Working in the arts

Above: latest issue

For anyone working in the creative arts or media in France, the business of sorting out your statut or employment and social security regime can be complicated. It is, however, worth getting it right because sometimes a few adjustments to the way you describe your activity can change your statut and therefore radically change the social security contributions you pay, the benefits you receive and even the income tax you pay. The same is true when deciding which tax regime to choose.

Performers, including actors, musicians, singers, dancers, circus artists, street performers and backstage technicians, usually come under the statut, intermittent du spectacle. This statut practically amounts to being salaried and therefore is much sought after.

For people employed with a CDD (un contrat à durée déterminée), which lasts more than 3 months, this statut is automatic. Others, employed for shorter periods, or even by single performance, have to add up their various contracts to show that they have worked a minimum of 507 hours within a period of 10 months (although this time frame can be slightly altered in some circumstances; see www.culture-spectacle.anpe.fr).

This article can be found on page(s) 68 - 73 of the lastest issue

Subscribe to Living France
www.subscription.co.uk/livingfrance/w409