The updated Audiovisual Directive will enforce VoD platforms such as Netflix to ensure at least a 20% share of European content in their catalogues.
A level playing field between traditional broadcasters, VoD providers and video sharing platforms is being planned by the European Commission (EC) in an update of its Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Avmsd) from 2010.
The proposed new rules, which were unveiled by EC vice president Andrus Ansip and commissioner for digital economy and society Günther H. Oettinger in Brussels this morning (May 25) as part of the Digital Single Market strategy, want TV broadcasters to continue to dedicate at least 50% of viewing time to European works (including national content).
At the same time, the revised Avmsd would require VoD services – which already have to promote European works under the Directive’s current rules - to be subject to more specific obligations such as ensuring at least 20% share of European content in their catalogues and giving good visibility...
A level playing field between traditional broadcasters, VoD providers and video sharing platforms is being planned by the European Commission (EC) in an update of its Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Avmsd) from 2010.
The proposed new rules, which were unveiled by EC vice president Andrus Ansip and commissioner for digital economy and society Günther H. Oettinger in Brussels this morning (May 25) as part of the Digital Single Market strategy, want TV broadcasters to continue to dedicate at least 50% of viewing time to European works (including national content).
At the same time, the revised Avmsd would require VoD services – which already have to promote European works under the Directive’s current rules - to be subject to more specific obligations such as ensuring at least 20% share of European content in their catalogues and giving good visibility...
- 5/25/2016
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Plans to implement cross-border portability of content spark industry concern.
The European Commission (EC) has formally unveiled plans to allow Europeans to travel within the EU with their online content as part of the Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy announced in May.
The Regulation on the cross-border portability of online content – which would allow EU residents to travel with the digital content they have purchased or subscribed to at home – is expected to become a reality in 2017, the same year when roaming charges will disappear in the EU.
Before this happens, the rules on portability will need to be discussed with and endorsed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, but since the Regulation will be directly applicable, there will not be any need for the 28 Member States to implement the rules into national law.
As a Commission document explained: “The Regulation will oblige content service providers to offer cross-border portability to their...
The European Commission (EC) has formally unveiled plans to allow Europeans to travel within the EU with their online content as part of the Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy announced in May.
The Regulation on the cross-border portability of online content – which would allow EU residents to travel with the digital content they have purchased or subscribed to at home – is expected to become a reality in 2017, the same year when roaming charges will disappear in the EU.
Before this happens, the rules on portability will need to be discussed with and endorsed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, but since the Regulation will be directly applicable, there will not be any need for the 28 Member States to implement the rules into national law.
As a Commission document explained: “The Regulation will oblige content service providers to offer cross-border portability to their...
- 12/9/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
A delegation of film industry professionals discussed the EC’s proposed copyright reform with vp Andrus Ansip.
The European Commission’s plans for copyright reform have been discussed today (Friday Nov 13) at a meeting hosted by the EC’s vice-president Andrus Ansip in Brussels with a delegation of filmmakers, including Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius and Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier.
The delegation also included UniFrance Films president Jean-Paul Salomé, German screenwriter Fred Breinersdorfer (co-screenwriter of the Berlinale Competition title 13 Minutes), Belgian actor-writer-director Lucas Belvaux, Polish producer-director Dariusz Jabłoński, vice-president of the European Producers Club, and the French filmmakers Eric Lartigau (La Famille Bélier) and Dante Desarthe (Le système de Ponzi), co-presidents of the L’Arp producers’ association, and Denmark’s Annette J. Olesen, director of the crime thriller The Shooter.
The high-level rendez-vous comes less than a week before Ansip will be travelling to his home country for the European Film Forum (18-19 November) during this year’s...
The European Commission’s plans for copyright reform have been discussed today (Friday Nov 13) at a meeting hosted by the EC’s vice-president Andrus Ansip in Brussels with a delegation of filmmakers, including Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius and Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier.
The delegation also included UniFrance Films president Jean-Paul Salomé, German screenwriter Fred Breinersdorfer (co-screenwriter of the Berlinale Competition title 13 Minutes), Belgian actor-writer-director Lucas Belvaux, Polish producer-director Dariusz Jabłoński, vice-president of the European Producers Club, and the French filmmakers Eric Lartigau (La Famille Bélier) and Dante Desarthe (Le système de Ponzi), co-presidents of the L’Arp producers’ association, and Denmark’s Annette J. Olesen, director of the crime thriller The Shooter.
The high-level rendez-vous comes less than a week before Ansip will be travelling to his home country for the European Film Forum (18-19 November) during this year’s...
- 11/13/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Enhancing cross-border portability of content throughout Europe will be included in a ¨Communication on the modernisation of the EU copyright rules¨ as part of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy to be unveiled on December 9.
According to a so-called ‘roadmap’, the EC is planning a two-step approach which will, initially, involve a set of legislative measures ¨in December/early 2016¨ proposing a Regulation on cross-border portability and an instrument on the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty for the benefit of print-disabled persons.
A second set of measures in spring 2016 may then address such issues as:
Aspects of cross-border access to copyright protected services including those which may follow from the review of the Cable and Satellite Directive;
Further harmonisation of exceptions to copyright which are key for the functioning of the digital single market;
Clarification on the role of internet intermediaries when they distribute copyright protected content;
The enforcement of intellectual property rights.
The Commission...
According to a so-called ‘roadmap’, the EC is planning a two-step approach which will, initially, involve a set of legislative measures ¨in December/early 2016¨ proposing a Regulation on cross-border portability and an instrument on the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty for the benefit of print-disabled persons.
A second set of measures in spring 2016 may then address such issues as:
Aspects of cross-border access to copyright protected services including those which may follow from the review of the Cable and Satellite Directive;
Further harmonisation of exceptions to copyright which are key for the functioning of the digital single market;
Clarification on the role of internet intermediaries when they distribute copyright protected content;
The enforcement of intellectual property rights.
The Commission...
- 11/10/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Arab women filmmakers will be one of the key priorities in a new European Union-backed initiative, the MedFilm Programme, for the South Mediterranean countries from Morocco to Syria.
The Programme would be financed under the auspices of the European Neighbourhood Instrument, with €4.5m coming from EU funds and €875,000 as third party contributions, to start operations from next year.
MedFilm’s key activities would be to:
promote participation and involvement of women in the film industry;
support the access to the market, both south-south and across the Mediterranean, of films;
support the audience development for films tackling social issues, including gender issues, on a regional level;
communicate about the programme and facilitate the access to south Mediterranean film professionals to opportunities offered by the EU funded projects - such as Creative Europe’s Media Sub-Programme - and other donors.
The programme will be open to short and feature-length fiction films, short and feature-length documentaries, animation as well...
The Programme would be financed under the auspices of the European Neighbourhood Instrument, with €4.5m coming from EU funds and €875,000 as third party contributions, to start operations from next year.
MedFilm’s key activities would be to:
promote participation and involvement of women in the film industry;
support the access to the market, both south-south and across the Mediterranean, of films;
support the audience development for films tackling social issues, including gender issues, on a regional level;
communicate about the programme and facilitate the access to south Mediterranean film professionals to opportunities offered by the EU funded projects - such as Creative Europe’s Media Sub-Programme - and other donors.
The programme will be open to short and feature-length fiction films, short and feature-length documentaries, animation as well...
- 7/10/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Commissioners singing from different song sheets as European funders reiterate their views on Digital Single Market strategy
European Commissioners Ansip and Oettinger appear to be singing from different song sheets on their proposed Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy.
While Digital Economy and Society Commissioner Günther Oettinger was striking conciliatory tones over the European film and TV industries’ concerns about Brussels’ copyright reform plans, his superior, European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip, has not wavered from a harder line, particularly on the issue of geo-blocking.
Speaking in the European Parliament’s plenary at the same time as Oettinger was meeting the EU’s culture and media ministers, Ansip responded to MEPs’ questions about specific aspects of the Dsm strategy by declaring: “When we talk about copyright reform, we do not want to change the release window system, such as six months for movies in cinemas.”
“It is up to the industry to say for how long a period of time...
European Commissioners Ansip and Oettinger appear to be singing from different song sheets on their proposed Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy.
While Digital Economy and Society Commissioner Günther Oettinger was striking conciliatory tones over the European film and TV industries’ concerns about Brussels’ copyright reform plans, his superior, European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip, has not wavered from a harder line, particularly on the issue of geo-blocking.
Speaking in the European Parliament’s plenary at the same time as Oettinger was meeting the EU’s culture and media ministers, Ansip responded to MEPs’ questions about specific aspects of the Dsm strategy by declaring: “When we talk about copyright reform, we do not want to change the release window system, such as six months for movies in cinemas.”
“It is up to the industry to say for how long a period of time...
- 5/26/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
European media and culture ministers discussed the European Commission’s plans for a Digital Single Market (Dsm) at this week’s Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council in Brussels.
Latvia’s Minister of Culture Dace Melbārde, who chaired the meeting attended by colleagues from the 28 EU Member States, noted that there had been an ¨intensive¨ policy debate on future audiovisual policy.
Fresh from his visit to the Cannes Film Festival at the weekend, European Commissioner Günther Oettinger outlined the Commission’s Dsm package to the assembled ministers and senior civil servants and spoke later of ¨a constructive discussion¨ and ¨a series of expectations and requests regarding the audiovisual directive.¨
¨ All the ministers agreed that the Audiovisual Media Services Directive is a major cornerstone in the future audiovisual sector¨, Melbārde said, although there was ¨some concern¨ about the Dsm’s impact on the competitiveness of small cultural areas and small languages and divisions among some ministers about the proposals...
Latvia’s Minister of Culture Dace Melbārde, who chaired the meeting attended by colleagues from the 28 EU Member States, noted that there had been an ¨intensive¨ policy debate on future audiovisual policy.
Fresh from his visit to the Cannes Film Festival at the weekend, European Commissioner Günther Oettinger outlined the Commission’s Dsm package to the assembled ministers and senior civil servants and spoke later of ¨a constructive discussion¨ and ¨a series of expectations and requests regarding the audiovisual directive.¨
¨ All the ministers agreed that the Audiovisual Media Services Directive is a major cornerstone in the future audiovisual sector¨, Melbārde said, although there was ¨some concern¨ about the Dsm’s impact on the competitiveness of small cultural areas and small languages and divisions among some ministers about the proposals...
- 5/20/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
As the European Commission limbers up for its second European Film Forum in Cannes on Monday (May 18), plans are already afoot to take the audiovisual summit to the film festivals in Venice, San Sebastian, London and Tallinn.
The Forum’s edition in Tallinn will be held during the Black Nights Film Festival’s Industry@Tallinn (Nov 16-20), when issues to be addressed will include new sales and distribution channels, audience development, and partnerships between venture capital and film funding.
This morning (Sunday) will see European Commissioner Günther Oettinger, responsible for Digital Economy and Society, beginning a busy two-day programme of high-level meetings with key players of the European and international film industry.
He will meet with France’s Minister of Culture Fleur Pellerin, a delegation of filmmakers led by Michel Hazanavicius and Costa Gavras as well as a forum of young European directors and screenwriters of the “digital generation” and Cannes Film Festival’s president Pierre Lescure, among...
The Forum’s edition in Tallinn will be held during the Black Nights Film Festival’s Industry@Tallinn (Nov 16-20), when issues to be addressed will include new sales and distribution channels, audience development, and partnerships between venture capital and film funding.
This morning (Sunday) will see European Commissioner Günther Oettinger, responsible for Digital Economy and Society, beginning a busy two-day programme of high-level meetings with key players of the European and international film industry.
He will meet with France’s Minister of Culture Fleur Pellerin, a delegation of filmmakers led by Michel Hazanavicius and Costa Gavras as well as a forum of young European directors and screenwriters of the “digital generation” and Cannes Film Festival’s president Pierre Lescure, among...
- 5/17/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: On the eve of his first visit to the Cannes Film Festival, European Commissioner Günther Oettinger has challenged the European film industry to deliver evidence supporting their calls for maintaining the territoriality principle.
Speaking to European Parliament deputies after unveiling the Commission’s Digital Single Market (Dsm) Strategy, Oettinger declared: “It’s up to the film industry to prove that they cannot survive with one market. I will give them the chance to do this in conversations, financial figures and in a market analysis.”
“There is an unprecedented existential fear,” he continued. “We will examine whether it is justified, but we must take it seriously.”
According to Oettinger, he is looking for “compromise solutions” or possibily “step-by-step solutions”.
“I want to integrate and not divide”, he said.
However, Mep Julia Reda of the Pirate Party, who dismisses the Dsm Strategy’s proposed anti-geoblocking measures as being limited to “roaming for Netflix”, countered that “if geoblocking is supposed...
Speaking to European Parliament deputies after unveiling the Commission’s Digital Single Market (Dsm) Strategy, Oettinger declared: “It’s up to the film industry to prove that they cannot survive with one market. I will give them the chance to do this in conversations, financial figures and in a market analysis.”
“There is an unprecedented existential fear,” he continued. “We will examine whether it is justified, but we must take it seriously.”
According to Oettinger, he is looking for “compromise solutions” or possibily “step-by-step solutions”.
“I want to integrate and not divide”, he said.
However, Mep Julia Reda of the Pirate Party, who dismisses the Dsm Strategy’s proposed anti-geoblocking measures as being limited to “roaming for Netflix”, countered that “if geoblocking is supposed...
- 5/13/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The European Commission’s Digital Single Market (Dsm) Strategy has failed to allay growing concerns within the European film and TV industries about the Brussels-based institution’s response to the digital revolution.
An alliance of 11 international organisations from the fields of production, distribution, exhibition, publishing and sports rights issued a statement in reaction to the EC’s strategy document which was unveiled by European Commissioners Andrus Ansip and Günther Oettinger in Brussels yesterday (May 6).
The signatories - ranging from the Fiapf producers’ association and the exhibitors’ organisation Unic through the Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta) and the MPAA to the International Video Federation (IVF) and the Germany’s Bundesliga - indicated that they were ¨extremely concerned¨ that some of the Commission’s policy options could ¨negatively impact the sustainability of the film and audiovisual sector, and severely decrease the level of incentives for the production, distribution and dissemination of high quality films and audiovisual works across Europe...
An alliance of 11 international organisations from the fields of production, distribution, exhibition, publishing and sports rights issued a statement in reaction to the EC’s strategy document which was unveiled by European Commissioners Andrus Ansip and Günther Oettinger in Brussels yesterday (May 6).
The signatories - ranging from the Fiapf producers’ association and the exhibitors’ organisation Unic through the Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta) and the MPAA to the International Video Federation (IVF) and the Germany’s Bundesliga - indicated that they were ¨extremely concerned¨ that some of the Commission’s policy options could ¨negatively impact the sustainability of the film and audiovisual sector, and severely decrease the level of incentives for the production, distribution and dissemination of high quality films and audiovisual works across Europe...
- 5/7/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Proposals include an end to “unjustified geo-blocking” and a modernisation of copyright law.
The European Commission today revealed plans for a “digital single market” - a unified and borderless regulatory framework for the internet across Europe.
A total of 16 initiatives for the Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy were unveiled in Brussels this morning by Commissioner Andrus Ansip, vp of the Dsm, and Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society.
Of particular interest to the audiovisual industry were the references made to this sector in the proposals ¨to end unjustified geo-blocking¨ and the introduction of ¨a modern, more European copyright law”.
¨One of the aims of the copyright modernisation is to facilitate the licensing of rights for online distribution of audiovisual content,¨ the Commission declared.
¨Being able to legally access content online cross-border will help deal with geo-blocking concerns, while respecting the value of rights in the audiovisual sector. The financing of the audiovisual sector widely relies...
The European Commission today revealed plans for a “digital single market” - a unified and borderless regulatory framework for the internet across Europe.
A total of 16 initiatives for the Digital Single Market (Dsm) strategy were unveiled in Brussels this morning by Commissioner Andrus Ansip, vp of the Dsm, and Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society.
Of particular interest to the audiovisual industry were the references made to this sector in the proposals ¨to end unjustified geo-blocking¨ and the introduction of ¨a modern, more European copyright law”.
¨One of the aims of the copyright modernisation is to facilitate the licensing of rights for online distribution of audiovisual content,¨ the Commission declared.
¨Being able to legally access content online cross-border will help deal with geo-blocking concerns, while respecting the value of rights in the audiovisual sector. The financing of the audiovisual sector widely relies...
- 5/6/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Geo-blocking and territoriality were high on the agenda when European Commissioner Andrus Ansip met with members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education for an ¨exchange of views¨ in Strasbourg.
During the 90-minute grilling on Monday evening (April 27), Ansip repeatedly detailed his plans for copyright reform as part of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market Strategy to be unveiled in Brussels next week.
¨I would like to ask for cross-border access to the content and portability of the content, but it does not mean that we are wanting to destroy this principle of territoriality,¨ he explained.
¨It does not mean that after this reform there will only be pan-European licenses. If, for example, in a smaller Member State, film producers are expecting that the interest to buy those rights of the films is only in the neighbouring Member States, this will be acceptable. There is no need to sell pan-European licenses, no need to...
During the 90-minute grilling on Monday evening (April 27), Ansip repeatedly detailed his plans for copyright reform as part of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market Strategy to be unveiled in Brussels next week.
¨I would like to ask for cross-border access to the content and portability of the content, but it does not mean that we are wanting to destroy this principle of territoriality,¨ he explained.
¨It does not mean that after this reform there will only be pan-European licenses. If, for example, in a smaller Member State, film producers are expecting that the interest to buy those rights of the films is only in the neighbouring Member States, this will be acceptable. There is no need to sell pan-European licenses, no need to...
- 4/28/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The European Film Academy’s (Efa) chairwoman Agnieszka Holland has spoken of a ¨crisis of content¨ in European cinema and called on the continent’s broadcasters to invest more in ambitious TV series.
Speaking exclusively to ScreenDaily, the Polish director and Efa chair said: ¨The real crisis of European cinema is one of content.
¨We always have some good movies, but not enough. We have to make better ones, ones that are not just artistic and self-involved, but are searching for an audience.
¨Something which doesn’t help is the weakness of European television in terms of the production of ambitious TV series. We don’t have European stars, but nowadays they can be made by European television and that can be later reflected in the cinema.
“If you have this element [from television], it is then much easier to promote the films in the cinemas.¨
Holland also touched on the issue of EU audiovisual policy ahead of the...
Speaking exclusively to ScreenDaily, the Polish director and Efa chair said: ¨The real crisis of European cinema is one of content.
¨We always have some good movies, but not enough. We have to make better ones, ones that are not just artistic and self-involved, but are searching for an audience.
¨Something which doesn’t help is the weakness of European television in terms of the production of ambitious TV series. We don’t have European stars, but nowadays they can be made by European television and that can be later reflected in the cinema.
“If you have this element [from television], it is then much easier to promote the films in the cinemas.¨
Holland also touched on the issue of EU audiovisual policy ahead of the...
- 4/27/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The European Commission (EC) may be showing some flexibility on its stance towards its plans for copyright reform following extensive protests from the European film and television industries in recent weeks.
Visiting government and industry leaders in Brussels, Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), spoke of “very friendly meetings” about “the enduring importance of filmmaking” both in artistic and economic terms.
One of his meetings was with the EC Vice-President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for overseeing the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy and is particularly hostile toward the issue of geoblocking (the restrictions to downloading or viewing content across different geographic regions).
In a tweet after his meeting with Ansip, Dodd wrote: “Friendly meeting with Ansip – discussed the importance of diversity & contractual freedom. Agreed to stay in touch.¨
Friendly meeting w/ @Ansip_EU -discussed the importance of diversity & contractual freedom. Agreed to stay in touch. Hope to see...
Visiting government and industry leaders in Brussels, Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), spoke of “very friendly meetings” about “the enduring importance of filmmaking” both in artistic and economic terms.
One of his meetings was with the EC Vice-President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for overseeing the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy and is particularly hostile toward the issue of geoblocking (the restrictions to downloading or viewing content across different geographic regions).
In a tweet after his meeting with Ansip, Dodd wrote: “Friendly meeting with Ansip – discussed the importance of diversity & contractual freedom. Agreed to stay in touch.¨
Friendly meeting w/ @Ansip_EU -discussed the importance of diversity & contractual freedom. Agreed to stay in touch. Hope to see...
- 4/9/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
‘The Artist’ director Michel Hazanavicius leads call against the creation of a Digital Single Market
Three Academy Award winners – Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist), Volker Schlöndorff (The Tin Drum) and Danis Tanovic (No Man’s Land) – are among 20 film-makers joining the protest against the European Commission’s plans to reform copyright law.
In their statement, also signed by Chantal Akerman, Luc Dardenne, Costa-Gavras, Jaco van Dormael and Julie Bertuccelli, they declared: “We are Europeans who still hear the echo of [European Commission] President Juncker saying that he would never accept creators being ‘treated like plastic manufacturers’, but now his College compare our work with selling a car or a tie.”
“We are Europeans shocked to hear of ‘breaking down national silos in copyright’, yet nothing to condemn ongoing violations of copyright, which hinder the development of online legal services.”
Commission declares backing for Digital Single Market
The film-makers’ joint declaration was issued ahead of the first debate held by the...
Three Academy Award winners – Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist), Volker Schlöndorff (The Tin Drum) and Danis Tanovic (No Man’s Land) – are among 20 film-makers joining the protest against the European Commission’s plans to reform copyright law.
In their statement, also signed by Chantal Akerman, Luc Dardenne, Costa-Gavras, Jaco van Dormael and Julie Bertuccelli, they declared: “We are Europeans who still hear the echo of [European Commission] President Juncker saying that he would never accept creators being ‘treated like plastic manufacturers’, but now his College compare our work with selling a car or a tie.”
“We are Europeans shocked to hear of ‘breaking down national silos in copyright’, yet nothing to condemn ongoing violations of copyright, which hinder the development of online legal services.”
Commission declares backing for Digital Single Market
The film-makers’ joint declaration was issued ahead of the first debate held by the...
- 3/26/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Industry trade body Pact has described plans within proposed EU legislation to create a single digital market across Europe as a “major threat” to the UK film and TV industries.
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
- 3/18/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Industry trade body Pact has described plans within proposed EU legislation to create a single digital market across Europe as a “major threat” to the UK film and TV industries.
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
- 3/18/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
European film funders warn EU from making “big bang” policy changes to copyright, authors call for fair remuneration
European film funders from 31 countries including the UK’s BFI, Germany’s Ffa and France’s Cnc have warned the European Union (EU) to avoid making any “big bang” policy changes to copyright rules.
The Association of the European Film Agency Directors (EFADs) issued a resolution today (March 17) declaring that it considered the current EU copyright framework to be “fit for purpose” as “it provides a strong basis for current business models to evolve in response to people’s changing preferences as to how they access films and other audiovisual works.”
The film agency directors suggested that “the priority of the EU should be the establishment of a level playing field ensuring equel treatment between all operators, a commitment to economic sustainability and engagement in the creation of local works.”
However, they stressed that “improving online cross-border access to European...
European film funders from 31 countries including the UK’s BFI, Germany’s Ffa and France’s Cnc have warned the European Union (EU) to avoid making any “big bang” policy changes to copyright rules.
The Association of the European Film Agency Directors (EFADs) issued a resolution today (March 17) declaring that it considered the current EU copyright framework to be “fit for purpose” as “it provides a strong basis for current business models to evolve in response to people’s changing preferences as to how they access films and other audiovisual works.”
The film agency directors suggested that “the priority of the EU should be the establishment of a level playing field ensuring equel treatment between all operators, a commitment to economic sustainability and engagement in the creation of local works.”
However, they stressed that “improving online cross-border access to European...
- 3/17/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: European Commissioner receives criticism from major UK, German and French players as well as European producers associations.
European Commissioner Günther Oettinger has come under fire for his copyright proposals from key industry players from France, the UK and Germany.
In the letter sent to Oettinger and leaked to Screen, Metropolitan Filmexport CEO Victor Hadida, Constantin Film Chairman Martin Moszkowicz and Vue Entertainment International CEO Tim Richards began by underlining “the need for evidence-based policy making when it comes to developing the Commission’s strategy for cinema and copyright.”
They pointed out that the “vast majority” of the EU-supported films screening in the Berlinale’s Competition last month were financed through territorial pre-sales agreements with local distributors.
“Without the ability to adjust the release pattern and the price for films to local market demand – commercial practices that are very common in a range of digital industries – smaller and more fragile works would be marginalised,” they observed...
European Commissioner Günther Oettinger has come under fire for his copyright proposals from key industry players from France, the UK and Germany.
In the letter sent to Oettinger and leaked to Screen, Metropolitan Filmexport CEO Victor Hadida, Constantin Film Chairman Martin Moszkowicz and Vue Entertainment International CEO Tim Richards began by underlining “the need for evidence-based policy making when it comes to developing the Commission’s strategy for cinema and copyright.”
They pointed out that the “vast majority” of the EU-supported films screening in the Berlinale’s Competition last month were financed through territorial pre-sales agreements with local distributors.
“Without the ability to adjust the release pattern and the price for films to local market demand – commercial practices that are very common in a range of digital industries – smaller and more fragile works would be marginalised,” they observed...
- 3/9/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Resistance is growing within the European film industry to the European Commission’s plans for copyright reform as part of its Digital Single Market (Dsm).
Germany’s exhibitors association Hdf and the German Producers Alliance issued communiqués this week criticising Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposals to abolish the principle of territoriality in copyright.
Hdf said that it “stood united“ behind Culture Minister Monika Grütters’ rejection of the EU plans for the Dsm, which it described as “a massive attack on the currently existing windows and business models.”
And Alexander Thies, board chairman of the German Producers Alliance, said: “If it is no longer possible to implement tailor-made distribution strategies for certain countries because everyone can have access to this content from all over, then the refinancing of our productions will be considerably complicated and may even be prevented.”
Meanwhile, in the UK, six executives of the leading film industry trade associations – Ifta, Pact, Fda, Cea...
Germany’s exhibitors association Hdf and the German Producers Alliance issued communiqués this week criticising Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposals to abolish the principle of territoriality in copyright.
Hdf said that it “stood united“ behind Culture Minister Monika Grütters’ rejection of the EU plans for the Dsm, which it described as “a massive attack on the currently existing windows and business models.”
And Alexander Thies, board chairman of the German Producers Alliance, said: “If it is no longer possible to implement tailor-made distribution strategies for certain countries because everyone can have access to this content from all over, then the refinancing of our productions will be considerably complicated and may even be prevented.”
Meanwhile, in the UK, six executives of the leading film industry trade associations – Ifta, Pact, Fda, Cea...
- 3/5/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
European Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposals for a Single European Copyright Title has now received from support from some quarters in the European Parliament (Ep) in Strasbourg.
In a motion for a parliamentary resolution on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society, Mep Julia Reda of the Ep’s Committee on Legal Affairs declared that „it seems common-sense that one of the main objectives of the Digital Single Market should be removing territorial restrictions and encouraging pan-European accessibility of services.“
She argued that „such progress can be deemed integral and inherent to the notion of a Digital Single Market and is an important step towards fostering innovation and competitiveness of European businesses.“
The idea of replacing the principle of territoriality in copyright with a single European market also found favour with certain fellow MEPs in the Ep’s Committee on Culture and Education when they tabled 101 amendments to Polish Mep Bogdan...
In a motion for a parliamentary resolution on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society, Mep Julia Reda of the Ep’s Committee on Legal Affairs declared that „it seems common-sense that one of the main objectives of the Digital Single Market should be removing territorial restrictions and encouraging pan-European accessibility of services.“
She argued that „such progress can be deemed integral and inherent to the notion of a Digital Single Market and is an important step towards fostering innovation and competitiveness of European businesses.“
The idea of replacing the principle of territoriality in copyright with a single European market also found favour with certain fellow MEPs in the Ep’s Committee on Culture and Education when they tabled 101 amendments to Polish Mep Bogdan...
- 2/25/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The European Film Agency Directors (EFADs) association of national funders from 31 countries across Europe met in Berlin this week to discuss key objectives and address future challenges facing the film industry.
EFADs president Peter Dinges of Germany’s Ffa said that a formalised structure for the network of national film funders meant that it could serve as an interface between the national governments and film industries and the European institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Bulgarian-born Iveta Dimova had been appointed as General Secretary operating out of Brussels and had already began liaising with other pan-European organisations such as CineRegio, Fera and the Society of Audiovisual Authors.
¨European questions need European answers and we want to be part of the answer,¨ Dinges declared.
Mission
Speaking to Screen before the meeting which was also attended by Germany’s Minister of State for Culture and Media Monika Grütters, BFI CEO Amanda...
EFADs president Peter Dinges of Germany’s Ffa said that a formalised structure for the network of national film funders meant that it could serve as an interface between the national governments and film industries and the European institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Bulgarian-born Iveta Dimova had been appointed as General Secretary operating out of Brussels and had already began liaising with other pan-European organisations such as CineRegio, Fera and the Society of Audiovisual Authors.
¨European questions need European answers and we want to be part of the answer,¨ Dinges declared.
Mission
Speaking to Screen before the meeting which was also attended by Germany’s Minister of State for Culture and Media Monika Grütters, BFI CEO Amanda...
- 2/11/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Keynote at the Creative Europe Media day conference was Oettinger’s first face-to-face encounter with the European film professionals.
Tapping European cinema’s full potential through digitalisation was highlighted by European Commissioner Günther Oettinger in his keynote at the Creative Europe Media day conference this morning.
The visit to the Berlinale is Oettinger’s first face-to-face encounter with the European film professionals and had been hotly anticipated as a chance for him to state his strategy vis-a-vis the cinema sector and its future within the digital age.
“We are living in a digital revolution and with revolutions, you can win or lose,” he argued, declaring that digitalisation could offer a win-win situation for the film industry and make an important contribution to understanding between cultures and the promotion of the European identity.
Speaking to around 700 professionals from all over Europe and beyond, Oettinger explained: “A digital economy and society is not only about fast internet, new digital...
Tapping European cinema’s full potential through digitalisation was highlighted by European Commissioner Günther Oettinger in his keynote at the Creative Europe Media day conference this morning.
The visit to the Berlinale is Oettinger’s first face-to-face encounter with the European film professionals and had been hotly anticipated as a chance for him to state his strategy vis-a-vis the cinema sector and its future within the digital age.
“We are living in a digital revolution and with revolutions, you can win or lose,” he argued, declaring that digitalisation could offer a win-win situation for the film industry and make an important contribution to understanding between cultures and the promotion of the European identity.
Speaking to around 700 professionals from all over Europe and beyond, Oettinger explained: “A digital economy and society is not only about fast internet, new digital...
- 2/9/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
European film professionals community will be looking to hear more concrete proposals about future EU policy for film and TV sector when Günther Oettinger, the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, comes to the Berlinale.
Oettinger, who is responsible at the Commission’s Dg Connect for the Creative Europe’s Media sub-programme, is scheduled to give a keynote speech at the beginning of the Creative Europe Media’s day conference on February 9.
This year’s event will be focused on „Innovative European film business models - Thinking outside of the national box“ and will also include speakers from projects selected during the first year of Creative Europe in 2014.
Oettinger’s appearance will be anticipated all the more in Berlin since his public pronouncements to date have concentrated more on the current proposals for the Digital Single Market and copyright reform as well as moves to revise the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and otherwise been restricted to somewhat...
Oettinger, who is responsible at the Commission’s Dg Connect for the Creative Europe’s Media sub-programme, is scheduled to give a keynote speech at the beginning of the Creative Europe Media’s day conference on February 9.
This year’s event will be focused on „Innovative European film business models - Thinking outside of the national box“ and will also include speakers from projects selected during the first year of Creative Europe in 2014.
Oettinger’s appearance will be anticipated all the more in Berlin since his public pronouncements to date have concentrated more on the current proposals for the Digital Single Market and copyright reform as well as moves to revise the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and otherwise been restricted to somewhat...
- 1/30/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The European film industry can probably not expect to be high on the agenda of the Commissioner-designate for Digital Economy and Society Günther Oettinger if his grilling by the European Parliament (Ep) last night is anything to go by.
In a 15-minute introductory speech, the 60-year-old German made no mention of Creative Europe or the film industry and was often “vague”, “woolly” or “superficial” in many of his answers to subsequent questions during the three-hour hearing, in the words of several Tweeters following the proceedings.
Most of the questions from 45 MEPs centred on such issues as net neutrality, data protection, and copyright, with the Commissioner-designate showing in some instances that he has catching up to do before he can speak more confidently about the transformations going on in the digital world.
The current Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, will be a hard act to follow, but some commentators during the hearing expressed their frustration at Oettinger...
In a 15-minute introductory speech, the 60-year-old German made no mention of Creative Europe or the film industry and was often “vague”, “woolly” or “superficial” in many of his answers to subsequent questions during the three-hour hearing, in the words of several Tweeters following the proceedings.
Most of the questions from 45 MEPs centred on such issues as net neutrality, data protection, and copyright, with the Commissioner-designate showing in some instances that he has catching up to do before he can speak more confidently about the transformations going on in the digital world.
The current Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, will be a hard act to follow, but some commentators during the hearing expressed their frustration at Oettinger...
- 9/30/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Creative Europe’s Media sub-programme is set to come under the responsibility of the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society to reflect the future role of the digital shift in the development of the creative content industry in Europe.
Until now, the EU’s support programme for the audiovisual industry had been part of the portfolio of the Commissioner for Education & Culture, most recently the Cypriot Androulla Vassiliou.
The European Commission’s President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker has nominated the present Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger to take on the portfolio of Digital Economy and Society.
In a mission letter to Oettinger, Juncker said that he wanted him ¨to ensure that the right conditions are set, including through copyright law, to support cultural and creative industries and exploit their potential for the economy.¨
Oettinger will be expected to focus, among other things, on preparations for ¨ambitious legislative steps towards a connected Digital Single Market¨ within the first six months and support...
Until now, the EU’s support programme for the audiovisual industry had been part of the portfolio of the Commissioner for Education & Culture, most recently the Cypriot Androulla Vassiliou.
The European Commission’s President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker has nominated the present Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger to take on the portfolio of Digital Economy and Society.
In a mission letter to Oettinger, Juncker said that he wanted him ¨to ensure that the right conditions are set, including through copyright law, to support cultural and creative industries and exploit their potential for the economy.¨
Oettinger will be expected to focus, among other things, on preparations for ¨ambitious legislative steps towards a connected Digital Single Market¨ within the first six months and support...
- 9/16/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
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