Netflix Urges Cap on French Content Investment, Cites Sustainability Concerns
8 reported
Netflix is calling for a cap on mandatory investments in French content, warning the current system is unsustainable. The streaming giant argues that without changes, American platforms could account for nearly half of all financing for French creation by 2030, up from roughly a quarter in 2024, according to estimates cited by Le Monde. A Netflix spokesperson told the French newspaper that the company is "sounding the alarm about the viability of the current rules for financing by broadcasters." The debate centers on France’s 2021 decree implementing the European Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which requires subscription streamers to invest 20% of local revenue in French and European films and series. Netflix now invests more than €250 million a year in French content, including roughly €50 million in cinema, and says it produces or finances 20 to 25 French works annually. The company argues that forcing that number to grow in line with revenue would be disproportionate to audience demand. Netflix has also lodged an appeal with France’s Council of State over windowing regulations that give it a 15-month window to stream films after theatrical release, compared to nine months for Disney+ and six months for Canal+.
What’s reported
Netflix is calling for a cap on mandatory investments in French content, warning the current rules are unsustainable.
Without changes, American platforms could account for nearly half of all financing for French creation by 2030, up from roughly a quarter in 2024, according to estimates cited by Le Monde.
France’s 2021 decree requires subscription streamers to invest 20% of local revenue in French and European films and series.
Netflix invests more than €250 million a year in French content, including roughly €50 million in cinema.
Netflix says it produces or finances 20 to 25 French works annually.
Netflix has an 15-month window to stream films after theatrical release, while Disney+ has nine months and Canal+ has six months.
Netflix lodged an appeal last year with France’s Council of State over windowing regulations.
Strict windowing regulations prevent Netflix from presenting movies in competition at Cannes.
Key figures
Netflix spokesperson (unnamed in the article)
Greta Gerwig (mentioned in relation to "Narnia")
Sources: Variety
