Disney+ Flexes Muscles with French Media Chronology Agreement, Drops Theatrical Delay
In France, Disney+ secures a significant media deal, reducing the release window for films, as outlined in the historic agreement.
Disney has pulled off a major win in France by signing a groundbreaking three-year media chronology agreement with French cinema guilds BLIC, BLOC, and ARP. This move fosters a significant commitment to funding French and European film and television productions, slicing steady chunks off the traditional 17-month theatrical release window in exchange.
Now, Disney+ subscribers can indulge in hot new features a mere nine months post their silver-screen premiere (quite a reduction, if we may say so!). The streaming giant promised to invest a generous 25% of its annual France-specific net turnover into local and European productions under this deal.
French and European Cinema to Rejoice
In this agreement, Disney+ also committed to acquiring and pre-acquiring a whopping 70 feature films over the next three years. The genres, budgets, and titles will span an eclectic array, reflecting the diversity of French and European cinema. This commitment is a nod to the broader goal of updating France's media chronology regulations, set to expire on February 9, 2025.
A Win-Win for Disney+ and French Audiences
According to Helène Etzi, President of The Walt Disney Company France, this pact marks a significant stride forward for French audiences. By making films accessible sooner on Disney+, they honor evolving viewing behaviors and cater to audience expectations. Disney remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate strong ties with French talent and producers.
The cinema guilds echoed similar sentiments in a joint statement, expressing appreciation for Disney+'s contribution to local and European productions and their support for the French and European creative industry.
Breaking New Ground in the Streaming Landscape
This aggressive move follows in the mischief-makers' footsteps of Apple TV+, which recently sealed a first-ever investment deal with French audiovisual bodies, promising to allocate 20% of its turnover to local and European productions. Unlike Apple TV+, however, Disney+ has no qualms about crossing the theatrical release window threshold, setting a daring precedent in France's ongoing media chronology tussles.
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Entertainment enthusiasts can now enjoy a wider selection of movies and TV shows, thanks to Disney+'s commitment to acquiring and pre-acquiring a significant number of feature films from French and European cinema over the next three years. This move also marks a notable investment in local and European productions, as Disney+ has pledged to set aside 25% of its annual France-specific net turnover for such projects.
