Council of Europe’s Alain Berset Talks ‘First Ever’ Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series: ‘We Hope It Will Be Possible to Develop This Really Rapidly’
#Council of Europe #Alain Berset #co-production #audiovisual series #convention #cross-border collaboration #cultural exchange #European media
📌 Key Takeaways
- Council of Europe proposes first-ever convention for co-producing audiovisual series.
- Alain Berset emphasizes rapid development of the convention to support the industry.
- The initiative aims to streamline cross-border collaboration in series production.
- The convention is expected to enhance cultural exchange and economic opportunities in Europe.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Audiovisual Policy, International Cooperation
📚 Related People & Topics
Council of Europe
International organisation
The Council of Europe (CoE; French: Conseil de l'Europe, CdE) is an international organisation that aims to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Founded in 1949, it is Europe's oldest intergovernmental organisation, representing 46 European member states that have a combined...
Alain Berset
Swiss Federal Councillor from 2012 to 2023
Alain Berset (French pronunciation: [alɛ̃ bɛʁsɛ]; born 9 April 1972) is a Swiss politician who served as a Member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2012 to 2023. A member of the Social Democratic Party (SP/PS), he headed the Federal Department of Home Affairs from when he took office. Berset served ...
First Ever
Australian sportswear company
First Ever Pty Ltd. is an Australian manufacturing company located in Melbourne. The company was established in 2018, and was the official manufacturer and supplier of sportswear and clothing for the National Basketball League during the 2018–19 and 201920 seasons, and is the current manufacturer fo...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This development matters because it represents the first international legal framework specifically designed for TV series co-production, which could significantly streamline cross-border collaboration in Europe's audiovisual sector. It affects European filmmakers, production companies, broadcasters, and streaming platforms by potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating creative partnerships across national borders. The convention could boost cultural diversity and economic opportunities in the European audiovisual industry while strengthening Europe's competitive position against global streaming giants.
Context & Background
- The Council of Europe has existing conventions on cinematographic co-production (the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production) that have facilitated film collaboration since 1992.
- European audiovisual policy has increasingly focused on supporting series production as streaming platforms have transformed viewing habits and global competition intensified.
- Previous EU initiatives like the Creative Europe MEDIA program have provided funding for audiovisual co-productions, but lacked specific legal frameworks for series.
- The European audiovisual market has been fragmented by national regulations and funding systems that complicate cross-border series production.
- Global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon have invested heavily in European content, creating both opportunities and competitive pressures for local producers.
What Happens Next
The Council of Europe will likely move to formal negotiations and drafting of the convention text in the coming months, with potential adoption within 1-2 years if member states reach consensus. National parliaments will need to ratify the convention once finalized, which could take additional time depending on each country's legislative process. Implementation will require coordination with existing EU audiovisual policies and national film agencies, with monitoring mechanisms to assess the convention's impact on series production across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
This convention specifically targets audiovisual works in series format, addressing unique challenges like multi-season planning, episode-based financing, and distribution models that differ from feature films. It creates tailored legal frameworks for series production that existing film conventions don't adequately cover.
The convention will be open to all 46 Council of Europe member states, including both EU and non-EU countries like the UK, Switzerland, and Turkey. Participation will be voluntary, with countries choosing whether to ratify and implement the agreement based on their national interests.
Streaming platforms may benefit from simplified co-production processes when working with European partners, potentially encouraging more local content investment. However, they may also face requirements to support European cultural diversity and could see increased competition from strengthened local production ecosystems.
Key challenges include reconciling different national funding systems, protecting cultural sovereignty concerns, and ensuring fair intellectual property rights distribution. Some countries may resist provisions that could reduce their control over national audiovisual policies or funding allocations.
Smaller companies could gain better access to international partnerships and funding opportunities through standardized co-production procedures. However, they may need additional support to navigate the new framework and compete with larger, established production houses in cross-border collaborations.