Billion-Euro Spend: Producer Demands Fairer Streamer Deals

Over the last four years, Banijay Entertainment has invested €1 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) in creative endeavors, according to CEO Marco Bassetti. This substantial outlay highlights the critical role independent producers play in funding new content, especially as traditional broadcasters invest less.

Bassetti voiced concerns that Hollywood studios must provide improved financial rewards for European producers. He noted that while Banijay produced 110 shows for streamers last year, the current terms often leave producers with minimal returns, akin to being mere 'hired guns.'

He advocated for a 'compensation for creativity,' suggesting that existing European audiovisual laws, which require streamers to contribute a portion of local revenues, are insufficient due to their country-specific implementation. Bassetti referenced the successful rights retention models in the UK and France as key factors in the global growth of major production houses.

Banijay, now the world's largest independent producer following a merger, is pushing for these structural changes. Bassetti stressed that simply increasing local incentives is not enough; rights retention and a clear reward system for high-quality productions are essential to attract and retain creative talent.