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Film and TV producer groups call for government to regulate streaming services and protect independent sector against ‘market failure’ and loss of intellectual property
Transmission Platforms could be subject to stricter regulation and forced to loosen their control of intellectual property whether national governments heed a call to action launched Thursday by trade organizations of film and television producers around the world.
The “global screen producers statement on the regulation of streaming platforms and the protection of intellectual property” was published by about 20 groups, including the Screen Producers Association of Australia, Produzentenverband of Germany, Screen Producers Ireland, the Spanish-speaking multinational group Ibero-American Federation of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Producers of Belgium. Union des Producteur.ices Francophones de Films & Series.
They say they “share a commitment to ensuring regulation from our respective governments that ensures our industry remains sustainable and maintains the cultural sovereignty of our nation.”
Among the nine principles the groups want governments to follow, two stand out and would likely require regulation.
“All platforms that derive financial benefits from doing business in the local market should contribute financially, proportionately, to the creation of new local content for the benefit of local audiences.”
“Independent screen companies must own and/or retain control of the intellectual property (IP) and rights over their work, including the right to participate financially in the success generated by their work” and that “regulated investment frameworks The government must specify that the majority of this investment must be made through projects in which the intellectual property is under the control of independent front companies.
The organizations are also calling on governments to recognize the importance of local stories and the companies that tell them. By extension, governments should then address “market failures” and correct “any imbalance in commercial bargaining power” between independent producers and platforms.
The calls come at a time when video streaming services have uprooted traditional linear television and forced major entertainment corporations to reorient their businesses toward direct-to-consumer services. Having achieved rapid growth in subscriber numbers during the pandemic period, many of these companies are now cutting back on content commissioning to achieve profitability. However, the new dominance of multinational streaming giants is seen as a threat to local culture, local language production and independent production companies in many countries.
Last year we also saw North American writers’ and actors’ guilds engage in long-term strikes and walkouts. to guarantee, among other things, residual payments (or a “streaming participation bonus”) for your work when displayed on streaming platforms.
“In Australia and many countries around the world, independent screen companies are facing difficult new market dynamics brought about by the global audience’s shift towards digital streaming platforms. Our members have long told us that without intervention their financial viability and future existence cannot be taken for granted (…) Screen producers are increasingly unable to do business on fair terms with powerful digital platforms and, therefore, Therefore, they cannot solve this problem. on your own,” he said. Screen Producers AustraliaCEO, Matthew Deaner.
“Our creative intellectual property is what the screen industry produces. Its ownership is the “added value that the creation of stories on screen brings to our industry.” It is important that screen IP created by Australians remains in the hands of Australian companies and is not lost to the majority of global streaming platforms. Creating a successful character or story means that a film company has created a valuable economic asset that can be leveraged in a variety of ways, including for sequels, adaptations, and other marketing and merchandising opportunities,” Deaner added.
Australia has been debating for several years how (and which) streamers should be required to reinvest in local content. and legislation is expected, possibly this year. SPA says the government also needs to incorporate intellectual property protection into law.
