Brussels, 24/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has decided to assess the impact of changing the media chronology currently in force in the European Union. It wants to assess more closely the advantages of distributing new films simultaneously on several platforms (cinema, television, video-on-demand and internet) - without following the usual chronology. “The film industry in the USA is increasingly adapting to new models of distribution. It is essential that Europe also tests all the possibilities to see how we can ensure diversity and profitability in a competitive market”, said European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou.
Media chronology is the rule defining the order and timing of when a film is released for different uses. This regulation essentially aims to safeguard the use of films in the cinema. Indeed it is only after a determined length of time that other uses (for example, video or television) are authorised, so as not to interfere in the success of the cinema. Some independent film producers believe that they will achieve higher revenues if they release films through all possible distribution channels at the same time. A €2 million pilot project will be launched covering around 20 art-house films released in Germany, France, the UK, Poland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg. (IL/transl.fl)