content they distribute. This assistance thus strengthens the competitiveness of responsible projects, and could in the medium term become a new marker of confidence.
In conclusion
With the Prime CSR+ bonus, the CNC is sending a strong signal: responsible production is no longer a marginal choice, but a path for the future supported by institutions.
Thanks to concrete financial support, a clear framework and independent validation, this initiative lays the foundations for a more virtuous model for the entire sector.
Whether you are already engaged or in the transition phase, now is the time to align your practices with the challenges of tomorrow – and to make responsibility a competitive asset.
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