The push for improved streaming residuals has been a significant topic of discussion in the entertainment industry, particularly in the United States. However, in the United Kingdom, the battle is just beginning. Directors UK (DUK), a organization representing British directors, has 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 extensive membership base of over 8,000 members.
In their communication with the aforementioned streaming giants, DUK has made it clear that they are not afraid to escalate the situation if necessary. The organization has hinted at the possibility of withholding copyright from these platforms in the future if they fail to engage in meaningful discussions and come to a mutual agreement on fair compensation for directors. While the exact details of the letter sent by DUK remain confidential, industry insiders have been buzzing about the potential implications of this move, with discussions expected to take place at events like the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The Case for Royalties
At the core of DUK’s argument is the notion that directors deserve to receive royalties for their work on streaming projects, in line with the improved residual packages that have become standard for other industry stakeholders such as writers and actors in the U.S. While directors in the UK already receive payment for their contributions to projects, DUK is advocating for a more comprehensive compensation structure that includes royalties to ensure long-term financial stability for its members.
Negotiation and Deadline
As negotiations between DUK and the streaming services continue, a deadline has been set for the parties involved to come to a resolution. The streaming platforms are currently reviewing the terms presented by DUK, with the expectation that progress will be made towards a fair and equitable agreement. The importance of royalties in sustaining a career as a freelance director cannot be understated, according to a spokesperson for DUK, highlighting the critical role that these payments play in the livelihood of directors in the UK.
The efforts to secure improved residuals are not limited to directors alone. Other industry organizations, such as actors union Equity and the Writers Guild of Great Britain, have also been actively seeking better compensation structures for their members. Equity’s negotiations with Pact have included discussions around enhanced secondary payments, while the Writers Guild of Great Britain has successfully navigated deals with major streaming platforms like Netflix and traditional broadcasters such as the BBC to secure improved residuals for its members.
Global Comparisons
In the context of the broader entertainment landscape, the United States has seen progress in terms of securing favorable deals for industry professionals. The Directors Guild of America, for example, recently negotiated a landmark agreement with the AMPTP that resulted in a substantial increase in foreign residuals for directors working on major platforms. Unlike their writer and actor counterparts, the Directors Guild of America was able to achieve these gains without resorting to strike action, showcasing the power of effective negotiation and advocacy on behalf of industry members.
The fight for fair streaming residuals in the UK is gaining momentum, with organizations like Directors UK leading the charge for better compensation for directors. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of content creation and distribution, it is crucial for stakeholders to come together and ensure that all contributors are fairly compensated for their work. By standing united and advocating for their rights, directors and other industry professionals can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for the entertainment industry as a whole.