The beginning of the year for the French film industry was marked by negotiations surrounding the renewal of the media chronology. This complex system sets the order and timing of a film's release after its theatrical release. Essentially, the more a broadcaster finances French cinema, the faster it can broadcast films on its streaming platform or channel.
A new standoff is underway between Netflix and the film industry
Disney+ scored a major win in January, securing a 9-month release window after its theatrical release. The delay was previously 17 months, which is a significant improvement and an interesting selling point for the service, which is now approaching Canal+'s 6-month release window. Disney+ obtained this privilege after committing to investing 25% of its annual revenue in France in French creation (compared to 20% previously).
Netflix nevertheless weighs heavily in the financing of audiovisual creation: the platform alone represented 80% of the total amount paid by paid streaming players for French films last year, according to the National Center for Cinema. In hard cash, this is a check for 50 million euros signed to the French film industry each year... but only 4% of annual revenue. In total, the sum paid by Netflix amounts to 250 million to finance all French creation: films, series, and documentaries.
For its part, Disney+ will pay out around 40 million euros per year from 2025 (compared to 13 million previously) for a window that is much more favorable than that of Netflix. This different treatment is the reason for the filing of an appeal before the Council of State, reports Le Figaro. Netflix has been requesting a reduction to 12 months since 2022. The problem is that the film industry thinks as a percentage of revenue, not in absolute value.
"Netflix is a player whose contribution to French cinema is quite significant," the platform reminds us daily. "It seems legitimate to us to be at twelve months," adds the company, which wants to remain on good terms with the entire industry. But this appeal will force all players to position themselves and hear the demands of the American group.
Source: Le Figaro
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