“As organisations dedicated to supporting the creation, production and distribution of European works, we fully share the objective to promote the circulation of works and their availability to an increasingly wider public, but we would be deeply concerned about any proposals that would endanger the financing of film and television productions” underlines Peter Dinges, President of the EFADs.

Acknowledging that copyright is a powerful tool to stimulate creativity, learning and innovation, the EFADs stress in particular that:

- the current copyright framework is fit for purpose

- licensing on a territory-by-territory basis is an essential element for raising finance for audiovisual productions. It is also a means for optimal distribution of works, adapted to local audiences

- it is vital to establish a level playing field ensuring equal treatment between all operators when completing the Digital Single Market

- any reform of EU copyright law should go together with a stronger enforcement of rights policy

On this sensitive issue, it urges the European institutions to adopt an evidence-based and targeted approach, informed by impact assessments and to avoid any “big bang” policy changes, instead opting for a gradual solution developed in close cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.

The Association of the European Film Agency Directors brings together the Directors of European Film Agencies in 31 European countries (EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland). The EFADs represent government or government associated bodies in charge of national funding for the audiovisual sector and with the responsibility to advise on all aspects of national and European audiovisual policies.

This report will be followed by an in-depth assessment of EU initiatives and their impact on the way films and audiovisual works are financed and distributed.