By: Barry Walsh
A group of screen production organizations from around the world are issuing a united call for stronger government regulation of global streaming platforms and more protection for entertainment IPs
Twenty industry associations, representing what the consortium calls “tens of thousands of screen industry businesses,” are behind the joint statement (viewable here). Signatory organizations include Animation in Europe, the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), Screen Producers Australia (SPA), AnimFrance and European Audiovisual Production (CEPI).
Chief among the concerns outlined in their joint statement is the sustainability of the international screen production industry in an entertainment ecosystem where global streamers are playing an increasingly important role in commissioning, production and distribution. The statement emphasizes the importance of local content for nurturing and maintaining healthy regional production businesses, and for providing audiences with stories that reflect their cultural realities.
The statement also lays out a series of principles that its authors say should guide government regulation of streaming platforms. Among them: “All platforms that derive financial benefit from conducting business in the local market should financially contribute, proportionally, to the creation of new local content for the benefit of local audiences.”
Additionally, the organizations zero in on the thorny issue of IP retention for prodcos and content creators. “Independent screen businesses should own and/or retain control of the intellectual property (IP) and rights [to] their work, including the right to financially participate in the success generated by their work on a platform, created as part of a nation’s own unique cultural heritage,” the statement reads.
This is the latest round in an ongoing war of words between production industry associations and government bodies on one side, and global streaming operations such as Netflix, YouTube and TikTok on the other.
SPA was quick to share the news, since government regulation of foreign-owned streaming services is a hot-button issue down under. A “prominence framework” bill introduced into the Parliament of Australia in November would ensure prominent placement for apps from free-to-air broadcasters on smart TVs, and the federal government is also aiming to introduce quotas for local content by the middle of this year.
Streaming platforms maintain that they are providing a significant business uptick for local production companies via the millions they spend on content and the potential for accessing a global audience on their platforms.
Regarding this morning’s statement, SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said: “In Australia and many countries around the world, independent screen businesses are facing tough new market dynamics brought about by the global audience shift to digital streaming platforms. Our members have been telling us for some time that without intervention, their financial viability and future existence cannot be taken for granted.
“As this global statement shows, Australian producers are not alone in this fight for survival. We welcome this expression of solidarity from around the world.”
While several key regions are represented among the production industry organizations listed as signatories, it’s noteworthy that none from the US or UK have signed on.
In addition to the CMPA, CEPI, SPA, Animation in Europe and AnimFrance, other orgs throwing their weight behind the statement include Spain’s AECINE; AQPM and APFC, representing French Canada; New Zealand’s SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association); and SPI (Screen Producers Ireland).
This story originally appeared in Kidscreen Daily‘s sister publication, Realscreen Daily.
(With files from Kelly Townsend)
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