Russian film stalwarts including Timur Bekmambetov, Fyodor Bondarchuk, Alexander Rodnyansky and Sergei Selyanov have proposed a package of measures aimed at the reforming the national film industry.

Among the proposed measures are the adoption of a state order for the production of films for mass audience, subsidization of the installation of the Unified State Automated Information System (USAIS) in cinemas, and the reduction of rates of insurance payments for film companies.

According to producers, the industry needs at least $44m (1.4bn rubles) a year for the production and distribution of at least 20 films for a mass audience.

In addition, no less than $11m (350m rubels) should be provided for the production of auteur and experimental films with $17.6m (560m rubles) needed for production of animated features.

The producers also asked to provide state support for the production of films with social significance. According to them, the production of such films could take place in accordance with a state order. Among the other proposals to introduce incentives to reduce VAT as well as to reduce royalties to composers.

The proposals of producers have already been sent for the consideration of the Russian Ministry of Culture.

The existing scheme of state support of the Russian cinematography involves distribution $69m (2.2bn rubles) among the ten major studios, through the State Film Fund, with another $47m (1.5bn rubles) allocated for social projects, and nearly $6.3m (0.2bn rubles) being invested in the support of Russian films during international film markets and festivals.

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