The battle for improved streaming residuals has been a hot topic in the entertainment industry, especially in the United States. However, in the UK, it seems that this fight is only just beginning. Directors UK (DUK), the body representing British directors, has recently taken a stand by reaching out to major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in an effort to secure royalties for its members.
The Demand for Royalties
In a bold move, DUK’s letter to the streaming giants indicated that the body might consider withholding its members’ copyrights from the platforms if they do not engage in negotiations to provide fair compensation. While the exact content of the letter has not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that this development could be a focal point of discussion at the upcoming Edinburgh TV Festival.
Directors in the UK are seeking royalties for their work on streaming projects, aligning with the practice already established in the US where writers, actors, and directors receive royalties for their contributions. While DUK has existing agreements with UK broadcasters, Sky, and producer trade body Pact, there is no similar arrangement in place with the streaming services, prompting the recent outreach.
A spokesperson for DUK emphasized the importance of royalties for directors, stating that it is a well-established principle that copyright owners are paid royalties. The added revenue from royalties can significantly impact the sustainability of a directing career, particularly in a landscape where freelance work is becoming increasingly challenging.
While the streaming platforms have not yet publicly commented on the matter, they have been given a deadline to engage in negotiations. It remains to be seen how the platforms will respond to DUK’s demands, but the possibility of withholding copyright as leverage underscores the seriousness of the situation.
It is worth noting that DUK is not alone in seeking improved residuals in the UK. Actors union Equity has been pushing for better secondary payments in its contract negotiations with Pact, highlighting a broader trend of industry organizations advocating for fair compensation. Additionally, the Writers Guild of Great Britain recently secured enhanced residuals deals with Netflix and the BBC, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of residual payments.
In contrast to the UK, the US has seen significant progress in the realm of residuals, with the Directors Guild of America securing a groundbreaking deal with the AMPTP, leading to a substantial increase in foreign residuals for directors. The US experience serves as a benchmark for what can be achieved through negotiation and collaboration between industry stakeholders.
The fight for improved streaming residuals in the UK represents a pivotal moment for directors and the broader entertainment industry. As DUK and other industry organizations continue to push for fair compensation, the outcome of these negotiations could shape the future landscape of streaming content production. Fair compensation for creative talent is not just a matter of principle but essential for ensuring a sustainable career path for directors in an increasingly competitive industry.
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