The weekend of 27 November to 1 December 2025 brought sixty European delegates to Paris for ARTSCENICO’s annual General Assembly, but the centrepiece of the gathering was undoubtedly the public symposium "Good Initiatives to Improve Working Conditions in the European Film Industry," held on Sunday, 30 November at Le Cercle Rouge, Studios TSF La Plaine Saint Denis.
A Powerful Call for Collective Action
ARTSCENICO President Maximilian Lange opened the afternoon with a keynote that cut straight to the chase: our creative professions are increasingly being treated like industrial manufacturing, whilst new technologies continue to shift power dynamics. His message was crystal clear—only collective organisation can bring real change.
Drawing on the successful alliance of creative departments in Germany and Austria, where professionals negotiate together rather than separately, Lange demonstrated how unity fundamentally transforms bargaining positions. "Working conditions aren't a side issue," he emphasised with conviction. "They shape who participates in the creative conversation—and who doesn't." It's a question of access, of democracy, of who gets to tell the stories that define our visual culture.
Panel One: Building Infrastructure for Change
Under the expert moderation of Jordan Mintzer,(Hollywood Reporter) the first panel focused on practical tools and infrastructures already making a tangible difference across Europe.
France Orsenne brought electrifying news from the European Film Academy: all members will now vote to determine winners, democratising a process that has long been the preserve of the few. It's a structural shift that recognises the collective expertise of the entire membership.
Hans Nikolas Locher from CST (The Higher Technical Commission for Sound and Images, France) presented studio standards developed directly in consultation with the technicians who actually use them—a refreshingly pragmatic approach that puts practitioners at the centre of decision-making.
Perhaps most inspiring was the presentation by the International Costume Houses Alliance (Paula Cornejo, Andréa Peters, Laura Nobile, and Jeremy Angels), who shared their innovative partnership model that balances individual identity with collective strength. Here was proof that collaboration needn't mean homogenisation—that we can be stronger together whilst maintaining our unique character.
Panel Two: Reimagining Working Culture
The second panel tackled the thornier question of how we fundamentally reimagine our working culture.
Samuel Zarka from Sorbonne Nouvelle University illuminated the persistent wage hierarchies and gender disparities in qualification recognition—the uncomfortable truths we must confront if real change is to occur.
Mathy Mendy from the 50/50 Collective shared their tireless work driving conferences on parity, equality, and equal pay. Their approach is systematic, evidence-based, and increasingly influential across the French audiovisual sector.
Mark Deuze, Professor of Media Studies Amsterdam, offered a broader perspective, exploring how we're all implicated in the social construction of new media. His provocation was clear: we cannot simply react to technological change; we must actively shape how these technologies integrate into our working practices.
As the formal programme concluded, conversations flowed on over an ARTSCENICO cocktail party. Colleagues from across Europe shared convictions, exchanged ideas, and dreamed together about a collective future. This is what ARTSCENICO does best—creating space for genuine dialogue, for cross-pollination of ideas, for the building of solidarity that transcends national boundaries.
The energy was palpable. These weren't abstract discussions about policy documents; these were practitioners sharing real experiences, comparing notes on what works, and building the foundations for coordinated action.
(photos: Public symposium participants and organizers Olivier Meidinger, Maximilian Lange, Mark Deuze, Laurent Tesseyre, France Orsenne, Paula Cornejo, Andrea Peters, Jordan Mintzer.)
General Assembly: Democracy in Action
Saturday, 29 November saw sixty European delegates from 12 member associations gather at Les Studios de La Montjoie for ARTSCENICO's annual General Assembly. What makes these gatherings remarkable is the extraordinary commitment of volunteers building a different kind of European network, meeting each year in a new member country to learn from one another.
The day was supported with the generous hospitality of partner Delikatessen ,the wonderful company of Susanne Hein, Wolfgang Wäsche, and Louis Hein from Berlin, who treated the delegates with a delicious lunch setting a warm tone for the day's exchanges.
The studio itself offered fascinating discoveries. Delegates toured the Collectif Costume, an association born from costume designers' visions to create an economy responsive to market needs. By pooling their stocks, they've breathed new life into recycling in service of numerous film and live performance projects. The captivating exhibition of production design drawings from La Fémis School students and the beautifully restored costumes presented by Le Conservatoire du Costume served as powerful reminders of the craft's heritage.
Sunday morning was dedicated to annual member reports, where each association shared their journey over the past year—from completed projects and working conditions to eco-responsibility, harassment prevention, and the vital role of cultural funding. These exchanges form the lifeblood of ARTSCENICO, allowing members to learn from each other's challenges and successes across borders.
The New Board: Leadership for 2025/26
Following the General Assembly, ARTSCENICO members elected their new Board for 2025/26, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the organisation's leadership:
We are delighted to present the newly elected Board for the 2025–27 term! Talented representatives from across Europe have come together to guide our federation with creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for our professions.
Leading the Board is our President, Maximilian Lange, whose commitment to production design and cross-European exchange continues to inspire. Supporting him as Vice-President is Laure Lepelley-Monbillard, bringing her vibrant perspective and leadership from France. In key roles, we are pleased to welcome:
Secretary: Zita Pichler
Vice-Secretary: Alice Cambournac
Treasurer: Olivier Meidinger
Vice Treasurer: Sophia Lagny
Board Members: Isabelle Caillaud, Chloé Cambournac, Anne Karttunen, Minke Lunter, Cara Maeno, Laurent Tesseyre
This diverse and dedicated Board reflects ARTSCENICO’s ongoing commitment to representing the full spectrum of member organizations and voices across Europe. Together, they will help shape the federation’s direction with creativity, collegiality, and a shared spirit of innovation. We look forward to a productive and joyful work in 2026 to 27!
An Eventful Friday: Industry Connections
Friday's contact day with local businesses packed in discoveries and inspiration aplenty. The group's first stop was the Cinémathèque Française Warehouse for a rare glimpse into their extraordinary collections of sketches, costumes, and props—tangible connections to cinema's visual history.
Then it was off to TSF BACKLOT 77 "Paris' streets" (thanks to TSF for the bus!). Rain and cold couldn't dampen spirits as delegates explored the impressive outdoor studio and learned about its exciting future plans. Laurent Tesseyre introduced Eric Moreau, Director of TSF Studios, whose passion for the facilities was infectious.
After a delicious lunch, the energy remained high with a fun ARTSCENICO quiz on the ride back. The final highlight was LA RESSOURCERIE DU CINÉMA where the group discovered how production design meets sustainability through reuse. Their paint-cleaning machine that separates pigments from binding agents? Absolutely fascinating—a glimpse into how environmental responsibility and practical filmmaking can align.
Evening Celebrations: Building Partnerships
Friday evening brought everyone together at Le Bistrot de Cinéastes—a wonderfully decadent, club-like venue that set the perfect tone for the weekend's first gathering. The International Costume Houses Alliance hosted with generous servings and excellent wines, marking the beginning of what promises to be a long and fruitful partnership.
Saturday evening at Cafe Mirette unfolded with characteristic lightness and ease. The book-lined room with elegantly dressed tables bearing Rosco cards created an atmosphere both refined and relaxed. Sarah Horton, friend and advisor to ARTSCENICO for years, spoke on behalf of Rosco with characteristic warmth, celebrating the vision that drives this community and the steady growth being built together.
Thursday's visit to Euro Costumes in Pantin revealed an institution with over 25 years of expertise. General Manager Alexandre Métier graciously guided the group through warehouses housing more than 150,000 costumes spanning from antiquity to the present day—treasures that have graced productions from Dunkirk to The Crown, from Peaky Blinders to The Queen's Gambit.
Looking Forward
As President Lange noted in his closing remarks, the wintry images hold a hint of what's to come: Winter 2026 will bring ARTSCENICO together again for the General Assembly in Amsterdam, scheduled for 12-16 November 2026.
But there's much to look forward to before then. ARTSCENICO continues its vital work advocating for improved working conditions, authorship recognition, sustainable practices, and equality across the European audiovisual industry. The Paris weekend demonstrated what this federation does best: bringing people together, fostering genuine dialogue, building solidarity, and transforming individual voices into collective power.
For production and costume designers across Europe, ARTSCENICO represents something vital—a political force that ensures our professions aren't sidelined in industry conversations, that our contributions to visual storytelling are recognised, and that our working conditions continue to improve.
The Paris gathering wasn't simply a conference; it was a demonstration of what's possible when professionals unite across borders with common purpose and shared conviction.
For more information about ARTSCENICO and to subscribe to their quarterly bulletin, visit www.artscenico.com
