Film production hit a record high in France in 2003, up by more than 5% compared to 2002.

According to end of year figures confirmed by the National Cinema Centre (CNC) a record 212 features were given the green light with 183 of those majority French productions.

The numbers surpass 2001's record figure of 204 films produced and are remarkable for the inclusion of so many big budget pictures.

A reported nineteen majority French films came in with a price tag of over Euros 10m in 2003 as compared to 14 the year before representing Euros 408m.

Among them are Jean-Jacques Annaud's tiger tale Two Brothers at Euros 59m, Jean-Pierre Jeunet's A Very Long Engagement at Euros 46m, Europa Corp.'s Danny The Dog at Euros 34m, the sequel to Crimson Rivers, RP2 from Olivier Dahan at Euros 21m and Alain Chabat's prehistoric comedy RRRrrrr!!! for Euros 17.8m.

Although it is not a majority French film, Oliver Stone's epic Alexander came in with the highest budget at a staggering Euros 180m.

According to French weekly trade Ecran Total, Canal Plus continued to be the dominant player in terms of pre buys with 11 films including the Jeunet opus for a record Euros 6m.