The intermittent entertainment regime is a unique system, designed to support professionals in the cultural sector in France. This complex and controversial mechanism has generated much debate about its functioning and future. Let us dive into the arcanes of this system to better understand its stakes and its impact on the entertainment world.
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Operation and specificities of the intermittent regime
The regime of intermittent performances is based onderogation rulesin unemployment insurance, as defined in Annexes VIII and X. The aim of this system is to take into account the particular nature of work in the cultural sector, which is characterised by alternating periods of employment and unemployment.
To qualify for this scheme, professionals must meet certain conditions:
- To justify507 hours of work12 months
- Practice in performing trades (artists or technicians)
- Be affiliated with the general social security system
This system concerns about265 000 people110,000 of which reach the 507 hour threshold. Average compensation amounts to1330€ for techniciansand1370€ for artists, reflecting the disparity in the situation within the sector.
It should be noted that the intermittent regime is structurally deficient. In fact, it pays EUR 1.3 billion in allowances for only EUR 240 million in contributions received. This deficit, estimated at between EUR 320 million and EUR 1 billion according to the calculation method, feeds criticism of the system.
Issues and controversies around intermittance
The system of intermittent performances raises many questions and is the subject of passionate debates. On one side, its defenders put forward thespecific nature of the cultural sectorand its importance for the influence of France. On the other hand, its critics point to its high cost and more favourable rules than the general unemployment insurance scheme.
The following is a summary of the main arguments put forward by the two sides:
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| Support for artistic creation | High cost to the community |
| Adaptation to the precariousness of the sector | Risk of abuse (e.g. « Permissibility ») |
| Maintenance of a talent pool | Inequality with other sectors |
The question of« matermittance », i.e. the inclusion of maternity leave in the calculation of hours worked, was also raised, illustrating the complexity of individual situations within the scheme.
In the face of these challenges, various avenues for reform are regularly discussed:
- Hardening conditions for access to the scheme
- Allowance ceiling
- Differentiation between artists and technicians
- Improved controls to combat abuse
Impact of the health crisis and future prospects
The VOCID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the entertainment sector, highlighting the fragility of the intermittent system. In the face of this exceptional situation, the government decided to extend the regime during the health crisis, introducing a« white year »for intermittents.
This has helped to support industry professionals in a particularly difficult context. Nevertheless, it also revived discussions on the sustainability of the system and its adaptation to current economic realities.
Despite these challenges, it is imperative to stress that the entertainment sector remainsjob creationDespite the inherent precariousness of its functioning. This positive dynamic reflects the vitality of the cultural sector in France and its importance in the economic and social fabric of the country.
To better understand the functioning of the intermittent regime, discover thispractical guide to become intermittent of the show in 2025and successfully integrate into this particular status.
To guarantee a health coverage adapted between two contracts, discover the advantages ofmutual performance of intermittents: your health, even between two shows.
L’avenir du régime des intermittents s’inscrit dans une réflexion plus large sur l’équilibre entre :
- Thelogique assurantielle(cotisations vs prestations)
- Thesolidarité interprofessionnelle(soutien aux secteurs spécifiques)
- Ladaptation aux nouvelles formes de travail(intermittence, freelance, etc.)
Cette réflexion devra prendre en compte les spécificités du secteur culturel tout en veillant à l’équité avec les autres domaines professionnels. Le défi consiste à trouver un équilibre entre le soutien à la création artistique et la maîtrise des dépenses publiques, dans un contexte économique en constante évolution.
Towards a reform of the intermittent system?
Face aux critiques et aux défis financiers, une réforme du régime des intermittents semble inévitable. D’un autre côté, toute modification du système devra prendre en compte la complexité du secteur et l’importance de la culture dans la société française.
Plusieurs pistes sont envisagées pour améliorer le fonctionnement du régime :
- Simplification administrative: faciliter la gestion des dossiers par Pôle Emploi
- Lutte contre les abus: renforcer les contrôles pour éviter la « permittence »
- Adaptation aux nouvelles formes de travail: prendre en compte l’évolution des métiers du spectacle
- Soutien à la formation: encourager la reconversion des professionnels en difficulté
These reflections form part of a broader debate on the future of work and social protection in France. The intermittent regime could thus serve as a laboratory for experimenting with new forms of support for precarious workers, beyond the entertainment sector alone.
Finally, the evolution of the intermittent regime will have to reconcile thepreservation of French cultural wealthwith theeconomic imperativesandSocialthe country. A delicate balance to be found, but essential for the future of the cultural sector and its professionals.
Updated on 23 March 2026
