Hiring Crew in France: What You Need to Know

France is one of the most film-friendly countries in Europe—with highly skilled technicians, beautiful locations, and generous film subsidies. But if you’re coming from abroad, hiring crew in France requires some local knowledge to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure a smooth shoot.

Here’s what you need to know before assembling your team.

1. The “Intermittents du Spectacle” System

In France, most freelance crew work under a unique legal status called intermittent du spectacle. This system is designed for creative industry workers (film, TV, theatre, music, etc.).

Key points:

• Crew members are hired on short-term contracts (CDD d’usage).

• Employers must register the contract with the French authorities.

• Social contributions include unemployment insurance, pension, and health coverage.

Important:

If you’re a foreign company, you cannot legally hire intermittent crew unless you’re set up as an employer in France. You’ll need to go through a French production service company or payroll partner.

2. Legal Requirements for Hiring Crew

Hiring crew in France comes with a set of administrative obligations:

• All contracts must be signed before the shoot.

• Each crew member must be declared to URSSAF (French labor authority).

• Production must provide workers’ comp and liability insurance.

• Contracts must follow French labor code and sector-specific agreements (e.g. collective agreement for film or advertising).

Non-compliance can lead to fines or issues with unions/insurance.

3. Hiring Locally Across France

Paris has the largest pool of experienced crew, but there are also strong networks in:

• Lyon (central & Alpine access)

• Marseille / Nice (Mediterranean shoots)

• Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg (regional talent with access to local rebates)

Hiring local crew can help reduce travel/accommodation costs and sometimes even boost regional subsidy eligibility.

4. Why Use a Local Production Service Company

If you’re a foreign producer, working with a French partner makes the hiring process easier and safer. A production service company can:

• Source and book vetted crew

• Handle employment contracts and payroll

• Manage tax declarations and insurance

• Help with permits, equipment, and unions

At French Fixers Production, we’ve helped brands, studios, and agencies film across France by handling crew, compliance, and local logistics.

Final Tips

Start planning early—especially in peak seasons (May to September)

Always budget for social charges (typically 66% on top of gross rates)

Need Crew for Your Shoot in France?

We’ll take care of the contracts, payroll, and crew sourcing so you can focus on what matters: the shoot.

Contact French Fixers Production