SHOTLIST 1. Wide of French Culture Minister, Frederic Mitterrand, speaking at lectern 2. Mid of Mitterrand speaking about Australian singer Tina Arena who is standing next to him 3. Close of Australian singer, Tina Arena, about to be awarded the French Order of Merit 4. SOUNDBITE (French) Frederic Mitterrand, French Culture Minister: "Dear Tina, on top of the personal pleasure that I have to see you again, for your charm, for your voice that is for twenty years now part of the French cultural scene, for all the happiness that you have brought to French artists and audiences, it is with joy and gratitude and in the name of the French Republic that we give you the insignia of the Knight of the National Order of Merit." 5. Mitterrand then pins the insignia of the Knight of the National Order of Merit onto Arena, UPSOUND: applause from the audience 6. Wide of the ceremony 7. Mid of Arena sitting next to French television personality, Nagui Fam 8. Close of Arena 9. Mid of Arena posing for photographers 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Tina Arena, Australian singer: "Ah look, it's pretty fantastic. It's incredibly unexpected but it's an extraordinary honour. It's absolutely....it's fabulous to be recognised by the Republic of France for cultural contributions is a very special thing." 11. Cutaway photographers 12. SOUNDBITE (English) Tina Arena, Australian singer: "The connection started for me a long time ago. I have quite a few members of my family that are French, so there are great family ties. The first time I ever came to France I was four years old and my parents nearly moved over here at that particular point in time. But the way life works and things happen, it didn't eventuate. But many years later down the track here I am, working and doing the things that I've been privileged enough to be able to do. There's been fantastic collaborations, and the cultural part has always been incredibly stimulating for me." 13. Close of the insignia of the Knight of the National Order of Merit 14. SOUNDBITE (English) Tina Arena, Australian singer: "I think it is for Australians in general I don't think it's just for me. I represent Australia and it's a pretty special thing. It is for them. It is absolutely for them, they are the reason why I am here." 15. Mid of Arena talking to friends at the ceremony STORYLINE Australian singer Tina Arena was awarded the French Order of Merit on Wednesday at a ceremony in Paris. The 44-year-old was awarded the honour by French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand for her contribution to the arts. Speaking after the ceremony, Arena said it was an unexpected but very welcome honour. "I represent Australia and it's a pretty special thing. It is for them," the singer said. "It is absolutely for them, they are the reason why I am here." Arena said she had close ties with France, including some French relatives. The singer-songwriter is best known for her 1990's hit song "Chains," and has released numerous albums, including some French titles. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/3b7bcecee555dacba5324e578603d6cb Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 31 Jul 2015
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