The battle for improved streaming residuals has been a hot topic in the U.S., with progress being made in recent years. However, in the UK, this battle is only just beginning. Directors UK (DUK), the body representing British directors, has taken a bold step by reaching out to major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to negotiate royalties for its 8,000 members. This move could potentially change the landscape of the industry and has caught the attention of many in the entertainment world.
In a daring move, DUK’s letter to the streaming services included a warning that the body might withhold its members’ copyright in the future if agreements are not reached. While the exact contents of the letter have not been disclosed, it has been making waves within the industry. The implications of this letter could be significant and might be discussed at the upcoming Edinburgh TV Festival. The streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple, and WBD, have chosen not to comment on the matter, leaving room for speculation on their next moves.
Royalties and Compensation
Directors involved in UK streamer projects have traditionally received substantial pay for their work. However, DUK is advocating for further compensation through royalties, aligning with the improved streaming residual packages seen in the U.S. last year. While DUK already has established deals with UK broadcasters, Sky, and producer trade body Pact, there is a lack of similar arrangements with the streaming platforms. The demand for royalties stems from the belief that directors, as copyright owners, deserve to be fairly compensated for their work, even after the project is completed.
As DUK manages copyright on behalf of its members, they hold significant leverage in potential negotiations with the streaming services. The possibility of withholding copyright is a powerful bargaining tool that could push the services to the table to negotiate. The urgency of the situation is evident as deadlines loom for the negotiations, and the streamers are carefully considering their options. The spokeswoman for DUK emphasized the importance of royalties in sustaining a freelance directing career, shedding light on the challenges faced by directors in the industry.
Aside from DUK, other British TV and film organizations are also advocating for improved residuals. Equity, the actors’ union, has been in negotiations with Pact for enhanced secondary payments, initially considering strike action. However, recent developments have softened this stance. The Writers Guild of Great Britain has secured improved residuals deals with platforms like Netflix and the BBC, showcasing a growing trend towards fair compensation for creators. In contrast to their U.S. counterparts, the Directors Guild of America managed to secure a groundbreaking deal with the AMPTP without resorting to strike action, highlighting the importance of unity and negotiation in resolving industry disputes.
The push for improved streaming residuals in the UK is gaining momentum, thanks to the proactive efforts of organizations like DUK. The outcome of these negotiations could have a lasting impact on the industry, shaping the way directors are compensated for their work in the digital era. As the conversation continues to evolve, it is clear that fair compensation and royalties for creators are at the forefront of industry discussions, signaling a shift towards more equitable practices in the entertainment sector.
Leave a Reply