BNP Paribas and the cinema in 9 founding dates (Timeline)
In 1917 began a joint history between BNP Paribas and the cinema that has spread over 100 years. Indeed, over time the bank has been involved in all areas of the film-making industry: production, distribution and diffusion. It supports several festivals and contributes to the restoration of films. BNP Paribas, supported by its subsidiaries, the BNL in Italy and BNP Paribas Fortis in Belgium, which are very active in the film-making industry, quickly became the European bank of the 7th art.
9 key dates
1917
First major loan to a film company
The Banque nationale de crédit (BNC) grants a loan to the Société générale des Cinématographes Eclipse, the fourth largest film company at the time
1931
The Gaumont Palace in Paris reopens after renovation
The Gaumont Palace was renovated and equipped for sound films thanks to a BNC loan.
1935
The Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) opens an independent section for film loans
BNL has financed over 5,000 films and plays a pivotal role in the Italian film economy. BNL joins the BNP Paribas Group in 2006.
1985
Paribas launches Sofica Sofinergie
Paribas blazes the trail with Sofica which enables individual clients to invest in filmmaking in exchange for tax benefits.
1989
The City bank, which specializes in film financing, joins the BNP Group
The City bank was specialized in the treasury financing of the independent producers. It also served as a private bank for many professionals. She joined the BNP Group and took over the management of Sofica of the Banexi.
1995
BNP advertising campaigns use film references
BNP takes images from French film classics for its advertising campaigns. Some years later, the bank would spoof film posters.
2003
BNP Paribas baks the restoration of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times
This would be the start of a series of aids to restore the classics (such as The Kid, Parade, The Yound Girls of Rochefort).
2004
BNP Paribas sponsors the national federation of French cinemas (FNCF)
BNP Paribas supports the Rentrée du Cinéma autumn film festival in public cinemas and gradually becomes a sponsor for major events, organised in French film theatres.
2017
Valerian released
Following Arthur and the Minimoys in 2005, BNP Paribas once again backs Luc Besson for Valerian and the City of a thousand planets.
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