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European Producers and Broadcasters Debate How to Weather Streaming Storm - By Christopher Vourlias.

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ROME – The impending rollout of Disney Plus, HBO Max, and other new streaming services promises a new era of uncertainty—and opportunity—for broadcasters and producers in an industry already disrupted by the likes of Netflix and Amazon. At a panel hosted by the European Producers Club Friday afternoon during the MIA market in Rome, executives from some of Europe’s leading broadcasters gathered to discuss how local players can compete in a rapidly changing market.

“It’s not only the OTTs,” said Marcus Ammon, SVP of original production for Sky Germany, pointing to the threat from streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. Ammon noted that public broadcasters, commercial broadcasters and other players are also launching into the streaming business. “We need to find our own way.”

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Moderated by the European Producers Club’s managing director, Alexandra Lebret, the panel also included Thomas Triboit, head of Orange Studio’s TV series department; José Skaf, senior original content manager for Southern Europe and Africa with Turner; and Carlo Cresto Dina, a producer with Tempesta Film.

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Congratulations to Viktoria Petranyi (Proton Cinema, Hungary), Ardavan Safaae (Pathé Films, France), Cristina Zumarraga (Tandem Films, Spain), Daniel Campos Pavoncelli (Indiana Production, Italy),  Ira von Gienanth (Prokino Filmverleigh, Germany), Rémi Burah (Arte France Cinema, France), Alvaro Longoria (Morena Films, Spain), Raphael Berdugo (Cité Film, France), Alexander Rodnyansky (AR Films, Russia), Edmon Roch, Cristobal Garcia and Javier Ugarte (La Terazza Film, Spain) 
 

We are extremely happy, relieved and proud to see #OlegSentsov finally freed after all these years of unrightful emprisonnement. Today marks a victory in the fight for freedom of expression!

This year in Venice we welcomed Anna Herold, head of the audiovisual and media policy at the European Commission, with whom we discussed the obligations of the platforms under the AVMS Directive. The room was full and the discussion was lively, proving the industry's interest in this ongoing debate. 

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Congratulation to our members Fran Van Gestel (Topkapi Films), Alessandro Usai (Colorado Film), Jean Yves Roubin (Frakas Productions) and Snorri Porisson (Pegasus Pictures) bringing films to the 72nd Edition of the Locarno Film Festival! 

Here is a shot taken during our 2019 EPC Meeting in Cannes, with more than 70 of our producers attending we discussed current political issues, how to work with CAA and congratulated Alvaro Longoria (Morena Films) on his election as EPC President!

We had a great time at Series Mania! Photos are from the Lost in Translation panel, tackling the benefits and obstacles of producing European content in English, and Independent Production and Industry Concentration, a discussion on the future of the independent producer. 

We have been very busy at this year's BERLINALE. Alexandra Lebret, Managing Director of the EPC, took part in a panel organised by MPAA and Morrison & Foerster discussing the place of Artificial Intelligence in the Film Industry. The event has been captured by Susannah Edelbaum writing for MPA.

Constantin CEO Martin Moszkowicz put time aside from his busy Berlinale schedule to engage in a Q&A on the future of the Film and Television industry.

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The EPC has signed onto the EU Territorial Licensing Agreement, which will allow for some of our members' programs to become available online across the EU! 

Our Managing Director, Alexandra Lebret, was invited to take part in a panel during the Tokyo Film Festival on coproduction between Japan and Europe.

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On the eve of the anniversary of the Polish August of 1980 that brought us ‘Solidarność’, one of the most wonderful social movements ever, which initiated peaceful changes leading to Eastern Europe being liberated from a totalitarian system, I am standing up for the Ukrainian filmmaker, Oleg Sentsov.  
  
Sentsov supported Euromaidan demonstrations in defence of Ukraine as part of a democratic Europe. He protested peacefully against Russia’s annexation of his native Crimea, and was then arrested by Russian secret services. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years of hard labour at a trial described by Amnesty International as “an unfair trial before a martial court”. This was in spite of the fact that the chief prosecution witness withdrew his testimony on the witness stand as “obtained under duress”. Sentsov’s last words, in which he asked the Russian nation to “learn not to be scared”, is indicative of his commendable attitude towards the brotherhood of nations.  
  
Serving his sentence, Sentsov went on a hunger strike more than 100 days ago, which continues today. He is demanding the release of all Ukrainian political prisoners imprisoned by Russia, while not appealing for his own personal freedom.  
  
I am profoundly convinced that through his actions Oleg Sentsov represents all the ideals that motivated me during my peaceful struggle for the future of the world. A belief in democracy; in peaceful methods; renouncing hatred; working towards solidarity amongst nations, and the ultimate sacrifice of oneself for the good of other unjustly treated people: These are all highly commendable qualities, worthy of the highest recognition of the free world.  
  
For these reasons, I am appealing to all men and women of good will to help free Oleg Sentsov and I propose Oleg Sentsov for the Nobel Peace Prize.  
  
Gdańsk, August 28th, 2018  

Congratulations to Michael Steiger and Anita Wasser of Turnus Film (Switzerland) on the selection of their film " Une Nemico Che Ti Vuole Bene" for the Piazza Grande at the 71st Locarno Film Festival!

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As Oleg Sentsov continues his hunger strike, European political leaders have appealed to the Russian government to release the Ukranian filmmaker and activist. 

On June 8th, Donald Tusk, the president of the EUCO, spoke about the issue during his opening speech at the G7 summit:

"Last but not least, I want to make an important appeal in the case of Oleg Sentsov, the Ukrainian filmmaker, who was involved in the Euro-Maidan protests in Kiev, and who opposed the annexation of Crimea by Russia. He is currently serving a twenty-year sentence in a high-security prison camp in Siberia, after a political trial in Russia, as a result of which he was accused of terrorism. Today is the 24th day of his indefinite hunger strike which he is planning to follow through, if his demand, that is the release of 64 Ukrainian political prisoners, is not met. This is why I ask the G7 leaders to show their support for Oleg Sentsov. Our solidarity can save his life.”

In addition, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland released a resolution on the 15th of June appealing to the Russian Federation to release the 64 Ukranian political prisoners that are currently detained. The statement expresses concern for his health and the health of the other prisoners who have joined in his hunger strike, such as Oleksandr Kolchenko, a Crimean Euromaidan activist that was sentenced in the same trial.

The EPC continues to support Sentsov in his fight for freedom and hopes for his immediate release. 

The EPC has joined the European Film Academy in supporting Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov in his fight for freedom. 

Oleg Sentsov, who was involved in supporting the Euro Maidan protests in Kiev and who opposed the annexation of Crimea by Russia, was arrested by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in his house in Simferopol on 10 May 2014 and brought to Moscow where he was detained and awaiting trial for over a year.

Although the key witness had retracted his testimony as given “under duress”, the trial, based on the accusation of Oleg Sentsov having committed “crimes of a terrorist nature”, was continued. Although thousands of signatures supporting an EFA letter to the President of Russia and Russian authorities were gathered across Europe, asking for Sentsov’s immediate release, Oleg Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

At the end of what Amnesty International described as “an unfair trial in a military court”, in late November 2015 the Russian Supreme Court in Moscow confirmed this sentence and Oleg Sentsov was moved to Yakutia. 

Oleg Sentsov has started an indefinite hunger strike on the 14th of May 2018. 

We are deeply worried so once again we ask that his safety is ensured and that he be released immediately and unconditionally!

Congratulations to our two members that have been chosen to compete in the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival!

Competition:

Miriam Miente (Miriam Lies), Oriol ESTRADA and Natalia CABRAL

Produced By Paco Poch (Mallerich Films)

East of the West: 

Volcano, Roman BONDARCHUK

Produced by Olena Yershova (Tato Film)

Terry Gilliam will be present for a showing of The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, produced by  Pandora Da Cunha Telles and Pablo Iraola from Ukbar filmes!

Congratulations to all of our members at Cannes!

Opening Film: 

Todos Lo Saben (Everybody Knows), Asghar FARHADI

Produced by Alvaro Longoria (Morena Films)

Distributed by Ira Von Gienanth (Prokino Filmverleih)

In Competition:

Plaire, Aimer et Courrir Vite, Christophe HONORÉ

Produced by Arte France Cinema

The Wild Pear Tree, Nuri Blige CEYLAN

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Lazzaro Felice (Happy as Lazzaro), Alice ROHRWACHER

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Prix de Scénario EX-ÆQUO

Knife + Heart, Yann GONZALEZ

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Zimna Wojna (Cold War), Pawel PAWLIKOWSKI

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Prix de la Mise en Scène 

Un Certain Regard: 

Les Chatouilles, Andréa BESCOND, Eric MÉTAYER

Distributed by Yves Marmion (UGC - Les Films du 24)

Girl, Lucas DHONT

Produced by Frans van Gestel (Topkapi Films) and Jean-Yves Roubin (Frakas Productions)

Prize for Best Performance, Camera d'Or

Euforia, Valeria GOLINO

Produced by Carlotta Calori (Indigo Film)

Geule d'Ange, Vanessa FILHO

Produced by Marc Missionier (Moana Films)

Midnight Séance: 

Arctic, Joe PENNA

Produced by Snorri Porisson (Pegasus Picture)

Séances Spéciales:

Pope Francis - A Man of His World, Wen WENDERS

Produced by Andrea Gambetta (Solares Fondazione delle Arti)

Quinzaine:

Climax, Gaspar NOÉ

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Samouni Road, Stefano SAVONA

Produced by Arte France Cinema

Acid 2018: 

Alone at My Wedding, Marta BERGMAN

Produced by Jean-Yves Roubin (Frakas Productions)

Closing Film: 

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Terry GILLIAM

Produced by Pandora da Cunha Telles and Pablo Iraola (Ukbar Filmes)

The EPC and its members had a wonderful time in Lille discussing the challenges and problems in the film and television industry.

Our managing director, Alexandra Lebret, hosted a presentation on the European market along with Gilles Fontaine, the Head of the Department for Market Information for the European Audiovisual Observatory.  Thomas Bourguignon from Kwaï and Elenora Andretta from Rai were on the panel as well.  

Paula Vaccaro of Pinball London moderated a forum about gender equality and female decision makers in the television industry. The panel included female showrunners, heads of drama, and producers from various networks.

Producer Gudny Hummelvoll of Hummelfilm spoke about reaching out to international audiences with local content in a panel moderated by Majorie Pailon from France 24.

Lithuania is an attractive destination for those foreign filmmakers who come here seeking not only flexible prices for film production and services but also a professional crew and suitable locations. Last year, Lithuania attracted the highest number of foreign productions since the introduction of its 20 percent tax incentive in 2014. Worldwide known directors, actors and producers work with the projects partly shot in Lithuania. Films produced in this country have also been noticed on the international film market. The Founder and producer of a Lithuanian production company, ARTBOX, Kestutis Drazdauskas shares his International co-production experience.

​Many thanks to Nik Powell, owner of Scala Productions, who represented the EPC at the panel organised by the European Audiovisual Observatory, in Brussels, on September 27th. The focus of this year conference was on the “disintermediation” of the audiovisual sector in Europe : Audiovisual content providers are now cutting out the middle man, sometimes producing content themselves,and delivering straight to the consumer. This means that new internet-based players such as online video services, video sharing networks,and social networks are competing with traditional media platforms for viewers’ attention and spending. What are the economic and legal consequences of this ‘disintermediation’ of content production and delivery ?
You can find out the answer by watching the video recording of the panel.

The European Producers Club thanks the MIA organisers for hosting our round table: Exploration of new forms of release.

Alexis MAS (Condor Entertainment), Luca OTERI (Telecom Italia), and Frédéric Houzelle (E-Cinema) will share their lessons learned about the new opportunities for releasing movies.

UK production giant ITV Studios (ITVS) has bought a majority stake in Italian indie Cattleya, the prodco behind hit organised crime drama Gomorrah.

Under the deal, the Rome-based company will retain full creative and production autonomy, with ITVS subsidiary ITVS Global Entertainment distributing the company’s TV series where rights are available.

The end of summer will be dazzling on the north shore of Spain. The organisers of the 65th San Sebastian International Film Festival prepared a selection that will include 8 productions of EPC members.
4 of them will compete in the Official Selection, where they will have to seduce a jury led this year by John Malkovitch.
The Festival will open its gates from September 22 to 30.

La proposta estone cancella i diritti ancillari: una volta venduto un film, un documentario o una partita a una tv di un Paese Ue, potrà essere condivisa via web nel territorio a 27. Contrari Francia, Spagna e Gran Bretagna. Rutelli, presidente Anica: "Si rischia di mettere in ginocchio il settore dell'audiovisivo. Il ministero della Cultura: "Stiamo trattando per un accordo"

EPC established warm contact in Venice with Mariya GABRIEL, new EU Commissionner in charge of Digital Economy. Discussions focused on the MEDIA program, and the support of creative industries.

Sean Bean and ‘24’ Showrunner Join Second Season of ‘Medici’ - co-produced by Riccardo Russo at LUX VIDE

Yves Darondeau ( Bonne Pioche Production and member of the EPC ), Emmanuel Priou and Serge Hayot announce the creation of Echo Studio :

 " the first European film studio dedicated exclusively to the production and distribution of films that address social and environmental issues"

To learn more about it, have a look on the press release ! 

We are very excited to announce that Gay Syria, produced by our member Antoine Simkine, has premiered at the Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival. 

This moving documentary, by Aryse Toprak, gives visibility to Syrian LGBT community that flees from ISIS . An extraordinary example of political commitment in filmmaking. 

EPC is very proud to count among its members producers who realize this kind of project with such profundity. 

We are extremely proud to announce that one of our members:

Boris Chouchkov and his company Chouchkov Brothers' co - production award winner at The 16th Tribeca Film Festival!!! Most prestigious award went to Son of Sofia for Best International Narrative!

Congratulations to our 3 EPC members in the official selection @ Cannes 2017!!

En compétition officielle :

Nelyubov (Loveless), Andrey ZVYAGINTSEV  produced by Alexander Rodnyansky  –  AR FILMS

Un Certain Regard : 

- Western, Valeska GRISEBACH produced by Boris Chouchkov        – CHOUCHKOV BROTHERS

- Fortunata (Lucky), Sergio CASTELLITTO produced by Carlotta Calori – INDIGO FILM

Opening Film at critique’s week : 

Sicilian Ghost Story, Fabio GRASSADONIA and Antonio PIAZZA produced by Carlotta Calori – INDIGO FILM

The 4th May, the European Parliament will vote the reglementation proposal on Copyright applicable to certain online transmission of broadcasting organisations. You are concerned ! 

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The following is the official letter that has been sent to the G7 Ministers of Culture  to ensure the continued success of the entertainment sector across the G7 countries and beyond. Click to download a PDF version below and feel free to share the document with fellow producers and producer associations.

As The Berlinale 2017 edition is now closed  the European Producers Club is very proud to announce its members selected and awarded this year...

We are extremely proud that 3 EPC Members were awarded at the Berlinale this year!

Our sincere congratulations to:

• Rémi Burah from ARTE FRANCE CINEMA - coproducer of:

- "Fuocoammare" (Fire at Sea ) by Gianfranco Rosi, awarded with the GOLDEN BEAR FOR BEST FILM ; 

- "L’ avenir" (Things to Come), awarded with the SILVER BEAR FOR BEST DIRECTOR - Mia Hansen-Løve 

• Henning Kamm/Fabian Gasmia from DETAILFiLM - coproducer of:

- "L’ avenir" (Things to Come), winner of the SILVER BEAR FOR BEST DIRECTOR - Mia Hansen-Løve 

·       Frans van Gestel from TOPKAPI FILMS - coproducer of:

- "Kollektivet" (The Commune) by Thomas Vinterberg, winner of the SILVER BEAR FOR BEST ACTRESS - Trine Dyrholm

The EPC would like to warmly congratulate our two Members selected at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival:

- Paula Vaccaro, from PINBALL LONDON, for the film "UNCLE HOWARD" (directed by Aaron Brookner), selected in the US Documentary Competition;

- Johannes Rexin, from HEIMAT FILM, for the film "WILD" (directed by Nicolette Krebitz), selected in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

Congratulation to both of you and our best words of encouragement to all the EPC Members for their hard work throughout the almost finished year!

Film pirate gets four-year jail sentence

8 September, 2015 | By Michael Rosser

Significant prosecution for internet film piracy in Northern Ireland.  An internet pirate in Northern Ireland was today sentenced at Londonderry Crown Court to four years imprisonment.

Pirate Party Offers Uncensored DNS to Bypass Pirate Bay Blockade

The Norwegian Pirate Party has made a big statement by launching a free DNS service which allows Internet users to bypass the local Pirate Bay blockade. The party advocates a free and open Internet for everyone and believes that the recent website blockades set a dangerous precedent.

The vote was held today, the report was adopted.

Today, a delegation of the European Producers Club met Andrus Ansip, Vice-president for the Digital Single Market at the European Commission.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the copyright and DSM issues, in order to find solutions that would satisfy both the industry and the Commission.

Creative Europe set for 8% budget boost in 2016

EXCLUSIVE: European Union plans to increase Creative Europe’s budget by 8% for 2016.

The European Commission (EC) plans to increase the budget for its Creative Europe framework budget by 8% for 2016.

According to a EC working document for the European Union’s Draft Budget, the so-called “commitments” for the MEDIA and Culture sub-programmes, and the cross-sectoral strand could increase from 2015’s $200.4m (€177.7m) to $216.3m (€191.8m) next year.

Meanwhile, the “payments” could rise year-on-year by 18.7% from this year’s $186.3m (€165.2m) to $221.5m (€196.4m).

“Commitments” refers to the funding that can be agreed in contracts in a given year (with some of the money only being paid in subsequent years), while the term “payments” is used to describe the money actually paid out in that year and also to honour past commitments.

We are extremely glad to see that the press relayed about the creation of the Working Group, launched at the Cannes Film Festival in partnership with Europa Distribution, Europa International and EuroVOD, in order to improve the circulation of films in Europe and answer the producers' concern on the Digital Single Market.

Below are the links to the Medias relaying the info!

Variety      Screen Daily    Cineuropa

Film New Europe         Creative Europe Desk

Associations representing professionals from the whole film creation chain are launching a new focus group to develop higher accessibility, distribution and circulation of films in Europe...