In the context of the European Digital Agenda,  KEA and MINES Paris Tech have just released a study on behalf of the European Commission (DG INFSO) that sets out recommendations to ensure the presence of European films’ on new digital distribution platforms.

In traditional theatrical distribution European films hold a 27 percent share of the European market, compared to the 67 percent portion held by the six Hollywood majors; they account for less that 5 percent of the North American audiovisual market, which is the largest in the world. In spite of Europe’s pool of talented filmmakers, the circulation of European programmes within the Single Market is limited. But can new digital networks and media improve the circulation, availability and commercial success of European productions in Europe and beyond?

This new study examines the economics of the copyright industries and the specifics of digital delivery in the media market. It also considers the conditions needed to achieve a single market in cultural productions. The report sets out a number of recommendations to enable European AV companies to maximise on the digital shift in the context of the EU’s powerful regulatory and support instruments.

The study urges the European AV industry to maximise on this new opportunity by organising a coherent, efficient system of copyright licensing with the aim of encouraging service providers (broadcasters, telecoms, cable, Internet and telephone companies) to buy and distribute European content. The study also makes a strong case for working collectively in order to strengthen the leverage of SMEs in their dealings with powerful media operators and to offer licensing facilities to service providers. It supports a review of national and European subsidy programmes for cinema to better market European films and foster transnational initiatives in digital distribution. Finally, the study highlights the role of EU funded programmes relating to innovation, research and technology in achieving greater cultural diversity and a competitive European cultural sector.

The full report and the executive summary (in English, French and German) can be downloaded from:

KEA’s Multi-Territory Licensing of Audiovisual Works in the European Union

European Commission DG INFSO studies