The renewal of the 2022 media chronology agreement has been proposed to the country's film and television industry by the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. The agreement, which expires in 2025, states that streaming platforms, including Disney+, have to wait 17 months after theatrical release to show feature films on their platforms. Netflix must wait 15 months. Canal+ has a six-month window in exchange for more investment in local production.
In a statement, Dati highlighted the role of the media chronology deal in bringing audiences to the cinema, saying it "has allowed the unique position reserved for cinemas in France to be maintained and has contributed to the exceptional cinema attendance in 2024 compared to other countries".
According to the French Minister of Culture, the renewal proposed for 2025 "is not a fixed framework, as its terms will allow the positions of the various broadcasters to evolve dynamically in line with their commitment to French cinema".
However, an article on Screen Daily suggests that the proposal could face a backlash from the local industry. In November 2024, Disney confirmed that it would end its exclusive distribution deal with Canal+ at the end of the year in order to move its content to its standalone Disney+ platform. In December, Canal+ spun off from French owner Vivendi and floated on the London Stock Exchange, fuelling rumours that the French giant will launch its own content platform to compete with US streamers after pulling its four pay-TV channels from the country's direct-to-home platform. Disney may be willing to increase its spending in France if the timing works in its favour.
Commenting on these reactions, Dati said: "I welcome the ongoing discussions between the organisations representing the film industry and the various broadcasters and hope that they will be concluded as soon as possible. I also call on all other potentially affected broadcasters to take part in these discussions, which will establish a general regulatory framework".
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