Everyone knows about the Marseille, with its clear Provence light and blue skies, its 300 days of sunshine annually, and the intense blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
It is also home to a myriad of other heritage treasures, among them being the Old Port, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) and the cliffs and inlets of the Calanques national park.
But the assets of France's second-largest city are not limited to such solid evidence of its exceptional quality of life. In fact, the sun also illuminates a smart, livable city and its economy, including innovative and collaborative projects, research, tourism and many other sectors of excellence. Here the 1.8 million inhabitants of its 92 metropolitan municipalities ride the cutting edge of Marseilles' thrust toward a formidable international presence.
MARSEILLE, THE FILM CITY : MORE THAN 500 SHOOTINGS A YEAR
This city on the Mediterranean has inspired the most renowned filmmakers. As the site of more than 500 shoots a year, Marseille is now the second most filmed city in France, after Paris.
The number of films made here has tripled in the last ten years and continues to grow.
The region offers undeniable natural resources, such as exceptional sunshine and light, and the beauty and diversity of its land- and seascapes.
Marseille plays host to all types of film production, be they feature-length films, TV or web series, ads, or animations.
When they arrive, producers know that they can rely on a local network of 1500 qualified technicians who work together regularly on projects that are national or international in scope.
There are also 160 production companies that produce feature films and shorts, fiction and documentaries, TV series, streaming, ads, etc.
Dedicated infrastructure
With economic spin-offs estimated at more than 50 million euros [75 million Canadian dollars], the film sector is on the rise; this is due to the equipment, and the numerous capable professionals, that are readily available for every stage of production.
The Belle-de-Mai Media Hub
Since its creation in 2004, this Marseille business cluster has become the favoured locale for all activities involving images, sound, and multi-media.
Its ecosystem of about fifty businesses employs 800 to 1000 people in the audiovisual and digital fields.
Among these businesses are four studios, which have produced a great many films, including the TV series “Plus belle la vie” [”Life is so Sweet”], an ongoing success for more than 15 years.
There are also 17,000 m² of furnished offices and technical facilities that are available to handle productions.
The motion capture and special effects studio
The Belle-de-mai Media Hub also houses a motion capture and special effects studio (Mocap and VFX).
Operated by the Newen company, a major player on France's production and audiovisual scene, this studio can meet the film industry's post-production requirements.
Specifically, using 3D software, it can digitize natural movements, thus allowing producers and directors to create characters and sets from scratch.
There are many other businesses, focused on audiovisual production services, that round out the city's offerings; most notably la Caserne d'Aurelle in the city's 7th Ward or even Provence Studios, located just outside of Marseille on a 22-hectare site.