In February 2008, he acted and directed a movie titled "Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis), which" was well received by the public and was a big success in France and in other countries. This comedy based on prejudices held about the region, went on to break French box office records. Two weeks after its release, the film had already been seen by five million people. After its fourth week, the figure had risen to 15 million, and by 11 April, the film had surpassed the viewing audience of "La Grande Vadrouille", having been watched by more than 17.4 million people. He was the highest-paid actor in European film history, netting 26 million Euro (c. 33 million dollars). He was the president of the 40th César Awards ceremony in 2015. Dany Boon was on the council of directors of the Pathé production company and has produced several films as actor, co-producer, screenwriter, or director. Boon had several production companies, including 26 DB Productions, in Los Angeles, California. They produce and distribute films and TV content.