The European Parliament Industry and Culture committees have backed proposals to give authors and performers an “unwaivable right to fair remuneration” for their work.
It means screenwriters and directors would receive royalties for the exhibition of their work through on demand services across Europe.
The moves were backed by trade associations SAA, FERA and FSE. Cécile Despringre, SAA Executive Director said: “The Culture and Industry opinions sends a clear and powerful message to the European Parliament’s lead committee and the Council. They have recognized that Europe’s screenwriters and directors must be financially rewarded when their works are successful online and have adopted the appropriate provisions to make sure that happens.”
The ITRE committee opinion, drafted by Polish ECR MEP Zdislaw Krasnodebski, was adopted by the block of Socialist and Democratic MEPs led by British MEP Theresa Griffin, though support came from across the political spectrum.
A separate vote on the culture committee adopted a compromise amendment to a draft by French EPP MEP Marc Joulaud.