Netflix France has definitely gone out on a limb. They’ve issued an open letter, disputing the fairness of the country’s current windowing system for film releases. This new system leaves it up to the streaming behemoth to wait an additional 15 months from the time the film leaves theaters. Only then can it provide the theatrical film to its subscribers. This 1-year delay has raised serious access and safety concerns. As streaming services continue to revolutionize how America consumes entertainment, it begs the question of market competitiveness.
In her letter, Pauline Dauvin, Netflix France’s Vice President of Content, emphasized the streaming service’s commitment to the French cultural ecosystem. She stated, “We’re more than a streaming service – we’re a fully integrated player in the French cultural ecosystem.” This claim, as much as anything else, highlights Netflix’s commitment to the local cinema, whether through their massive cash infusions or collaborations with local filmmakers.
Current Windowing Landscape
Yet, under the current windowing system, Netflix has a longer wait period compared to most of its competitors. Canal+, the French pay-TV service, has a six-month exclusivity window. This period is the longest among all other commercial broadcasters and streaming services. Netflix has definitely identified the inequities with those windows. In response, they are calling for a decrease in the waiting period to bring it in line with Canal+’s.
Dauvin noted the pressing need for change, stating, “Today, we have to take a stand against a system that is out of touch with current realities.” She pointed out that starting in 2022, Netflix has made repeated calls for cuts to the theatrical window—even on films they pre-finance. This change would bring their overall state of investment in French cinema more in line with what they spend on American films.
Investment in French Cinema
Netflix has already made a name for itself as a key player in the French film industry, investing over €50 million per year. In the last four years, the French subsidiary has boasted a record €250 million of investment in French production. That long-term financial commitment has resulted in amazing economic benefits. It has generated over €1.7 billion in economic benefits to France and 25,000 jobs supported.
As part of its commitment to local cinema, Netflix is serving as a financing partner for three films selected for this year’s Cannes Film Festival: “The Richest Woman In The World,” “Dalloway,” and “The Magnificent Life Of Marcel Pagnol.” These projects are further evidence of Netflix’s commitment to bringing the best French stories to a global audience.
Competitive Pressures
As reform advocates Gymnopédies and Frontline pointed out, Netflix isn’t the only foreign company trying to establish advantageous terms in France’s media environment. Like Netflix, Disney+ recently inked deals with local guilds. In exchange for a shorter nine-month theatrical window, they’ll reinvest 25% of their annual net sales earned in France back into production and distribution. This move indicates a shifting dynamic in how streaming services negotiate their release schedules, creating competitive pressures that could influence future policies.
Dauvin reiterated Netflix’s position by stating, “Our request has remained unchanged since 2022: to reduce this timeframe for the films we pre-finance to our current level of investment.” Debates over the future of the windowing system have grown contentious. We’ll have to wait and see to see how these negotiations will change the landscape of film distribution in France.