European film in the digital era

EDUC-V/042
Adopted

European film in the digital era

 Adoption: 04/12/2014
 Theme: Enterprise and Industry
Support the proposed measures and actions at EU, MS, local and regional level for developing public policies impacting the film sector and facilitating the digital transition; Insist on preserving cultural diversity, investing more in distribution of films and ensuring education in the area of film; Ensure active participation by the CoR in the work of the European Film Forum in order to spark a European debate on the increasingly rapid growth of the audiovisual sector and engage in a dialogue with all film industry policy stakeholders; Plead for the LRAs to retain the opportunity to make demands as regards the territorialisation of expenditure, essential to generate the critical mass of activity necessary to kickstart a trend that will secure the development and consolidation of the film industry; Call on public authorities to study the development of tax incentives designed to boost the production of audiovisual works and films; Call a debate regarding the review of the country of origin principle set out in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive;
Some important points of the CoR opinion are taken up in the EP resolution of 28 April 2015 on European film in the digital era (2014/2148(INI)), such as: the call for more flexible release strategies and earlier availability in video on demand (VOD) services; the need for those who benefit economically from European cinematographic works, even if indirectly, through direct provision, marketing or dissemination, including links or provision by means of video-on-demand, to contribute financially to the making of European films; greater availability of subtitled films in order to boost the cross-border circulation of European films, increase awareness of Europe’s cultural and linguistic diversity amongst viewers, and improve mutual understanding; provision of support to small towns and less developed regions to equip all screens with digital projection and sound technology in order to preserve cinemas and help them shift to digital; the importance of improved film literacy in school curricula and cultural education institutions; the call for EU Member States to promote incentives to facilitate the production, distribution, availability and attractiveness of European films.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS  highlights the major role that local and regional authorities play in promoting and raising the profile of culture, by preserving cultural heritage and fostering artistic innovation;  insists on preserving cultural diversity, investing more in distribution of films and ensuring education in the area of film;  wants to play an active part in the work of the European Film Forum in order to spark a European debate on the increasingly rapid growth of the audiovisual sector and engage in a dialogue with all film industry policy stakeholders;  stresses how important it is that local and regional authorities retain the opportunity to make demands as regards the territorialisation of expenditure, as this is essential in order to generate the critical mass of activity necessary to kickstart a trend that will secure the development and consolidation of the film industry;  calls on public authorities to study the development of tax incentives designed to boost the production of audiovisual works and films, for instance by means of mechanisms that enable private partners to benefit from exemptions on taxable income;  underlines that local players and rights-holders must be protected through a suitable business model, while also making the most of the new opportunities presented by digital technology and improving access to content for the general public.
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