The Federation of European Film Directors (FERA), the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) and the Society of Audiovisual Authors (SAA) welcome the vote of the Legal Affairs’ Committee in favour of a new Article -14a establishing a principle of fair and proportionate remuneration for authors and performers.

They thank MEPs who initiated and supported this European Parliament amendment, which follows positive opinions by the Culture Committee (CULT) and the Industry Committee (ITRE). It is a first step in the right direction towards better remuneration for authors when their works are exploited online.

Indeed, the amendment obliges Member States to ensure that authors and performers receive fair and proportionate remuneration from the exploitation of their works, including from their online exploitation. It also recognises that fair and proportionate remuneration of authors and performers cannot be dealt with only in their contracts with producers but may be achieved in each sector through a combination of agreements, including collective bargaining agreements, statutory remuneration mechanisms and collective management agreements.

FERA, FSE and SAA hope that the upcoming trilogue process will confirm this basic provision in favour of audiovisual authors and even go further. They urge the Council, Commission and Parliament to strengthen the audiovisual authors’ right to remuneration in the digital era, as claimed by more than 17,000 signatories of the petition in support of Europe’s screenwriters and directors. This would allow these authors to benefit from the constantly growing on- demand exploitation of their works.

Setting the scene for tomorrow’s European creation also requires stronger protection of European creators’ rights and remuneration.

Quotes

“We thank the European Parliament for hearing the call of audiovisual authors to protect and promote their right to fair and proportionate remuneration. We now expect the Council, the Commission and the Parliament to take on board this essential principle and further implement it for on-demand exploitation. It is still possible at trilogue stage!” said Cécile Despringre, SAA Executive Director.

“It is 2018 and past time to adapt audiovisual authors’ rights in the digital era. Without fair and proportionate remuneration for the exploitation of their works online, directors will have no means to sustain professional careers and contribute to Europe’s diverse culture.” Pauline Durand-Vialle, FERA Chief Executive.

“Today’s vote of the European Parliament shows the way to tackle authors’ remuneration in the digital environment. We see it as a positive general provision but hope that the three European institutions will further improve the situation of audiovisual authors during the trilogues.” said David Kavanagh, FSE Executive Officer.