Joint press release: Copyright Directive negotiators recognise European filmmakers’ right to benefit from the success of their works

This is a real step forward for European authors.

After many months of difficult negotiations between the EU institutions, a political agreement on the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market has finally been reached yesterday, defining rules to guarantee authors’ rights and support European creation.

FERA, FSE and the SAA thank the EU decision-makers, in particular the European Parliament, for their determination to improve authors’ bargaining position and remuneration in Europe under intense pressure.

FERA, FSE and SAA endorse the essential provisions set out in Chapter 3 aiming at rebalancing the systemic weak bargaining situation of authors, and the new Article -14, which establishes a much-needed principle of fair and proportionate remuneration for authors and performers deriving from the exploitation of their works, including online.

Quotes

“Now that an agreement has been found, we call on EU institutions to formally adopt the Directive in a timely manner”, said Pauline Durand-Vialle, FERA Chief Executive.

“Europe’s authors are at the origin of our culture. Their difficult situation, which has been central to the European debate on copyright reform, can be significantly improved if the proposed Directive is enacted.”, said David Kavanagh, FSE Executive Officer.

"We call on the European Parliament's plenary to confirm this political compromise. When the Directive will definitely be adopted, European representative organisations will be eager to ensure that audiovisual authors receive the proportionate remuneration they deserve for the exploitation of their works", said Cécile Despringre, SAA Executive Director.

Notes to Editors

FERA - Founded in 1980, the Federation of European Film Directors gathers 43 director’s associations as members from 33 countries. It speaks for more than 20,000 European film and TV directors, representing their cultural, creative and economic interests at national and EU level. FERA EU Transparency Register Id No. 29280842236-21. @Film_directors Press: Pauline Durand- Vialle, pdv@filmdirectors.eu +32 491 52 49 04.

FSE - The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe is a network of national and regional associations, guilds and unions of writers for the screen in Europe, created in June 2001. It comprises 25 members from 20 countries, representing more than 7000 writers in Europe. @ScreenwritersEU Press: David Kavanagh, info@scenaristes.org +353 86 837 1203.

SAA - The Society of Audiovisual Authors is the association of European collective management organisations representing audiovisual authors. Its 32 members in 24 countries manage rights for over 140,000 film, television and multimedia European screenwriters and directors. @saabrussels Press: Annica Ryngbeck, a.ryngbeck@saa-authors.eu +32 475 66 95 94.